Platte River Prep • Train With Purpose • Play With Confidence

Central Nebraska's Basketball Development Program

A youth basketball organization in Kearney, Nebraska focused on developing individual skill sets, team concepts, and fundamentals – with competitive teams that play at a high level around the Midwest.

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400+ Athletes

And Counting

Players from across Central Nebraska training and competing through PRP programs.

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Founder Led

Built in Kearney

Built to create more opportunities for Nebraska basketball players to train, compete, and grow.

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100+ Years

Combined Experience

Experienced coaching staff dedicated to player growth, fundamentals, and team concepts.

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5 Annual Events

Hosted at Sportsplex

Competitive tournaments held at Central Nebraska's premier basketball facility in Kearney.

there's a place for you at Platte River Prep

Explore Our Programs

Skills & Training

Build the Foundation for Success

Travel Teams

Compete at A HIGH Level

Tournaments

Play Against Great Competition

Sponsorships

Support local Youth development

Home of Platte River Prep

The Kearney Sportsplex Advantage

No gym rental lottery. No cramped rec centers.

Platte River Prep programs and events are hosted at the Kearney SportsPlex, one of Nebraska’s premier basketball facilities. With regulation courts, high-level competition space, and a central Nebraska location, athletes and families get a true competitive basketball experience.

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209,000 Sq Ft Facility

One of the largest indoor sports facilities in Nebraska.

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8 Basketball Courts

Regulation courts for practices, training, and tournaments.

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Central NE Location

Easy access for teams and families traveling across the region.

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Basketball player in yellow jersey leaps for a layup over a defender in an indoor gym.

Youth Basketball Development in Nebraska

Helping athletes build confidence, skills, and competitive experience.

Platte River Prep provides basketball training, travel teams, tournaments, and player development opportunities for athletes in Kearney and across Central Nebraska. Our programs are designed to help players improve their fundamentals, compete at a higher level, and grow both on and off the court.


Whether an athlete is just getting started or preparing for more competitive basketball opportunities, our coaching staff focuses on skill development, teamwork, accountability, and long-term growth.

What Athletes Develop Through PRP

  • Ball handling & decision-making
  • Shooting mechanics & consistency
  • Footwork & movement efficiency
  • Confidence under pressure
  • Basketball IQ & court awareness
  • Competitive team experience

FOUNDER LED Basketball Development

The Leaders Behind Platte River Prep

JD Carson and Chase Dippel created Platte River Prep to give athletes in Kearney and across Nebraska more opportunities to train, compete, and grow through basketball. Their focus goes beyond wins and losses by helping players build confidence, improve fundamentals, and develop both on and off the court.

JD Carson

18 Years Coaching Experience

Born and raised in Kearney, JD has spent nearly two decades coaching athletes at the middle school, high school, and varsity levels. He currently serves as the Amherst Girls Head Coach and is passionate about developing players both on and off the court.

Youth basketball team huddles with coaches on the sideline during a timeout

Chase Dippel

12 Years Coaching Experience

With a college-level coaching background and over a decade of playing in the game at a high level, Chase focuses on player development, basketball IQ, and helping athletes reach their full potential through purposeful coaching.

Basketball team huddling with coach in a gym during a timeout.

SPONSORS

Community Partners

Visit Kearney logo with black text and yellow swoosh, plus visitkearney.org website address
House of Colour logo with stylized black “HOC” icon and text on white background
Yoemes Hospitality logo in red and black text on a white background
Sandhills Oral & Facial Surgery logo with gold sunrise and windmill over gray text
Family Physical Therapy & Sports Center logo with stylized black text and a running figure on white background
Platte Valley Dental logo in light blue script and capital letters on a white background
Jordan Cochran DDS logo in black circular text with a stylized “C,” Kearney, Nebraska
Midwest Connect logo with blue “MC” and gray “MIDWEST CONNECT” text
Chevrolet logo with text “Midway Chevrolet of Kearney” on white background
MidPlains Advisors logo in blue and gray text on a white background
Platte River Prep sponsor opportunity graphic with basketball logo in gray, navy, and gold on white background
Platte River Prep sponsor opportunity graphic with basketball logo in gray, navy, and gold on white background

Real Reviews From PRP Families

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Overall Rating

5.0

★★★★★

(100)

Nathan Murray

2 days ago on Google

★★★★★

JD and Chase are extremely knowledgeable in the basketball world. I've experienced JD coaching my sister's youth team firsthand and have interacted with both of them personally to talk ball. Highly recommend them and the Platte River Prep Organization!

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2 days ago on Google

★★★★★

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2 days ago on Google

★★★★★

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Ready to Help Your Athlete Grow On and Off the Court?

Join Platte River Prep for basketball training, travel teams, tournaments, and player development opportunities in Kearney, Nebraska.