Peterson is nearing completion of his fourth year of eligibility, which means this may be his last chance to soak in the cheers of the UCFV home fans. "I haven't really though about it," says Peterson. "I guess it will sink in when the time comes."

During his four-year tenure with the team, Peterson has seen the Cascades raise two national championship banners, a feat which many would consider a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Though playing time was hard to come by on earlier versions of the Cascades as a result of great depth, Peterson stuck with the team and gives Coach Pat Lee the credit. "Coach Lee always helped me feel like an important part of the team even though the playing time wasn't always there."

As for Lee himself, Peterson says, "Playing for Pat Lee has been such a wonderful experience. He has helped me improve my game on the court and has also helped me as a person. I can't say enough about Pat, other than to thank him for everything he's done for me."

When asked to describe Peterson, Lee says he always brings his "best game" to the court. He's been a pleasure to coach over our years together."

Lee's words are reinforced by the fact that Peterson has been a main source of leadership on this year's incarnation of the Cascades, a team that features a number of first-year players. "I try to share some of my experiences of the past and lessons I've learned from the older players during my younger years," says Peterson. Cascades fans can only hope that Peterson will pass on the secret of basketball success to the next generation. "There is no worry in my mind that next year and the years to follow, UCFV will remain competitive on the national level," says Peterson.

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