The homecoming aspect of the Boy’s State Basketball Tournament will be highlighted through Saturday at the Charleston Civic Center as the tournament’s 100th anniversary is recognized. The first session got underway Wednesday with a ceremonial jump ball.
It was former Mullens High School coach and principal Lewis D’Antoni who had the honors. D’Antoni, who is now 99-years-old, spoke with MetroNews after leaving the court.
“It’s sort of a climax of my life. It was wonderful,” he said. “They’ve been so good to me. Everything’s been great.”
D’Antoni won six letters when he starred at Mullens. Following a successful career at Concord College he returned to Wyoming County. He began his coaching career at Pineville in 1942 and then back home to Mullens where he coached for 17 seasons.
He coached the Rebels to a state title in 1955. The team was led by Willie Akers.
The elder D’Antoni has seen his sons, Danny and Mike, be successful in basketball beyond Mullens High. Mike is currently the head coach of the Lakers and Danny is his assistant. D’Antoni’s daughter Kathy is an assistant state school superintendent.
D’Antoni says Mullens High had a storied history at the state tournament.
“From 1928 to 1950 they made it twice and lost in the first round. From 1950 to consolidation they made it 18 times, we won seven state championships,” he said.
Players, coaches and cheerleaders are being honored several times a day at this year’s 100th tournament. D’Antoni says it’s always been a top-class event.
“They’ve had some great people running it and they know exactly what’s needed and they do it,” he said.
When asked how he thought he did during Wednesday’s ceremonial jump ball–
“I should have practiced a couple of times before I went out there,” he laughed.