CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A sound every West Virginia high school basketball tournament player is used to hearing is the voice of Frank Blake.
“My favorite part is getting every name pronounced correctly,” Blake told MetroNews sitting court side during this week’s Girls’ State High School Basketball Tournament.
The tournament is being held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
In addition to talking to fans, coaches and players, MetroNews is highlighting those who work behind the scenes to make sure the event runs smoothly.
Art Titto is the Girls’ State High School Basketball Tournament Director and has served in that role for about 15 years.
“I’ve noticed this year’s there’s a lot of freshmen and underclassmen,” Titto said. “I just like seeing them walk out on the floor with their eyes wide open.”
Some moments are hard to forget, especially when you’re recording stats for each game. That’s been the job of Steve Joseph for nearly four decades.
“We used to do it by hand, but now it’s all on the computer,” Joseph said.
His best memories date back to the 1980s when he witnessed state records for both the boys and girls tournaments.
The most interesting part of Blake’s job as an announcer is seeing the generations of players and coaches.
“I’m announcing coaches who I’ve announced as players and they remember it,” he said.
Blake said he’s looking forward to 2023, which will mark his 50th year as the tournament announcer.