Commentary: The Best Part of the Basketball Games

Video shows how the Commentator obtains team statistics each game, as well as a brief interview with a player's parent.

In addition to the games themselves, the best part of following the Highlanders around the past several seasons has been having the pleasure to meet and interact with the parents, relatives, and fans of the team.

Many of the parents of the players have gone to great lengths to help their children succeed. They re-arrange their schedules to show their support for their kids. Take, for example, Sam Given, father of senior forward Hunter Given. He works in the coal mines near Grafton and has often left his job to travel great distances to watch his son play. Teri Given, Hunter's mom, is also present at the games with camera in hand. His grandparents also fill the stands in support.

It was tough not to feel the emotion of Senior Night.

The Commentator is of course most indebted to senior guard Brett Morris' mom, Diane, who is at every game taking stats for the team. She has graciously shared those stats with us over the past two years so that articles could be written for both the Webster Echo and the Commentator. Diane and her husband Mike are at every game, along with both sets of Brett's grandparents. Anyone who was at the Midland Trail game last night could see the obvious emotion in Brett and the close bond he shares with his parents.

There are a whole host of other parents at the games, including Cheryl and Terry Green, whose son senior guard Drew, played very little during the season due to injury. But yet they were present in support at the games nonetheless. Sue Cogar, mother of junior guard Stephen Cogar, can often be seen at the games not just as a fan but as a volunteer worker at the home concession stand for example.

And then there are the fans. Like Roger Frazer of Craigsville, who graduated from Cowen High School. Roger has not missed a game this season. He painted the Highlander on the wall in the gym as well as other signs. Roger is one of the most easy going persons you would ever want to meet and he makes the game experience much more enjoyable.

Coach Jerry Dean and wife Traci's families are also at the games in full support. Traci can also be seen volunteering at the home concession stand. Superintendent Martha Dean has been present at the vast majority of the games showing her support. Other school personnel have also been present supporting the team in many ways. Like public address announcer and teacher Jonas Knotts, who has brought more meaning to the "sixth man" than ever before.

The list of dedicated parents, faithful fans, and school personnel can go on and on. They all deserve a lot of credit for their dedication and support and for making the game experience pleasant and enjoyable.

Sometimes words are not enough for these folks and what they do for the student athletes, but two are most appropriate:

Thank you.