Westfield High School graduate Chris Denari was inducted into the Hamilton County Basketball Hall of Fame on Tuesday, prior to the Shamrocks’ varsity boys basketball game with Pendleton Heights.
Denari, a 1979 Westfield graduate, played for his father, Coach Bob Denari and was an outstanding player for the Shamrocks. He was twice named to the All-Rangeline Conference team, and was also named to the Noblesville Daily Ledger’s All-County team. Denari was also selected to the Academic All-State team by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association. He averaged 14.9 points per game his senior year and held the Westfield free-throw record at 88.6 percent.
“It means a lot,” said Denari. “I grew up the son of a coach and I had the great fortune to play for my dad, and so it’s a special honor. When Dave (Nicholson) called me, it meant a lot. I only wish my dad was here to see it, but my mom is here. It’s really neat. Hamilton County has produced so many outstanding basketball players. It’s just a real thrill to be a part of it.”
Denari attended Wabash College, where was a two-year letter winner and was inducted into the Wabash College Hall of Fame in 2013.
Denari has been the television play-by-play announcer for the Indiana Pacers for the past 16 years, and also called games for the Indiana Fever and Butler University men’s basketball team for 17 years. He announced games for the University of Indianapolis men’s basketball team for three years and has served as the radio and television play-by-play announcer for several IHSAA state basketball championships. Denari is a member of the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame and was named the organization’s Broadcaster of the Year in 2004.