Congratulations to Ben Drake, a true icon of local basketball! On Sunday, Coach Drake was inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Glens Falls. This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding career in coaching and his deep connection to the game.
Drake spent 25 remarkable years as the boys’ basketball coach at his alma mater, Jamestown High School, leading the program to incredible success. His record of 425 wins to 131 losses (.764 winning percentage) includes 17 Erie County Interscholastic Conference titles, seven Section VI championships, and three Far West Regional crowns. He also reached the New York State final four twice.
Before becoming a coach, Ben excelled as a player. He was The Post-Journal’s Player of the Year in 1989-90 and a standout at SUNY Brockport, where he earned academic honors and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame. Drake continues to contribute to the community as the athletic director for Jamestown Public Schools.