Charleston, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The history of high school basketball in West Virginia is as rich as all of the trophies and priceless memories stored away in high schools across the state.

That's what makes 2013 so special. This year marks the 100th year of the boys state basketball tournament in the state. A century of competition that's seen a countless number of players, coaches and fans cheer on their team for the chance to be immortalized in the state's history.

So, to celebrate that history, the WVSSAC announced Thursday a special ceremony set before this year's tournament to honor all of those teams that have battled to be the best.

"We feel our basketball tournament in West Virginia has been special for years," WVSSAC Executive Director Gary Ray said. "Many times in the past, we've filled this place up. Just the opportunity to get on that floor and play, it's a very special time for those individuals."

Ray, along with several Charleston political leaders and groups announced a special public banquet at the Charleston Civic Center which will allow former players, coaches and fans to relive those special moments from past tournaments.

For Fred Aldridge, the celebration is a long time coming. The former George Washington Coach won a state championship in 1971, and hopes to reunite with his team at the banquet.

"It's one of the greatest things the SSAC has attempted to accomplish," Aldridge said. "I can't imagine seeing all of those teams, coaches and players coming back. There's an awesome amount of history and i think it will rejuvinate people's memory about the history."

The public banquet is set for March 12 at 6:30 at the Charleston Civic Center. Click the link below for more information.