Don Petranovich, the state’s all-time leader in coaching victories for girls basketball, learned this week that he’ll receive the highest honor the National Federation of State High School Associations can award a coach — Hall of Fame induction.

Petranovich is just the second high school coach in Arizona high school history to receive the Hall of Fame nod. The former coach, athletic director and alum of Winslow High is one of 12 Hall of Fame members the federation selected this year.

The induction ceremony will take place July 2 in New Orleans.

“It’s quite an honor,” Petranovich said. “I’m still flabbergasted that I got it. I appreciate what the Arizona Interscholastic Association did to represent me during the nomination process.”

(Don Petranovich)

Petranovich won 778 wins in 33 seasons and eight of the state record 16 state championship appearances his Winslow program made.

But more importantly, Petranovich helped girls basketball grow and thrive since the AIA began placing teams in divisions in 1976. He also played a big role in helping the game blossom on Arizona's Indian reservations, starting one of the firsts offseason programs for girls in Arizona.

Petranovich dedicated 41 years to Winslow as a coach and administrator. He’ll be rewarded for his service to the school and Arizona in July.

“I’ve been blessed with the amount of talent I had year in and year out,” Petranovich said. “I’m just thankful that I got involved.”

Arizona Hall of Fame high school members

Norma Bellamy, Safford volleyball coach, 1995

Curley Culp, Yuma High, football, 1997

Sean Elliott, Cholla, basketball, 2005

Heather Farr, Xavier, golf, 1999

Dallas Long, North High, Olympic shot putter, 1993

Randall McDaniel, Agua Fria, football, 2011