User:Jlhcpa/sandbox/James Blackmon, Sr.

James Blackmon, Sr. (born August 7, 1964) is an American basketball coach and former noted college and high school player. Blackmon has coached two teams to the class 2A high school basketball championship in Indiana, winning back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. Blackmon played basketball in college for the University of Kentucky Wildcats. As a senior at Marion High School,in Marion, IN, Blackmon was runner-up for the award of Indiana Mr. Basketball, won that year by Steve Alford. Blackmon was named to the McDonald's All-American, and Parade All-American teams in recognition of his high school success.

Coaching career
The 2010/11 season is Blackmon's 7th year as head coach at Bishop Luers High School. During his tenure, the Knights have won 2 state basketball championships, 3 conference tournament titles, and 1 conference regular season championship. Past players coached by Blackmon include Deshaun Thomas, the 2010 Indiana Mr. Basketball and holder of 3rd place in list of the state's all-time leading scorers. His current team includes his son, freshman James Blackmon, Jr.

Professional
Blackmon was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the 5th round, the 94th pick overall in the 1987 NBA Draft. However, he never played in an NBA game.

College
Season schedule Season schedule Season schedule Season schedule Blackmon's value was evident right from the start. He was one of only 5 Wildcats who played in all 34 games that season.
 * Senior (1986/87)
 * Junior (1985/86)
 * Sophomore (1984/85)
 * Freshman (1983/84)

High school

 * Blackmon finished his high school career with 1,897 points, currently listed as 66th best in Indiana boys' high school history.
 * Blackmon scored 21 points to share leading-scorer honors for the victorious West team in the 1983 McDonald's Boys All-American Game.


 * Senior (1982/83)
 * Blackmon scored 914 points during the 1982/83 season, the 10th best single-season total in Indiana boys high school history.
 * Blackmon led the Marion Giants to a regional championship and the state championship semi-finals before losing a high scoring game to Anderson High School. In his last game, Blackmon scored 52 points to set a state finals tournament record that still stands today.  The effort, tied for 6th best in  Indiana boys high school tournament history, was not enough to overcome the 42 points scored by Anderson's Troy Lewis, the second best individual effort in Indiana's single-class state finals tournament history.


 * Junior (1981/82)
 * Sophomore (1980/81)
 * Freshman (1979/80)