Marion, Indiana – A familiar name in Indiana high school basketball is about to become a permanent part of Marion’s sporting landscape, as one of the program’s most accomplished figures prepares to step away from the sidelines.
After more than a decade leading the Marion Giants, longtime coach James Blackmon Sr. is retiring at the end of this season. In recognition of his legacy, school officials have approved a plan to name the team’s home playing floor in his honor.
The decision came during a Feb. 10 meeting of the Marion Community Schools Board of School Trustees, which voted to designate the court at Bill Green Arena as “James Blackmon Sr. Court.” The arena itself is named after another legendary figure, Bill Green, who remains the winningest coach in program history.
Blackmon, now completing his 13th season as head coach, leaves behind a record that places him second on the school’s all-time wins list, trailing only Green. His tenure includes leading the Giants to their eighth boys basketball state championship in 2016, a victory that tied the program for the most state titles in Indiana history.
Beyond that milestone, his coaching career at Marion has included five sectional championships, two regional titles, and one semi-state championship. Those achievements helped maintain the Giants’ reputation as one of the most successful programs in a state where basketball is deeply woven into community identity.
Yet Blackmon’s influence on Marion basketball began long before he stepped into the coaching role. As a player at Marion High School, he built a record that still resonates today. He remains the second all-time leading scorer in school history, a mark he held until 2021 when his son, Jalen Blackmon, surpassed him.
His playing career also included numerous honors. Blackmon was named an Indiana All-Star, Parade All-American, USA Today All-American, and McDonald’s All-American. He also played a key role in guiding Marion to state Final Four appearances in both 1980 and 1983.
In recognition of his achievements on the court, his jersey number, 24, was retired by the school years ago. His continued impact on the sport later earned him induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, further cementing his status as one of the state’s most respected basketball figures.
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School leaders say naming the court in his honor reflects both his success and his deep connection to the Marion community. Over decades, Blackmon has been not only a coach and former star player but also a mentor to generations of student-athletes.
The official recognition ceremony is scheduled to take place during the team’s final home game of the season on Feb. 27. Community members are being invited to attend the event, which will celebrate Blackmon’s contributions while also supporting the Giants as they face Fort Wayne Snider Panthers.
The varsity matchup is set to begin at 7:30 p.m., but for many fans, the evening will carry significance far beyond the final score. It will mark the closing chapter of a remarkable career that spans generations—from standout player to championship-winning coach—and now, to a lasting name etched permanently into the court where it all unfolded.
For Marion, a community where basketball history runs deep, the naming of James Blackmon Sr. Court ensures that his legacy will remain visible every time the Giants take the floor.
