[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6459]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE MARION HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM ON THEIR 
                    EIGHTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 2016

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Marion High School Boys' Basketball team for winning the Indiana Boys' 
Basketball Class 3A State Championship. The Marion High School Giants, 
hailing from Marion in Grant County, defeated the Evansville Bosse 
Bulldogs in an historic game. This state title is a momentous win for 
the Giants, as it marks their 8th consecutive state championship title, 
which ties the record for most consecutive wins in Indiana boys' 
basketball history.
  The Giants played in the spotlight of the IHSAA throughout this 
impressive season. Under the leadership of Head Coach James Blackmon, 
the team finished the season with a remarkable record of 23-7. Coach 
Blackmon, who is a Marion High School graduate and had an impressive 
basketball career himself, returned to Marion to coach the team in 
2013. Coach Blackmon leads by example and inspires his players with his 
coaching and character. He works tirelessly to motivate, train, and 
push his team to dream big and reach their goals. As the daughter of a 
high school football coach, I understand the tireless dedication, time 
commitment, and personal sacrifices required to lead young athletes to 
victory, and I applaud Coach Blackmon's dedication to excellence.
  While their 8th consecutive state title is momentous on its own, what 
the Giants basketball team accomplished during the state championship 
was even more extraordinary than that. The Giants broke records for 
highest combined 3-point field goal percentage, most points scored in a 
quarter, scoring 31 points in the 3rd quarter alone, and most points in 
a half, scoring 48 points total in the second half. In addition to the 
Giants' significant team accomplishments, individuals from the team 
were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions and 
accomplishments. Senior Reggie Jones tied the record for highest 
individual free-throw percentage, making 100 percent of his free throws 
during the state championship game. Reggie was also named the 
Chronicle-Tribune's Boys Basketball Player of the Year, selected to be 
one of Hoosier Basketball Magazine's Top 60 Senior Boys' Basketball 
Players, and was chosen for the IBCA/Subway Senior All-State Team. 
Additionally, Reggie, along with senior teammate Vijay Blackmon and 
junior Tim Leavell were selected to play on the All-NCC 1st team.
  Throughout the years, the Giants have demonstrated incredible 
dedication to their sport--putting in countless hours on the court and 
the weight room. They have been supported by their committed parents, 
coaches, and trainers. High school sports are a special experience. 
They teach discipline, build character, and allow young men and women 
to have an experience they will remember for a lifetime. This team 
exemplifies the wonderful attributes that high school sports teach, and 
I am proud to represent such a hardworking and highly regarded group of 
young men and coaches.
  On behalf of Indiana's 5th Congressional District, I'd like to extend 
huge congratulations to the Marion High School Boys' Basketball Team. I 
look forward to cheering the team on through another great season next 
year and send my best wishes as the Giants work toward breaking the 
record for most consecutive wins. Go Giants.

                          ____________________