Blackwell joins MBCA Hall of Fame

The Missouri Basketball Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame induction last weekend was the culmination of countless hours spent on and off the hardwood for former Doniphan and Eminence head coach Jimbo Blackwell.

“Personally, it means so much to me. It was unexpected,” Blackwell said. “It is not something I ever would have thought I would receive. It just means a lot. I get to have my family with me … my kids and grandkids.”

For his career, Blackwell authored a 424-191 record for a .690 winning percentage. He won seven district titles during his time at Doniphan, leaving a lasting legacy.

The 2024 MBCA inductees were voted on by their peers, which makes the notoriety that much sweeter for the semi-retired ball coach.

“Professionally, it is voted on by other coaches,” Blackwell said. “To me, that is the biggest part of it, and that is a big honor. There are so many great coaches out there, so to have my name mentioned with some of them, is very gratifying and humbling.”

Blackwell commenced his career at Gatewood, in Ripley County. From there, the road beckoned, and Blackwell found himself in Naylor to coach the boys.

But it was his 13 years as head coach at Doniphan that catapulted his career, winning seven district titles.

Upon leaving Doniphan, Blackwell spent the next six years at Eminence, before closing out his full-time coaching career at South Iron for one year.

Coaches are bred from a different cloth: the constant pressure, working nearly seven days per week during the season, the ability to mentor and lead, and leaving the appropriate impression on the student-athlete comprise just some of the responsibilities.

But, for Blackwell, the athletes left just as big of an impression as he did, if not bigger. Establishing the rapport and sustaining relationships on and off the court with the players and their families has been paramount to Blackwell’s success, no matter the venue.

Said Blackwell: “I have been so fortunate, so lucky to be able to coach so many great girls. They have showed up, bought in, put in the time. I think the thing I am most proud of is, if one gets married or something like that, I receive an invite. I really love my former players. I am proud of how successful almost all of them have been in life. That is probably the best part about coaching, is just coaching those girls.”

Collectively, Blackwell won nine district titles, with the first coming 26 years ago (1998).

“The first district (championship) stands out,” he said. “That was special to me. And then I got to win districts at Eminence with my son (Bo), who was an assistant coach. And then I got to win one at South Iron with my son as assistant coach.”

In 2005-06, Blackwell led his Donettes to the state final four, one of his two trips to state.

“Those really stand out,” he said. “Doniphan supports girls’ basketball well. And it was a really special time.”

Blackwell’s daughter, Jaysa, was a point guard on the 2006 state final four team.

For Blackwell, the game of basketball truly is a family affair.