(3-20-23) This Saturday Blackhawk Christian will take on Linton-Stockton in the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Class 2A state boys basketball championship.

Marc Davidson and Joe Hart

The main focus of both teams will be to win and capture the 2A state title. But an underlying story of the game will be about the coaches behind these two teams recent successes…one is currently on leave from his position and the other one who passed away almost a year ago. They both have sons on the teams, but neither coach will on the bench leading his team.

Joey Hart and Jimmy Davidson

Linton-Stockton’s Head Coach Joe Hart last week was suspended for the second time this season after being charged with an OVI charge after he was picked up by police.His son Joey is one of the top players in the state of Indiana. The younger Hart helped lead his team to the semi-state title this past weekend despite the distraction.

Linton-Stockton Boys Basketball Coach To Miss Semistate After Arrest For OWI

In May of last year after a long battle with cancer Blackhawk Christian Coach Marc Davidson passed away. His impact continues into this week’s state championship appearance. Over his time at Blackhawk Christian, besides being a great coach, he was a great mentor, a great person, on and off the court, he lived the example of a Christian life during his highs and his lows.

After every game, win or lose, he would share his faith with both teams at mid-court…it became a regular part of game day and spectators from both sides would stay and listen.

On Saturday his son Jimmy will not be able to sit by his dad, but will most likely be thinking of his dad, as will his family, who built the Braves program over the years.

For both Joey Hart and Jimmy Davidson it will be an emotional day on Saturday afternoon. Sometimes life happens to change our views about things like basketball and their importance. You can be sure it has this time.

Advertisement