Latest news with #Blackford
Indianapolis Star
03-06-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
Blackford freshman Amarian Leggett MVP of Futures Game
Blackford freshman Amarian Leggett goes for 24 points and nine rebounds to earn MVP of Futures Game
Indianapolis Star
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Luke Brown all over again? Rising sophomore bringing excitement back to Blackford basketball
FISHERS – Amarian Leggett was a youngster when the crowds flocked to Blackford High School to watch Luke Brown light up the scoreboard on his way to scoring 3,011 career points, the fourth highest total in Indiana high school boys basketball history. 'The atmosphere was really cool,' Leggett said. 'I just hope I can bring that back because seeing that as a kid inspired me.' Leggett is still a kid himself, just finishing up his freshman year at Blackford. But the 6-4 point guard showed why Blackford basketball may quickly became a must-stop again for high school basketball fans. Leggett earned Most Valuable Player honors at the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association Futures Game on Monday night at Fishers High School, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists as his North team defeated the South 123-113. Leggett played just 19 of the 40 minutes of the game featuring the top freshmen and sophomores in the state. But he maximized his time, shooting 10-for-13 from the field, including 4-for-6 from the 3-point line. 'I came to have fun,' Leggett said. 'I know some people don't think I'm as good as what I am … coming from a (Class 2A) school, nobody really knows that type of school.' Aaron Daniels does. Daniels coached Leggett in his first season at Blackford last year. Leggett scored 21 points in his first varsity game and went on to average 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists in his first varsity season. Daniels was at Fishers on Monday to watch Leggett, along with several Blackford fans. 'He's an elite level player,' Daniels said. 'It's hard sometimes to get people to understand that at the 2A level. But a kid like that is going out and seeing elite level talent on the AAU circuit every weekend. It's slowed down for him. He's so good, so smooth and so quick. When he can shoot it at a high level, he's unguardable because he's so quick getting to the basket. We've known for a long time he was elite, then this summer against some really elite competition on the AAU circuit, he's performed that way and we knew we had something really, really special. He's a big-time player no matter where he is in the state.' Leggett truly is a 6-4 point guard, which might make him a more desirable college prospect than the 6-2 Brown was coming out of high school. Brown started out at Ball State, then Stetson, before transferring to Indiana Wesleyan, where he averaged 18.4 points and shot 48.4% from the 3-point line last season. Obviously, Leggett heard the comparisons to Brown as a freshman. He is a different type of player. But the crowds are coming back. Maybe not yet to pinnacle Luke Brown era, when crowds of 4,000 would pack the gym. But there is an appetite for hoops. Blackford went 14-10 last season, losing to top-ranked Wapahani in the first round of the sectional by nine points. 'It's flattering,' Daniels said of the comparisons between Brown and Leggett. 'But it's also at the point where he knows he's capable of that. So, it's motivating that he knows the community of Blackford will rally around and support him, especially when they find out the level he's going to play at. He's going to exceed all expectations. It's almost a chip on his shoulder to get that level Luke was at his young high school career.' Merrillville freshman Charles Hardiman scored 18 points for the North, draining 4-of-5 from the 3-point line. Fort Wayne Snider sophomore Trell Hogue added 14 points and four assists, Homestead's Mack Welker had 13 points and 10 rebounds, Pike's Isaiah Hill had 12 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots and McCutcheon sophomore Brody Baker had 12 points and four rebounds. The South was missing Fishers guard Jason Gardner Jr., who was participating in the Pangos Camp in Las Vegas. Guerin Catholic's Jake Grissom led the South with 18 points on 3-of-6 shooting from the 3-point line. Plainfield's Harper Baker-Lands had 16 points, four assists and three steals, Warren Central's J.J. Craig had 15 points and four assists, Fishers' Cooper Zachary went for 15 points and eight assists and Liberty Christian's Kendrick Martin and Derrick Cross Jr. each had 12 points. In the girls game, the North defeated the South 106-92 as Fort Wayne Snider freshman Janaya Cooper was named MVP. The silky smooth 5-11 Cooper finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots. 'I knew it wasn't going to be an easy game,' Cooper said. 'I knew it was going to be tough competition, so I just came into the game thinking, 'Play hard.' We haven't played with each other, so I was just trying to mesh with the team, play my game and not be selfish.' Cooper's AAU teammate, Marion freshman Nyomi Hahn, was also a standout as she finished with 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including make both 3-point attempts. McCutcheon sophomore Lillie Graves added 14 points for the South and Riley Schellhammer, who transferred from Fishers to Lawrence Central, had a strong second half to finish with 14 points. Cooper has seen her recruiting take off after averaging 16.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.4 steals as a freshman at Snider. She has almost 20 offers, including from Indiana, Purdue, Louisville and Michigan State, among others. 'I don't think I was known much coming into my freshman year,' Cooper said. 'But now that I got my freshman year over with, I feel like that was a learning process and I know what to expect and I can just go out and play my game.' Getting this many Division I offers at such an early age is unusual. But Cooper has the right demeanor to handle the spotlight. 'I just try to stay humble through the process,' she said. 'The coaches say they like my IQ and athleticism, and they believe as I get older I can be a leader and control the game with my voice.' The South team was led by Eastern Hancock sophomore McKenzie Koch, who finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Plainfield's Hannah Menser added 13 points and five assists and Greensburg's Clarie Larrison had 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Scotsman
05-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
The secret to saving jobs and beating Reform in Scotland, according to SNP's Ian Blackford
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The green industrial strategy is the key to saving jobs and beating Reform, leading SNP figure Ian Blackford has claimed. The former SNP Westminster leader urged ministers in both administrations to develop an 'industrial strategy' - something he argued could fix an issue of growth dating back to 2008. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The report, started by Ian Blackford, focuses on how to transform Scotland's economic performance. Mr Blackford's comments come as John Swinney prepares to deliver his Programme for Government (PfG) on Tuesday - the First Minister's legislative agenda for the next 12 months. Mr Swinney has brought forward his PfG – usually announced in September – to allow for a full year before the Holyrood election. But there is significant pressure on Mr Swinney's Government to outline a clear economy plan, after the Grangemouth refinery stopped processing crude oil this week and with Scotland and the rest of the UK now dealing with increased 10 per cent tariffs on all exports to the US. Speaking exclusively to The Scotsman, Mr Blackford praised some of the work done by the UK and Scottish governments, but urged them to go faster and further to fight off Reform UK. His intervention came just hours before the local elections, which saw Reform UK's Sarah Pochin beat Sir Keir Starmer's candidate Karen Shore by six votes in the Runcorn & Helsby by-election. The result meant Reform took a seat that Labour won with a majority of almost 14,700 less than a year ago. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Former Conservative minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns was separately elected for Reform UK as the first Greater Lincolnshire mayor with a majority of almost 40,000 over her former party. Mr Blackford said: 'I want to give some credit because I know the two [Scottish and UK] governments have been working together, I know the job that [energy minister] Michael Shanks has been doing in the Labour government. I think there has been a recognition that things have to change, the pace of things has to be accelerated, and I can see that in terms of things happening with the grid, with Ofgem, these things are happening. 'But you cannot afford to do anything other than put your foot on the accelerator and do it hard. You can talk about GB Energy, but where is the beef? What is the actual delivery of investment? 'I regret that Labour reversed the £28 billion it was going to invest on a yearly basis. This is the here and now. If you want to make a fundamental difference, if you're serious about economic growth, you are not going to change it by tinkering at the edges. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'If we don't move the needle now on economic growth, if we don't say to investors that we're open for business, whether it's Scotland or the UK, we're going to be in a situation that [Chancellor] Rachel Reeves has later this year, where she's going to face very difficult choices under budget. 'When you consider the last Conservative government, it was the first government in the post-war period that people were poorer at the end of it. There is a risk that people in the UK are poorer at the end of this Parliament. 'What does that mean? Because a lot of the electorate are going to be questioning whether or not they can put their faith and trust in the mainstream parties. That's what creates oxygen for people like [Nigel] Farage. Whether you're the SNP in Scotland or Labour in Westminster, accept your responsibilities of being in government and lead properly.' It's predicted that Labour candidate Michael Shanks will keep the Rutherglen seat at the next General Election after taking the seat from SNP after the Covid-19 lockdown scandal with Margaret Ferrier. | Contributed Asked how to combat Reform, Mr Blackford, who is now the SNP's business ambassador, warned Mr Farage's party was a threat in Scotland and that ministers must have a 'relentless focus on delivery.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Referencing the promising Holyrood polls for the SNP, Mr Blackford said: 'The assumption at the moment is that we would do reasonably, if not very well, in terms of the election, but what I want to do is seal the deal. I want to have a government that's recognised as competent and as delivering for people. We have to listen to what the electorate said to us last year, when people wanted to put faith in the Labour party, but also people were expressing doubts about us. 'It's up to us to say to the people there are reasons why you can trust us. We have to show them there is a brighter economic future for their children.' Mr Blackford added: 'Whatever the electoral threat of Reform is in the UK, let's not write them off in Scotland either. We have to understand the reasons why people might support Reform. They are doing it because we are not offering them an alternative. That's why the industrial strategy is so important, because it comes down to jobs, it's the basics, it's leading.' Mr Blackford, who held the seat of Ross, Skye and Lochaber from 2015 to 2024, also expressed his agreement with warnings from think-tank IPPR Scotland that a US trade deal was less important to growth and jobs than an industrial strategy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'I fundamentally agree with the IPPR. I am obviously deeply disappointed to say the least with what's happened with Grangemouth, what that means for jobs, and the people that are affected. There has been a problem for the UK, and Scotland within that, and indeed the whole of Europe about delivering economic growth since the financial crisis in 2008. 'If we're honest, the thing that is required to deal with this is delivering economic growth. For this, we need a proper industrial strategy. 'The thing that frustrates me more than anything else when all the talk is about the just transition, and all the aspects of that and what it means for energy prices, what is missed from that, is the enormous opportunity that there is to deliver green energy.' There was also a veiled swipe for his replacement as SNP Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, who has announced plans to run for Holyrood. Mr Blackford suggested Mr Flynn would not have run if still in his post, explaining the job was 'big enough' already. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'People have to make their own choices. We had a Scottish election in 2021, and one of my MPs did stand with my blessing. For me, it was a privilege of being an MP and to serve my constituents. But also crucially, I saw my role as the leader of the SNP in Westminster to work in tandem with the Scottish Government, and that was a big enough job in itself. 'I think people have to think very carefully about being elected to a Parliament and then turning their back on it, but they have to address those questions themselves.'
Scotsman
04-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
The secret to saving jobs and beating Reform in Scotland, according to SNP's Ian Blackford
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The green industrial strategy is the key to saving jobs and beating Reform, leading SNP figure Ian Blackford has claimed. The former SNP Westminster leader urged ministers in both administrations to develop an 'industrial strategy' - something he argued could fix an issue of growth dating back to 2008. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The report, started by Ian Blackford, focuses on how to transform Scotland's economic performance. Mr Blackford's comments come as John Swinney prepares to deliver his Programme for Government (PfG) on Tuesday - the First Minister's legislative agenda for the next 12 months. Mr Swinney has brought forward his PfG – usually announced in September – to allow for a full year before the Holyrood election. But there is significant pressure on Mr Swinney's Government to outline a clear economy plan, after the Grangemouth refinery stopped processing crude oil this week and with Scotland and the rest of the UK now dealing with increased 10 per cent tariffs on all exports to the US. Speaking exclusively to The Scotsman, Mr Blackford praised some of the work done by the UK and Scottish governments, but urged them to go faster and further to fight off Reform UK. His intervention came just hours before the local elections, which saw Reform UK's Sarah Pochin beat Sir Keir Starmer's candidate Karen Shore by six votes in the Runcorn & Helsby by-election. The result meant Reform took a seat that Labour won with a majority of almost 14,700 less than a year ago. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Former Conservative minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns was separately elected for Reform UK as the first Greater Lincolnshire mayor with a majority of almost 40,000 over her former party. Mr Blackford said: 'I want to give some credit because I know the two [Scottish and UK] governments have been working together, I know the job that [energy minister] Michael Shanks has been doing in the Labour government. I think there has been a recognition that things have to change, the pace of things has to be accelerated, and I can see that in terms of things happening with the grid, with Ofgem, these things are happening. 'But you cannot afford to do anything other than put your foot on the accelerator and do it hard. You can talk about GB Energy, but where is the beef? What is the actual delivery of investment? 'I regret that Labour reversed the £28 billion it was going to invest on a yearly basis. This is the here and now. If you want to make a fundamental difference, if you're serious about economic growth, you are not going to change it by tinkering at the edges. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'If we don't move the needle now on economic growth, if we don't say to investors that we're open for business, whether it's Scotland or the UK, we're going to be in a situation that [Chancellor] Rachel Reeves has later this year, where she's going to face very difficult choices under budget. 'When you consider the last Conservative government, it was the first government in the post-war period that people were poorer at the end of it. There is a risk that people in the UK are poorer at the end of this Parliament. 'What does that mean? Because a lot of the electorate are going to be questioning whether or not they can put their faith and trust in the mainstream parties. That's what creates oxygen for people like [Nigel] Farage. Whether you're the SNP in Scotland or Labour in Westminster, accept your responsibilities of being in government and lead properly.' It's predicted that Labour candidate Michael Shanks will keep the Rutherglen seat at the next General Election after taking the seat from SNP after the Covid-19 lockdown scandal with Margaret Ferrier. | Contributed Asked how to combat Reform, Mr Blackford, who is now the SNP's business ambassador, warned Mr Farage's party was a threat in Scotland and that ministers must have a 'relentless focus on delivery.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Referencing the promising Holyrood polls for the SNP, Mr Blackford said: 'The assumption at the moment is that we would do reasonably, if not very well, in terms of the election, but what I want to do is seal the deal. I want to have a government that's recognised as competent and as delivering for people. We have to listen to what the electorate said to us last year, when people wanted to put faith in the Labour party, but also people were expressing doubts about us. 'It's up to us to say to the people there are reasons why you can trust us. We have to show them there is a brighter economic future for their children.' Mr Blackford added: 'Whatever the electoral threat of Reform is in the UK, let's not write them off in Scotland either. We have to understand the reasons why people might support Reform. They are doing it because we are not offering them an alternative. That's why the industrial strategy is so important, because it comes down to jobs, it's the basics, it's leading.' Mr Blackford, who held the seat of Ross, Skye and Lochaber from 2015 to 2024, also expressed his agreement with warnings from think-tank IPPR Scotland that a US trade deal was less important to growth and jobs than an industrial strategy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'I fundamentally agree with the IPPR. I am obviously deeply disappointed to say the least with what's happened with Grangemouth, what that means for jobs, and the people that are affected. There has been a problem for the UK, and Scotland within that, and indeed the whole of Europe about delivering economic growth since the financial crisis in 2008. 'If we're honest, the thing that is required to deal with this is delivering economic growth. For this, we need a proper industrial strategy. 'The thing that frustrates me more than anything else when all the talk is about the just transition, and all the aspects of that and what it means for energy prices, what is missed from that, is the enormous opportunity that there is to deliver green energy.' There was also a veiled swipe for his replacement as SNP Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, who has announced plans to run for Holyrood. Mr Blackford suggested Mr Flynn would not have run if still in his post, explaining the job was 'big enough' already. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'People have to make their own choices. We had a Scottish election in 2021, and one of my MPs did stand with my blessing. For me, it was a privilege of being an MP and to serve my constituents. But also crucially, I saw my role as the leader of the SNP in Westminster to work in tandem with the Scottish Government, and that was a big enough job in itself. 'I think people have to think very carefully about being elected to a Parliament and then turning their back on it, but they have to address those questions themselves.'
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blackford Capital Earns M&A Atlas Awards for U.S.A. Deal of the Year and Rising Star Dealmaker
Blackford Capital was also a finalist for Private Equity Firm of the Year award Americas M&A Atlas Awards Trophy Blackford Capital Team Members GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blackford Capital ('Blackford'), a leading lower middle market private equity firm, announced today that it was awarded U.S.A. Deal of the Year at the 16th Annual Americas M&A Atlas Awards, hosted by Global M&A Network, LLC. Rishabh Mukherjee, CFA, Blackford's Vice President of Deals (T/IPP), was also honored as a 2024 America's Rising Star Dealmaker. The Americas M&A Atlas Awards, presented at a gala held on February 6, recognize the achievements of influential dealmakers and leaders, outstanding firms, and the best growth-delivering transactions of the year. Blackford Capital was also named a finalist for the Private Equity Firm of the Year award. Blackford received the U.S.A. Deal of the Year award for the acquisition of Industrial Molding Corporation by its portfolio company Davalor Mold Company, LLC ('Davalor') from NN, Inc. Industrial Molding Corporation, the first add-on to the Davalor platform, has expanded the company's breadth of capabilities and strengthened its leadership team, while also serving as a solid foundation for continued expansion and innovation. 'We are extremely honored to be recognized by Global M&A Network for our team's success in closing a strategically important deal for our portfolio, particularly in 2024's more competitive deal environment,' said Martin Stein, Blackford Capital's founder and managing director. 'I sincerely appreciate the hard work of everyone at Blackford who contributed to this accomplishment, and together we will look to build on our achievements from last year.' Mr. Mukherjee was also named a 2024 America's Rising Star Dealmakers by the Global M&A Network, which recognizes brilliant and exceptional young dealmakers for their achievements, dedication, and talents for closing value-creating transactions. Mr. Mukherjee has over seven years of experience in executing complex transactions, as well as a demonstrated ability to deliver projects on both the buy-side and sell-side by working closely with various stakeholders across the entire deal lifecycle. "Rishabh's recognition is truly well-earned," said Mr. Stein. "He has played an important role in the investment process at Blackford, and his ability to collaborate with stakeholders has brought a people-centered approach to dealmaking. This award is a testament to the impact he has had our firm, and we look forward to his future contributions.' For more information, and for a detailed list of all the Award winners for the 16th Americas M&A Atlas Awards and Rising Star Awards, please visit About Blackford Capital Founded in 2010, Blackford Capital is a private equity investment firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Blackford acquires, manages, and builds founder and family-owned, lower middle-market companies, with a focus on the manufacturing, industrial and distribution industries. Blackford has a track record of exceptional returns, a disciplined and relentless approach to value creation, and a focus on operational excellence and a compelling culture. In 2023 and 2024, Blackford Capital was named to Inc's list of Founder-Friendly Investors, was recognized by ACG Detroit with the 2023 M&A Dealmaker of the Year Award and awarded the 2023 Small Markets Deal of the Year award by both Buyouts Magazine and the Global M&A Network Atlas Awards. For more information, visit Media Contact: Lambert by LLYCJennifer Hurson (845) 729-3100jhurson@ Jackson Lin(646) 717-4593jlin@ Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: in to access your portfolio
