Aiken High School's basketball team heads to state final

The Aiken High School boys basketball team is making history as they prepare for their first-ever state final. Known as the "Belmont Boyz," the team will face Louisville at the University of Dayton Arena on Friday at 1 p.m. They have had an impressive season, losing only one game. The community has rallied around the Falcons, showing strong support as they head into this crucial game. Head coach Derrell Black emphasized the positive impact the season has had on the team and the school's culture. He noted that the students now take pride in being Aiken High School Falcons. During a spirited send-off event on Thursday, alumni, faculty, and community members gathered to cheer on the team. The school band played as supporters chanted "Swoop!" in hopes of bringing home the trophy. Cincinnati Public Schools athletic director Joshua Hardin praised the team's achievements, calling it one of the best seasons in the school district's history. If Aiken wins, it will mark a significant milestone for the school, as it has never won a state title before. The players expressed gratitude for the community's support, with standout point guard James Burnett Jr. promising to focus on winning and bringing the trophy back home. In addition to their success on the court, the players are excelling academically, with a collective GPA of 3.3. CPS Superintendent Shauna Murphy expressed pride in their accomplishments both in sports and academics.