Aiken Falcons Earn State Runner-Up Title in Gritty, Heartfelt Championship Battle

The scoreboard read 63-61 at the final buzzer, but two points can’t measure the story of the Aiken Falcons’ 2024–25 basketball season.

In front of a roaring crowd at the University of Dayton Arena on Friday, the Falcons fought to the final seconds in the Division III State Championship against Louisville High School. After tying the game in the closing moments, Aiken came up just short on a last-second shot—but what they gained this season far outweighs the silver trophy they brought home.

“This season was historic,” said Head Coach Derrell Black during the postgame press conference. “Nobody could have predicted it. I couldn’t even have predicted it. These guys turned the tide. They brought Aiken basketball back—not just in Cincinnati, but across the whole state of Ohio.”

The Falcons finished the year 27-2, a remarkable record in one of the most competitive divisions in Ohio. From the opening tip-off in November to the final whistle in March, they showed the heart, hustle and resilience that define a team and a community.

Black, a proud alum and passionate leader, delivered a moving message to his team in the locker room after the game. While emotions ran high, he reminded them that hardware doesn’t always define success.

“The job was already done,” Black told reporters in a post-game press conference. “Getting here was the win. This would've just added something different – a different color. But you brought the city together. You brought the community behind you. That means you're a winner.”

Indeed, the Falcons’ playoff journey captured the imaginations of Cincinnati Public Schools' students, staff, alumni and families. From the hallway send-offs to the band-led pep rallies to the young fans lining the streets as the team bus left Aiken on its way to Dayton Thursday, this team inspired more than just sports fans – they inspired hope.

In the game's final moments, Aiken had chances to close the gap. After battling back from a 21-point deficit, the Falcons narrowed Louisville’s lead to just one possession. With under 10 seconds remaining, Aiken had the ball and a shot to tie or take the lead, but the attempt didn’t fall. Louisville held on for a 63-61 win in a game defined by grit, resilience and an unforgettable second-half surge by the Falcons.

Still, Black sees this as just the beginning. “I have a bunch of young guys who are hungry, who see these players every day,” he said. “We’ll be back.”

Whether or not they hoisted the gold trophy, the Falcons gave their school and city a reason to believe. And in doing so, they reminded us all what true champions look like.