Cincinnati Board of Education honors Aiken Falcons for historic basketball season

Cincinnati Public Schools celebrated a remarkable achievement during its Board Business Meeting on April 22, 2025, honoring the Aiken Falcons boys basketball team for their historic 2024-2025 season. The Board expressed pride in the team's outstanding performance, which included a regular season record of 21 wins and just one loss, making it the best start in both school and Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference (CMAC) history.

The Falcons not only dominated their conference, winning every game to secure back-to-back CMAC championships, but they also made a significant playoff run. They advanced to the state championship game, becoming the only Cincinnati area boys basketball team to reach this level in 2025. Their journey included a thrilling comeback victory against Sandusky and a narrow loss to the Louisville Leopards in the finals, where they fought back from a 19-point deficit.

The Board recognized individual achievements as well, highlighting players like Jaden Arnold, named Player of the Year by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association, and James Burnett Jr., who received multiple accolades. The team's success resonated throughout the community, with enthusiastic support from students and alumni, symbolized by the rallying cry of "swoop."

In addition to celebrating the basketball team's accomplishments, the meeting also addressed funding for preschool expansion through the Cincinnati Preschool Promise. This initiative aims to enhance early childhood education, reflecting the district's commitment to supporting students from their earliest years.

The Board's resolution not only commemorated the Falcons' achievements but also reinforced the importance of community support and pride in local schools. As the meeting concluded, the Board encouraged continued engagement and celebration of student successes, looking forward to future achievements within the district.