News Summary

Cincinnati is bidding farewell to Derrell Black, the head coach of Aiken High School boys basketball, who is stepping down at age 34 to focus on family and ministry. Black has had a remarkable impact on the program, leading the Falcons to an impressive record over four seasons, including a historic run to the Division III state final. His departure leaves a significant void in the community, but he remains optimistic about the future of Aiken basketball.

Cincinnati Bids Farewell to Aiken High School Basketball Coach Derrell Black

In a heartfelt announcement on Friday, the city of Cincinnati learned that Derrell Black, the beloved head coach of Aiken High School boys basketball, is stepping away from his coaching duties. At just 34 years old, Black has made the decision to focus on his family and ministry, leaving behind an incredible legacy with the Falcons.

Fans and supporters are feeling mixed emotions as the news was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. Black assured everyone that while he may be leaving the coaching sidelines, his passion for supporting the Falcons and the Cincinnati community will remain unwavering. It’s clear that he has a special bond with the team and its supporters, which makes saying goodbye even tougher.

A Historic Coaching Journey

Looking back over the past four seasons, Black has undoubtedly left a remarkable mark on Aiken High School. With an impressive record of 50 wins and 24 losses during his time as coach, he turned the team into a formidable competitor on the court. The recent season was nothing short of spectacular, with the Falcons achieving a phenomenal record of 27 wins and just 2 losses.

This past season was particularly historic as it marked the very first time in the school’s basketball program history, which started way back in 1964, that the team reached the Division III state final. This milestone is a testament to Black’s leadership and the hard work the players put in throughout the year.

Fans will remember the thrill as the Falcons set a series of records under Black’s guidance. For the first time in the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference (CMAC), Aiken began the season with a stunning 21-0 record, ultimately finishing with a 21-1 record overall. Notably, the Falcons have clinched back-to-back CMAC Red division championships, showcasing their dominance in the league.

A Legacy of Support and Pride

At the end of the recent season, Aiken High School found themselves ranked No. 10 in Ohio according to MaxPreps, a reflection of the incredible efforts by both players and coaching staff. Despite a heartbreaking finish as state runners-up after a closely contested game against Louisville, Black remains optimistic about the program’s future and is confident that Aiken will return to the state final again in the coming years.

Black’s coaching journey, which began when he was only 21 years old, has involved significant experiences, including a previous coaching stint at Hughes High School. His transition to Aiken in 2020 has been a whirlwind of success, shaping not only the players, but the entire community. The support for the basketball program has grown tremendously, fostering a renewed sense of pride among students and alumni alike.

The Road Ahead for Aiken High School

The news of Black’s retirement has led to deep reflections from athletic director Paul Brownfield, who expressed that Black’s absence will be widely felt throughout the basketball program and the athletic department as a whole. The school currently has no immediate plans for an interim coach and will be posting the coaching position on the Cincinnati Public Schools website in the near future.

As Cincinnati bids a fond farewell to Coach Derrell Black, his impact on Aiken High School will surely be remembered for years to come. His passion for the game, commitment to his players, and dedication to fostering community spirit have made a lasting difference in the lives of many. Here’s hoping that this amazing coach will continue to inspire even beyond the court.

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