stranded

If facing off against their long time rival Lawrenceburg in the opening round of 3A Sectional play wasn't enough of a problem for the South Dearborn Knights, then consider this - Ohio River flooding has shut down the main access road to their school and school itself.  As necessity is often the mother of invention, going old school may be the answer to their tourney prep dilemma.  Past the flooded playgrounds on US 50 and housed within the confines of the Aurora Recreation Community Center is what remains of the old Aurora High School, built in 1938, and a hardwood court available for practice.  Although the original Red Devil gym vanished years ago, the current facility is only yards from decades of basketball glory - 23 Sectional titles starting in 1925 and ending with consolidation (into South Dearborn) in 1978.  The 1976-77 team was a great one, ending their tourney run in the final 8, but the 1953-54 squad holds a special place in local history as one of only two teams to defeat the Milan Indians during their championship season. Who knows, maybe some of that tournament magic still lives within the walls of the old building and this team from Aurora can bring home a banner of their own. © Chris Smith