Campbell County High School Boy’s Basketball team members were honored by the Campbell County Fiscal Court Wednesday for their achievements in the 2022-2023 season.
Coach Aric Russell and players Jake Gross and Aydan Hamilton were presented with awards on behalf of the county for the individual accomplishments that took them to the 10th Region semifinals.
Russell, who is retiring after 25 years of coaching basketball at Newport High School and Campbell County High School, has the most wins as a coach in Campbell County boy’s program history with 284. His career total of 459 wins is the third most in Northern Kentucky basketball history.
During his coaching career, Russell led teams to a Final Four appearance, four regional titles, and 11 district titles.
“The Campbell County fiscal court is honored to have you here today to offer our commendation and gratitude for a long career and service to the youth of our community and a pretty excellent performance and lifetime achievement,” Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery said.
Hamilton began his career with the Camel’s basketball team in eighth grade when he started for the junior varsity team. He is a four-year varsity starter, a four-year all-district team member, and spent four years on the all-region team.
He also broke the Campbell County boy’s all-time scoring record and was named the 37th District most valuable player and the 10th region Coaches Player of the Year. He is also a three-year recipient of the Northern Kentucky Coaches Association Division One team honor.
Hamilton is headed to the University of Kentucky on a baseball scholarship in the fall.
Senior Jake Gross was honored for his achievement in entering the 1,000-point scoring club this season.
“Aydan came in as an eighth grader playing with sophomores on the JV team. He’s got a lot of minutes through the years, and we’re going to miss him. He did a lot for us. Jake, shooter, gym rat, does so many good things…” Russell told LINK nky in March after the 10th Region semifinals.
The Camels finished their season at 22-12 in the 10th Region semifinals.
“I actually remember when I was in high school, although it’s been a while, and I looked up to people like you literally and figuratively,” Pendery said. “So very impressive.”
