WAVERLY, Ohio — For the first time in more than five decades, the Waverly boys’ basketball team qualified to play in the final four of the OHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament.

With about 43,000 residents, Waverly is the biggest town in Pike County, and there's only one team its residents cheer for — the Tigers.

“To know the whole community is behind us it’s special,” said Trey Robertson, a senior guard for Waverly. 

The team’s excitement is high as it heads to Dayton to play in the final four for the first time in 52 years. 

“Coming back from beating Heath, we were like ‘We’re in the hall of fame and we’re not stopping here,’” said Robertson.

He said the team’s chemistry is part of what got it as far as it’s come in the tournament.

“We've all been together since we’ve been in third grade playing basketball together,” said Robertson.

Robertson’s father, Travis, has been the team's coach for the last 15 years.

“These guys have earned it and deserve it, you know, they've been after this game for a long time,” said Travis Robertson, who is also the principal at Waverly Primary School.

The entire city found ways to be decked out and show its Tiger pride. 

“The love and the support that’s came out of the community, and the surrounding community, it’s been unbelievable,” said Travis Robertson. 

But Trey Robertson said there’s still more work to do, and his team is ready to play their hearts out at UD Arena. 

“We may not be the most talented team, but we’re going to play hard for all 32 minutes and we’re going to dive on every loose ball, every 50/50 ball is going to be ours,” said Trey Robertson.

Waverly plays Gilmour Academy on Friday at 8:30 p.m.​