The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame voted to induct the 1955 Crispus Attucks High School Basketball Team, as a team, on March 23, 2005.  The social significance and impact that resulted from their accomplishment echoed around the State of Indiana and across the nation.  The Tigers state basketball championship marked the first time an African American school won an open state tournament anywhere in the nation.

In 1942 black and parochial schools were finally admitted membership in the IHSAA, which meant such school could participate in the state tournaments.  It was quickly learned that it was difficult for Crispus Attucks to build a regular schedule because many schools would not play them.  the school was built in 1927 with a combination of stage/gymnasium with a seating capacity of 800 spectators.  Therefore, it was necessary to play all road games. 

The legendary Ray Crowe became head basketball coach in 1950 and installed a more aggressive style of play and faster paced game for the team.  He was known as a disciplinarian and he set the standards high for his players both academically and athletically.  Good sportsmanship was demanded of every player and each team performed like a synchronized watch.  The standard of excellence continued to rise with nearly every succeeding season until the ultimate goal was achieved in 1955, a state basketball championship.

The 1954-1955 Crispus Attucks team breezed through the season with a 30-1 record.  The team learned the geography of the state, as the school played games against teams from Terre Haute, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Michigan City, Hammond, Mishawaka, Bloomington, Connersville and elsewhere in the Hoosier State.

Crispus Attucks High School became the first school from Indianapolis to win the state basketball crown.  The achievement of the team was phenomenal given the beginning of the school and relatively short time the school had participated in the state tournament.  the success of the Attucks team began to melt separatist walls all over the city and increase the level of understanding and appreciation of African Americans in all walks of life.

The 1955 Flying Tigers will always be number ONE.