Malachi Moreno, a UK freshman, wins the title of 2025 Mr. Kentucky Basketball, demonstrating his dominance and promising future in collegiate basketball.
Malachi Moreno, the 6′11″ center from Great Crossings High in Georgetown, KY, has asserted himself as one of the state’s—and country’s—most dominant high school basketball players. His resume from the 2024–25 season is jaw-dropping:
Averaged ~21.5 points, ~14.8 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, and 3.5 assists per game, shooting over 72 % from the fieldTallied 37 double-doubles in 39 games, including multiple 20+ points and 18+ rebounds—truly elite consistencyDelivered a monster performance (24 pts, 15 rebs, 3 blocks) in the state championship game at Rupp Arena, guiding Great Crossings to its inaugural title (A
Notably, he also recorded a triple‑double (21 pts, 12 rebs, 10 blocks) en route to the Sweet 16 Awards followed:
Recognized as Kentucky Mr. Basketball for 2025, voted by Kentucky coach/media awards committee (
Named Kentucky MaxPreps Player of the Year, cementing his status as top-tier across the state ).
Earned Tournament MVP honors after the state title and was also selected for the McDonald’s All‑American Game, making him only the sixth homegrown player invited deeply. As he put it, “It was the place that built me and made me who I was”—showing his pride in representing home turf at elite showcases like the Nike Hoop Summit, McDonald’s All-American Game, USA U19 camp, and more
Malachi’s ascent continues a strong tradition of homegrown talent at Kentucky:
He follows in the footsteps of Reed Sheppard (2023) and Travis Perry (2024)—two back‑to‑back state champs and Mr. Basketball winners who also signed with UK
- With his win, Kentucky leads with 22 Mr. Basketball winners, the most of any college
His older brother Michael Moreno was a standout at Eastern Kentucky, leaving his own mark—and Malachi clearly drew inspiration from his example (
Moreno officially signed with Kentucky in the early signing period and was widely seen as the state’s top 4-star recruit (No. 3 center nationally)
Coach Mark Pope praised him as “an elite-level passer with incredible tracking vision…a ferocity around the rim…willing to engage physically,” and predicted he’ll evolve into an elite shooter
By June, Malachi had moved into the Wildcats’ dorm, ready to chase Kentucky’s ninth national championship
He’s already showing flashes in summer practice—like the full-court buzzer-beater while wearing unreleased Kobe 8 “Venice Beach” sneakers
Strengths:
- Size & athleticism: 6′11″ frame, mobile, high
IQ, capable of stretching defenses - Versatility: can pass, rebound, protect the rim, score inside, and step out .
- Elite production and dominance in high-pressure games .
Areas to Watch:
- Some scouts note he can be “pushed around” in the post and need to add bulk .
- Perimeter shooting is still developing, but Kentucky believes in his potentia
Winning Mr. Kentucky Basketball is a statewide recognition of being the best player—voted by coaches, media, and past legends. It’s a launchpad often leading to college stardom and even NBA potential.
- It cements Malachi’s legacy after a season averaging extraordinary double-doubles, dominating key games, and stacking awards
- It ties him to a prestigious lineage of Kentucky winners who thrived—Reed Sheppard, Travis Perry, even earlier stars like Anthony Davis & Kevin Durant (previous McDonald’s All-Americans from Kentucky)
Malachi’s transition to college will involve adapting to:
- Strength training: physicality matters in the SEC and beyond.
- Expanding his offensive range: shooting and spacing are key in Pope’s system.
- High-level competition: face bigger, faster, smarter opponents every night.
But his summer work—camp invites, national exposure, elite practice reps—show he’s off to a strong start .
UK fans are already buzzing. Reddit reactions are mostly upbeat:
Malachi Moreno’s high school journey reached its pinnacle in spring 2025:
- Trophy cabinet additions: state championship, Tournament MVP, Mr. Basketball, MaxPreps POY, McDonald’s All-American invite, Nike Hoop Summit invite, USA U19 camp selection, record-setting stats
- Kentucky commitment: continued local legacy, joining a lineage of state icons
- Early signs in college: buzzer-beaters, summer camp success, integration into Pope’s system
Malachi Moreno’s Mr. Kentucky win wasn’t just another title—it was the culmination of elite work, relentless production, and Kentucky pride. It positions him as a flagship recruit for Coach Pope and a centerpiece for UK’s 2025–26 hopes.
His built-in college-ready skillset—plus room to grow—makes him an exciting player to watch. It wasn’t a fluke; it was proof he’s ready for the biggest stage.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into his prospects in the SEC, comparisons to past UK big men, or projections for his draft stock.
