Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2024-25 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
For the season, Moreno averaged 21.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, 3.6 blocked shots and 3.5 assists per contest while shooting 72.1 percent from the field.
Top 30 Kentucky signee Malachi Moreno tallied 21.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, 3.6 blocks and 3.5 assists per contest to guide Great Crossing to its first state title. (Photo: Eugene Alonzo)
In a 71-61 victory over Bowling Green in the state final, Moreno pumped in 24 points, 15 rebounds and three blocked shots while shooting 10 of 11 from the field.
Moreno piled up 37 double-doubles in 39 games and had 20 or more points and 18 or more rebounds in the same game on eight different occasions this season.
Regarded as the No. 27 prospect in the Class of 2025 according to
247Sports, Moreno signed with Kentucky over offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, Michigan, North Carolina, Purdue, Tennessee and USC among others.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released April 8. Past selections include 2023-24 All-NBA picks Devin Booker (2014), Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019) and Jayson Tatum (2014, 2015, 2016).
Past Kentucky MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – J.J. Traynor, Bardstown
2020-21 – Sam Vinson, Highlands (Fort Thomas)
2021-22 – Reed Sheppard, North Laurel (London)
2022-23 – Travis Perry, Lyon County (Eddyville)
2023-24 – Travis Perry, Lyon County
