Bluegrass State Standouts: Top 2025 Power Forwards

After an exciting season of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State last year, it's time to look back at some of the most impressive talents on both sides of the floor. Today, we will be continuing my "Bluegrass State Standouts" series as we evaluate a new position and a new list of talented prospects that are set to return to the court next season. After breaking down the top 2025 centers in the state, here's my list of the top 2025 power forwards in Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.    At the top of my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='1252216' first='EJ' last='Walker'], a 6-foot-7 power forward at Lloyd Memorial High School. Walker was one of the most explosive weapons on the Juggernauts' roster during his sophomore stint of high school basketball last year. In 29 contests, Walker was the second-best scoring weapon and the top rebounding machine on Lloyd Memorial's team, picking up a total of 409 points and 243 rebounds, averaging 14.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Erlanger, KY. additionally shot 56.8% (150-264) from field goal range, 38.2% (21-55) from beyond the arc and 71.0% (88-124) from the free throw line. What stands out about Walker is his size, speed and versatility, showcasing excellent ball movement, smart passing and strong shooting.    At close second place on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1212935' first='Jordan' last='Mabe'], a 6-foot-8 power forward at South Laurel High School. Mabe made a huge impact on both sides of the court for the Cardinals during his sophomore season of high school basketball last year. In 33 games, Mabe was the top scorer and rebounder on South Laurel's roster, collecting a total of 476 points and 225 rebounds, averaging 14.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of London, KY. additionally shot 58.8% (174-296) from field goal range, 24.1% (7-29) from the three-point line and 72.0% (121-168) from the free throw line. With great size, speed and versatility on both sides of the floor, Mabe was a solid all-around player, ensuring success to the team with impressive ball movement, smart passing and strong shooting.    In third place is [player_tooltip player_id='1479265' first='Lawson' last='Rice'], a 6-foot-6 power forward at Butler County High School. Rice was one of the most efficient players on the Bears' roster during his sophomore stint of high school basketball last year. In 32 games, Rice was the second-best scoring weapon and the top rebounder on Butler County's team, picking up 580 points and 361 rebounds, averaging 18.1 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Morgantown, KY. additionally shot 57.6% (223-387) from the field, 24.2% (8-33) from behind the three-point line and 78.8% (126-160) from the free throw line. In addition to excellent size, speed and strength on the court, Rice exhibits impressive ball movement, passing, shooting and a commanding rebounding effort.    Finishing at number four on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='1512908' first='Trevor' last='Ellis'], a 6-foot-5 power forward at Mercer County High School. Ellis was an explosive weapon for the Titans on both sides of the floor during his sophomore stint of high school basketball last year. In 32 contests, Ellis was the top scoring machine and the most efficient rebounder on Mercer County's roster, collecting a grand total of 544 points and 296 rebounds, averaging 17.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Harrodsburg, KY. additionally shot 69.1% (215-311) from the field, 52.9% (9-17) from beyond the arc and 61.0% (105-172) from the free throw line. In addition to excellent size, speed and physicality on both sides of the floor, Ellis showcased solid ball movement, passing, shooting and a strong rebounding performance.    Claiming the fifth place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1288939' first='Mattox' last='Kelly'], a 6-foot-5 power forward at Beechwood High School. Kelly was a gamechanger on both sides of the court for the Tigers during his sophomore season of high school basketball last year. In 28 games, Kelly was one of the most efficient scorers and rebounders on Beechwood's roster, recording a total of 187 points and 130 rebounds, averaging 6.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Fort Mitchell, KY. additionally shot 45.3% (72-159) from field goal range, 39.3% (11-28) from three-point range and 68.1% (32-47) from the free throw line. In addition to solid size and speed, what stands out about Kelly is his conistency from the paint and his ability to drive to the rim. Kelly also exhibits great ball control, passing, shooting from range and rebounding.

After an exciting season of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State last year, it's time to look back at some of the most impressive talents on both sides of the floor. Today, we will be continuing my "Bluegrass State Standouts" series as we evaluate a new position and a new list of talented prospects that are set to return to the court next season. After breaking down the top 2025 centers in the state, here's my list of the top 2025 power forwards in Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.