Bluegrass State Standouts: Top 2025 Shooting Forwards
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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 top performers on both sides of the floor. Today, we will be continuing my “Bluegrass State…
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Continue ReadingAfter an exciting season of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State last year, it’s time to look back at some of the top performers on both sides of the floor. Today, we will be continuing my “Bluegrass State Standouts” series as we continue to evaluate some of the most impressive rising junior stars in the state. After breaking down some of the best power forward prospects, it’s time to look at some of the most impressive shooting forwards. Here’s my list of the top 2025 shooting forwards in Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.
At the top of the list of standouts is Julius Edmonds Julius Edmonds 6'6" | SF Trinity | 2025 State #253 Nation KY , a 6-foot-6 shooting forward at Western High School. Edmonds was an explosive weapon for the Warriors during his sophomore stint of high school basketball last year. In 27 contests, Edmonds was the second-best scorer and rebounder on Western’s roster, collecting a total of 312 points and 226 rebounds, averaging 11.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Louisville, KY. additionally shot 55.3% (125-226) from the field, 31.6% (6-19) from beyond the arc and 57.7% (56-97) from the free throw line. In addition to excellent size and speed, Edmonds impresses me with his explosiveness, strong ball control, durability in the paint and effort to muscle his way to the ball for second-chance opportunities.
Finishing in the number two spot on the list is Isaiah Cochran Isaiah Cochran 6'6" | SF Adair County | 2025 State #383 Nation KY , a 6-foot-6 shooting forward at Collins High School. Cochran was a huge difference maker for the Titans during his sophomore season of high school basketball last year. In 33 games, Cochran was the second-strongest scoring machine and rebounder on Collins’ roster, picking up a total of 371 points and 171 rebounds, averaging 11.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Shelbyville, KY. additionally shot 45.2% (150-332) from field goal range, 23.4% (18-77) from three-point range and 63.1% (53-84) from the free throw line. With solid size, speed and versatility on both sides of the court, Cochran showcased excellent ball control, smart passing, solid shooting from both down low and from the top of the key and a strong rebounding effort.
In the number three spot on the list of standouts is Hayden Blakeman Hayden Blakeman 6'5" | SF Green County | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-5 shooting forward from Green County High School. Blakeman was without question one of the most significant players on the floor for the Dragons during his sophomore stint of high school basketball last year. In 31 games, Blakeman was Green County’s best scorer and rebounder, recording a grand total of 599 points and 202 rebounds, averaging 19.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Greensburg, KY. additionally shot 51.4% (235-457) from the field, 26.0% (20-77) from beyond the arc and 73.2% (109-149) from the free throw line. With excellent size, speed and toughness on both sides of the court, Blakeman contributed valuable and impactful minutes last season, showing off his decision-making ability as well as his scoring and rebounding capabilities.
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Claiming the fourth place spot on this list of standouts is Elijah Walton Elijah Walton 6'5" | SF University Heights | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-5 shooting forward at University Heights Academy. Walton was one of the most explosive weapons on both sides of the floor for the Blazers’ roster during his sophomore season of high school basketball last year. In 25 contests, Walton was the second-best scorer and the top rebounder on University Height’s team, picking up 243 points and 152 rebounds, averaging 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Hopkinsville, KY. additionally shot 59.0% (105-178) from field goal range, 50.0% (7-14) from behind the three-point line and 70.3% (26-37) from the free throw line. In addition to solid size and speed, Walton impresses me with his overall toughness and ability to play physical basketball, showing off his ability to bully defenders underneath the rim and consistently grab rebounds.
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At number five on the list is Jonah Butler Jonah Butler 6'6" | SF Calloway County | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-6 shooting forward at Calloway County High School. Butler made a massive impact on both sides of the court for the Lakers during his sophomore stint of high school basketball last year. In 31 games, Jonah was the second-best scorer and the best rebounder on Calloway County’s roster, recording a grand total of 376 points and 310 rebounds, averaging 12.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Murray, KY. additionally shot 49.6% (141-284) from the field, 28.9% (28-97) from three-point range and 67.3% (66-98) from the free throw line. In addition to excellent size, speed and versatility, Butler impressed me with his quick decision-making, ability to break free of defenders down the court, his explosiveness at the rim and his consistent rebounding effort.