Top 2025 Playmakers in Kentucky to Watch
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After an exciting season of high school hoops action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the most impressive standouts from the court last year. After breaking down some of the top returning playmakers in…
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Continue ReadingAfter an exciting season of high school hoops action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the most impressive standouts from the court last year. After breaking down some of the top returning playmakers in the class of 2024, it’s time to highlight several intriguing incoming juniors that also established themselves on the floor last season. Without any further ado, here’s my list of the top 2025 playmakers in Kentucky to watch for in the 2023-24 campaign.
At the top of my list of notable performers is Malachi Moreno Malachi Moreno 6'11" | C Great Crossing | 2025 State #21 Nation KY , a 6-foot-11 center at Great Crossing High School. Moreno was highly explosive for the Warhawks during his sophomore campaign of high school hoops last season. In 34 contests, Moreno was the team’s second-best scorer and rebounder, recording a total of 504 points and 387 rebounds, averaging 14.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Georgetown, KY. additionally shot 64.9% from the field, 16.7% from range and 60.7% from the free throw line. What stands out about Moreno is his size, speed and ability to muscle his way to the rim. I also like how Moreno utilizes his height, wingspan and versatility in the paint.
Another high-level prospect to keep an eye on is EJ Walker EJ Walker 6'8" | PF Lloyd Memorial | 2025 State #116 Nation KY , a 6-foot-7 power forward at Lloyd Memorial High School. Walker made his presence known on the court during his sophomore season with the Juggernauts last year. In 29 games, Walker was the second-strongest scoring weapon as well as the top rebounder on the team, collecting a grand 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% from field goal range, 38.2% from the three-point line and 71.0% from the free throw line. With outstanding athleticism, Walker is a dangerous player to leave open both along the perimeter and in the paint as he can pull up for a long-range jumper and drive to the rim.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is Zander Carter Zander Carter 6'6" | SG Ashland Blazer | 2025 State #296 Nation KY , a 6-foot-6 shooting guard at Ashland Blazer High School. Carter made a considerable impact for the Tomcats during his sophomore stint of high school hoops. In 35 contests, Carter was the top scoring machine and rebounder on the team, picking up 776 points and 212 rebounds, averaging 22.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Ashland, KY. additionally shot 50.0% from the floor, 39.0% from beyond the arc and 78.3% from the free throw line. Carter impresses with his ability to quickly blast past the defense in the paint and make layups. Carter also contributes excellent physicality, strong ball control and quickness in transition.
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I am also impressed with Maddox Huff Maddox Huff 6'3" | PG Harlan County | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-3 point guard at Harlan County High School. Huff made a significant difference on the floor for the Black Bears during his sophomore campaign of high school basketball last season. In 31 games, Huff was the second-best scorer and rebounder on the team, recording a total of 524 points and 147 rebounds, averaging 16.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Baxter, KY. additionally shot 42.6% from the field, 27.1% from behind the three-point line and 67.8% from the free throw line. On top of great size and speed, what stands out about Huff is his ability to overwhelm the opposition with his solid footwork and explosive shooting from around the perimeter.
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Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is Sawyer Thompson Sawyer Thompson 6'2" | CG Pineville | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-2 combo guard at Pineville High School. Thompson made a name for himself on the court during his sophomore season with the Mountain Lions. In 28 contests, Thompson was the best scoring weapon and the third-best rebounder on the roster, picking up a total of 636 points and 130 rebounds, averaging 22.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. The rising junior out of Pineville, KY. additionally shot 49.5% from field goal range, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 77.9% from the free throw line. With impressive size, speed and strong ball control, Thompson was difficult to contain and caught my eye with his jumpshot and accurate shooting from range.