A tradition as old as time made its annual appearance on Sunday night, giving out a state honor that’s recognized across the country. In a state that’s storied with a rich history of high school basketball, just a handful of days before it embarks on the journey of crowning a state title to a single program, it had to crown its own top player that’s performing at the highest level on a nightly basis, in a fashion known as the the KY Mr. Basketball award.

Over 120 counties, hundreds of high schools, and thousands of players, it would all come down to one winner on the men’s side. On March 16th, the votes came flooding in from the coaches across the state, select media members, and from former recipients, choosing who they believed was deserving enough for the honor. Counting votes and choosing from great choices that came in the top finalists of the poll, it would result in Great Crossing’s senior forward, Malachi Moreno, taking home the award and being named the 2025 Mr. Basketball for the state of Kentucky.

“It means a lot. I’m very blessed and grateful to receive such a prestigious award. It will definitely be one night to remember,” said Malachi to Cats Coverage.

Just days after winning the 11th Region Title, Malachi Moreno is averaging a stat line of 21.5 points, 14.8 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, and 3.5 assists, showcasing why he’s the most superior talent in the entire state. His efforts are helping send the Warhawks to back-to-back KHSAA Sweet Sixteen appearances, looking to hopefully end his high school career with a state title. Great Crossing will begin their state title run against Daviess County on March 27.

After high school basketball is over for the 7-foot-1 star, it’s onto Lexington to play for the University of Kentucky and Mark Pope. After receiving an offer back in October 2023 from John Calipari, that offer would remain active through the coaching change to Mark Pope, going on 7 total (official and unofficial) visits and committing to the program just under 11 months later, becoming the first official commitment in the Pope era.

“Growing up in Kentucky, you always wanted to put on that Kentucky uniform. Just being able to go there and wear ‘Kentucky’ across my chest means the world to me,” said Malachi Moreno on August 16, 2024 during his public commitment to UK. He would make things become official with pen to paper on November 13th.

Malachi now starts a streak of 3-straight KY Mr. Basketball award winners to stay home and play for the Kentucky Wildcats, continuing from Reed Sheppard (2023) and Travis Perry (2024). One of those previous winners led his team to a state title, and one fell just short. Now Malachi gets a shot to lead his team to one at the end of the month.

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