Malachi Moreno Closes High School Career in Style

Malachi Moreno Closes High School Career in Style — All Eyes Now on Banner No. 9 at Kentucky

Malachi Moreno gave Big Blue Nation one more reason to get fired up about the future of Kentucky basketball.

On Friday night, the towering 7-footer wrapped up his decorated high school career with a performance that cemented his status as one of the most dominant big men in the state and perhaps the country. Suiting up for the Kentucky All-Stars in the prestigious annual Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Game at Lexington Catholic High School, Moreno dropped a monster 22-point, 14-rebound, 4-block, 3-steal double-double that earned him MVP honors despite a 98–89 loss to the Indiana squad.

It was the perfect farewell for the Great Crossing High School graduate, who now officially turns the page to his next chapter as a Kentucky Wildcat with Banner No. 9 firmly on his mind.

A Statement Performance Before Lexington’s Bright Lights

Moreno looked every bit the future SEC force that Kentucky fans are hoping for. He shot 7-of-12 from the field, 7-of-8 from the free throw line, and even knocked down his only three-point attempt, showcasing the all-around game that has excited scouts and coaches across the country.

By halftime, the state’s Mr. Basketball already had 10 points and nine rebounds, controlling the glass and defending the rim with poise well beyond his years. Though Indiana took over late, behind 24 points from UConn commit Braylon Mullins (a former UK target), Moreno’s impact was undeniable throughout all 39 minutes he played.

Joining Moreno in the 20-point club was his high school teammate and fellow state champion Vince Dawson, a Morehead State commit who added 21 points and seven boards. Together, they led Great Crossing to its first-ever KHSAA state championship earlier this year  and together they closed their prep careers on one last high note.

Kentucky Teammates Already Showing Support

While Moreno was putting on a show in his hometown, a handful of his future Kentucky teammates were courtside to cheer him on  a powerful sign of the chemistry Mark Pope is already fostering in Lexington. Just one day earlier, Moreno had moved into his new home on UK’s campus, signaling the beginning of his college career and Kentucky’s new era under Pope’s leadership.

Though he chose to skip the second leg of the All-Star series in Indiana on Saturday, it’s clear his focus is now fully locked on Lexington and the mission ahead.

Eyes on the Prize: Banner No. 9

As talented freshmen like Moreno join returning leaders such as Brandon Garrison and incoming transfers from across the country, the pieces are coming together for what could be a special run in the Bluegrass.

The buzz around Lexington isn’t just about individual performances  it’s about a collective belief. A new culture. A new standard. And maybe, just maybe, the long-awaited Banner No. 9 finally becoming reality.

Malachi Moreno is ready. Big Blue Nation is ready. Let the new era begin.