In the hallowed halls of Kentucky high school basketball, the Class of 2025 is poised to ignite the hardwood with an electrifying blend of talent and athleticism. From the towering forwards to the lightning-fast guards, these young stars are ready to etch their names into the annals of Kentucky basketball lore. With a plethora of prospects vying for attention, the rankings for this exceptional class are highly anticipated, promising to showcase the future faces of the sport in the Bluegrass State.
Leading the charge is a trio of elite playmakers: point guard Tyler McKinley, shooting guard Nolan Hickman Jr., and power forward Luke Montgomery. McKinley, a lightning-fast floor general with uncanny court vision, orchestrates his team’s offense with precision, threading the needle with pinpoint passes and setting up his teammates for easy buckets. Hickman Jr., a sharpshooting marksman with a smooth release, torments opponents from beyond the arc, raining down three-pointers with remarkable consistency. Montgomery, a physically imposing force in the paint, dominates the boards with his relentless rebounding and high-flying dunks, leaving defenders in his wake.
Beyond these top-tier prospects, the Class of 2025 boasts a deep and talented pool of players who will undoubtedly make their mark on the hardwood. Among them are Brandon Miller, a versatile wing with a crafty handle and explosive athleticism; Lance Ware, a long and lanky forward with a knack for shot-blocking; and Shemar Stewart, a shifty guard with a knack for creating scoring opportunities. As these young stars continue to hone their skills, the stage is set for an unforgettable season of Kentucky high school basketball, filled with unforgettable moments and the emergence of the next generation of hoops legends.
Top-Tier Prospects: Elite Players to Watch
The Dynamic Duo: Cason Wallace and Reed Sheppard
Cason Wallace, a 6’4″ point guard from John Hardin High School, reigns supreme as the top-ranked prospect in the Kentucky high school class of 2025. His exceptional court vision, athleticism, and defensive prowess have earned him a national reputation. Wallace is a master of orchestrating offenses, threading the needle with pinpoint passes that create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Moreover, his relentless defensive efforts disrupt opponents’ game plans and force turnovers.
Alongside Wallace is Reed Sheppard, a 6’3″ shooting guard from Scott County High School, who ranks second in the state. Sheppard boasts a silky-smooth jump shot, draining threes with ease and consistency. His quick release and impeccable shooting mechanics make him a constant threat from beyond the arc. Furthermore, Sheppard possesses a high basketball IQ, reading defenses and anticipating play developments with remarkable precision.
Wallace and Sheppard form an unstoppable tandem, showcasing a rare combination of ball-handling skills, shooting prowess, and defensive tenacity. Their dominance on the court has made them coveted targets for top Division I programs across the nation.
Rising Stars: Players on the Verge of Stardom
Kentucky’s high school basketball scene is brimming with talent, and the class of 2025 boasts a crop of rising stars who are poised to make a splash. These exceptional athletes are already displaying incredible skill and poise on the court, and they have the potential to become future stars at the collegiate and professional levels.
Top 2 Prospects: A Deeper Dive
While the entire class of 2025 is brimming with potential, two players stand out as the top prospects in the state:
| Player | Position | Height | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron Dunn | Guard | 6’4″ | Louisville |
| A.J. Glass | Forward | 6’9″ | Henderson |
Cameron Dunn is a highly skilled guard with a lightning-fast first step and exceptional court vision. He is an adept scorer from both inside and outside the paint, and he also possesses strong rebounding and defensive abilities.
A.J. Glass is a towering forward with an uncanny ability to score in the post. He possesses excellent footwork, soft touch, and a relentless motor. Glass is also a solid rebounder and shot-blocker, making him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court.
Kentucky’s Next Generation: Breakout Candidates
Top Prospects to Watch
Kaleb Glenn, a 6’5″ forward from Bowling Green, leads the pack as the top-ranked 2025 prospect in Kentucky. His impressive athleticism, ball-handling skills, and court vision make him a highly sought-after recruit. James Jewell, a 6’8″ center from Boyd County, stands as Kentucky’s second-best prospect. His size, inside presence, and rebounding prowess have schools nationwide taking notice.
Rising Stars
Among the rising stars in the 2025 class is Luke Wells, a 6’0″ guard from Scott County. His quickness, dribbling ability, and clutch shooting make him a dangerous offensive threat. Cooper Watts, a 6’1″ guard from Henry County, has also caught the attention of several college coaches. His versatility, hustle, and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset on the court.
Hidden Gems to Watch
With a deep and talented pool of prospects, Kentucky’s 2025 class is brimming with hidden gems waiting to break out. Here are some players to keep an eye on:
| Player | Position | Height | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braylon Bruner | Guard | 6’2″ | Elizabethtown |
| Elijah Ellis | Forward | 6’6″ | Barren County |
| Isaiah Hughey | Guard | 5’11” | Ballard |
| Braxton McCardle | Center | 6’9″ | North Laurel |
| Ben Moore | Guard | 6’3″ | Central Hardin |
These players possess the talent and potential to become major contributors for their respective teams and potentially earn scholarships to top college programs. As the 2025 season approaches, it will be exciting to witness the emergence of these hidden gems and their impact on the Kentucky high school basketball landscape.
Under-the-Radar Gems: Hidden Talented Players
The Kentucky high school basketball scene is brimming with exceptional talent, with many players already garnering attention from college scouts. However, there are a handful of under-the-radar gems who may not be as well-known but possess the skill and potential to make a significant impact in the years to come.
Rising Stock: Talented Rookies with Room to Grow
This group of players has already caught the eye of some scouts with their impressive performances on the AAU and high school circuits. With continued development and experience, they have the potential to rise to the top of their class and become nationally renowned prospects.
Unveiling Underrated Talent: Seniors Looking to Break Out
These senior players have consistently performed at a high level throughout their high school careers but have yet to receive the widespread recognition they deserve. They possess a unique combination of skills, size, and experience that could make them valuable assets to college programs looking for hidden gems.
Elite Potential: Sophomores on the Cusp of Stardom
These sophomore players have exhibited extraordinary talent and athleticism at an early age. They are already considered among the top prospects in their class and have the potential to become future stars at the collegiate and professional levels. Here’s a detailed look at one of these exceptional players:
| Player | School | Position | Height | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | St. Xavier High School | Point Guard | 6’2″ | 15.0 PPG, 7.0 APG, 3.0 SPG |
John Doe is a highly skilled and versatile point guard with exceptional court vision and passing ability. He has a knack for creating scoring opportunities for his teammates and is also a solid defender. Doe is expected to have a breakout season as a sophomore and could be one of the most sought-after recruits in his class.
Recruits in Focus: Top Targets for College Programs
College basketball programs across the country are eagerly eyeing the top prospects in the 2025 Kentucky high school basketball class. Here are the recruits who are generating the most buzz and interest among scouts and coaches:
Top 5 Targets with Detailed Profiles:
5. Malaki Thomas
The 6’5″ guard from Bishop Walsh School is a versatile threat who excels at both ends of the court. Thomas is a gifted scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create for others. He is also a tenacious defender who uses his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents. Thomas has received offers from several high-profile schools, including Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
| Player | Position | Height | Weight | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaki Thomas | Guard | 6’5″ | 170 lbs | Bishop Walsh School |
Thomas is a player with immense potential and a high ceiling. He has all the tools to become a star at the collegiate level and beyond. College coaches are eager to secure his commitment, knowing that he could be a game-changer for their programs.
Skill Development Standouts: Players with Exceptional Abilities
Within the elite ranks of Kentucky high school basketball, several players have distinguished themselves as standout performers with exceptional skill development. These athletes possess an uncanny ability to execute advanced basketball techniques, demonstrating a remarkable combination of athleticism, coordination, and game intelligence.
Number 6: [Player Name]
[Player Name] has emerged as one of Kentucky’s most promising young talents. Standing at [Height] and weighing [Weight], he combines an explosive athletic frame with an incredibly polished skill set. His exceptional ball-handling abilities allow him to create separation from defenders and generate scoring opportunities with effortless ease. [Player Name] also boasts a deadly shot, with his smooth stroke and high release point making him a threat from anywhere on the court. Furthermore, his quick reflexes and court awareness enable him to anticipate and execute passes with pinpoint accuracy, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Despite his burgeoning reputation, [Player Name] remains grounded and driven. He credits his success to countless hours of dedicated practice, studying game film, and seeking guidance from experienced coaches. His unwavering commitment to skill development has already propelled him to the top echelon of Kentucky high school basketball, and he has the potential to become one of the nation’s premier prospects in the coming years.
| Player Name | Height | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Player Name] | [Height] | [Weight] | Guard |
Defensive Enforcers: Elite Defenders to Look Out For
7. Jordan Moore (Union County)
At 6’3″, Jordan Moore is an imposing presence on the court. His exceptional athleticism and impeccable footwork allow him to stay in front of even the quickest guards. Moore’s relentless intensity and physicality make him a nightmare for opponents to handle. He excels at disrupting passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and swatting away shots with ease. He is a key cog in Union County’s formidable defense, which has been among the stingiest in the state throughout his high school career. Moore’s exceptional defensive prowess has not gone unnoticed, and he has received widespread recognition and accolades for his contributions. In the 2023-24 season, he was named to the All-Region Defensive Team and received honorable mention All-State honors. Moore’s defensive prowess is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to his craft. He is a true defensive enforcer who makes a significant impact on every game he plays.
| Year | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | All-Region Defensive Team Honorable Mention All-State |
All-Around Dominators: Players with a Complete Game
These players possess an exceptional blend of skills, including scoring ability, rebounding prowess, ball-handling capability, and defensive intensity. They can impact the game in multiple ways and are true triple-threats.
Notable Players:
| Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|
| Elijah Reed | Point Guard | Somerset |
| Cortez Stone | Shooting Guard | Collins |
| Jackson Smith | Small Forward | Bellarmine |
| Caleb Banks | Power Forward | Mayfield |
| T.J. Johnson | Center | Paducah Tilghman |
No. 8: Elias Woods, Scott County
Elias Woods is a 6’4″ small forward with an impressive skillset. He is a versatile scorer with a soft touch around the rim and a reliable jump shot. Additionally, Woods is a strong rebounder and an active defender who can guard multiple positions.
Woods played a key role in Scott County’s run to the Sweet 16 in the 2023 state tournament. He averaged 18.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game during the season.
Woods is expected to be a major contributor for Scott County during the 2025 season. With his all-around abilities, he has the potential to be one of the top players in the state and lead his team to another successful season.
Physical Specimens: Players with Athleticism and Height
Athleticism, Upswing, and Bounce
These players possess exceptional athleticism, including vertical leap, quickness, and agility. They can easily elevate for dunks, rebounds, and blocks.
Elite Size and Length
Players with above-average height and wingspan have an advantage in rebounding, defense, and shot-blocking. Their length allows them to contest shots and disrupt opponents.
Bounce and Upswing
Players with the ability to jump off two feet and quickly elevate for dunks, rebounds, and blocks are considered elite athletes with high jumping ability.
Height and Length
Players who stand tall with impressive wingspans dominate on the court. They can reach over opponents for rebounds and alter shots, making them formidable defensive presences.
Number 9.
This 6’8″ forward/center from Covington Catholic is a force to be reckoned with. With his exceptional length and athleticism, he dominates the paint on both ends of the court. His ability to block shots, rebound, and finish at the rim makes him a nightmare for opponents. He has received offers from several top Division I programs and is projected as a future NBA prospect.
| School | Height | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Covington Catholic | 6’8 | Forward/Center |
Future NBA Prospects: Players with Elite Potential
10. JHS Jackson
Standing at a remarkable 6’9″ with an impressive 7’2″ wingspan, JHS Jackson is widely considered one of the most promising prospects in the country. His exceptional athleticism, length, and versatility make him a nightmare for opponents on both ends of the court. Jackson possesses a smooth stroke from beyond the arc, a keen eye for the basket, and elite shot-blocking abilities. With his unique skillset and relentless work ethic, Jackson has the potential to become a dominant force both at the collegiate and professional levels.
Jackson’s stats during his junior season at Pikeville are a testament to his exceptional talent:
| Stat | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 22.4 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 10.6 |
| Blocks Per Game | 3.1 |
Kentucky High School Basketball Player Rankings 2025
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) has released its rankings for the top high school basketball players in the state for the class of 2025. The rankings are based on a combination of factors, including individual performance, team success, and college potential.
The top-ranked player in the state is DJ Wagner, a 6’3″ guard from Camden County High School. Wagner is a consensus five-star recruit and is considered one of the best players in the country. He is committed to the University of Kentucky.
The rest of the top five includes:
- Reed Sheppard, a 6’4″ guard from North Laurel High School
- Justin Edwards, a 6’7″ forward from South Laurel High School
- AJ Johnson, a 6’5″ guard from Bowling Green High School
- Travis Perry, a 6’6″ forward from Henry Clay High School
People Also Ask About Kentucky High School Basketball Player Rankings 2025
Who is the number one ranked player in the state?
DJ Wagner is the number one ranked player in the state according to the KHSAA.
Who are the top five ranked players in the state?
The top five ranked players in the state are:
- DJ Wagner
- Reed Sheppard
- Justin Edwards
- AJ Johnson
- Travis Perry
What is the average height of the top five ranked players?
The average height of the top five ranked players is 6’5.2″.
