Kentucky basketball recruit Malachi Moreno plays in 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game with Nate Ament after Sweet 16 with Great Crossing.
Kentucky Basketball Recruit Malachi Moreno Plays in 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game with Nate Ament After Sweet 16 with Great Crossing
In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, the spotlight shines brightest on top-tier recruits, and few players have generated as much excitement and anticipation as Malachi Moreno. The young, dynamic forward from Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky, has been the subject of much attention ever since he committed to the University of Kentucky, with fans and analysts eagerly awaiting his impact on the court. This season, Moreno’s journey has been filled with milestones that are nothing short of spectacular, culminating in his selection to play in the prestigious 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game—a showcase of the nation’s best high school talent.
But what makes Moreno’s story even more compelling is the company he keeps. Alongside him in the McDonald’s All-American Game will be Nate Ament, another rising star who is set to join Kentucky’s class of 2025. These two elite recruits, who share a bond forged through high school basketball and the sweet smell of success, are poised to bring their dynamic skills to the Wildcats next season. As Kentucky fans eagerly anticipate their arrival, the story of Malachi Moreno’s senior year is as exciting as any recruit’s tale.
From Great Crossing to Kentucky: A Star is Born
Malachi Moreno’s rise to national prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Hailing from Georgetown, Kentucky, a city with a rich basketball tradition, Moreno had big shoes to fill. However, he quickly proved that he was more than capable of carrying that legacy. A versatile forward who stands 6’8″, Moreno possesses a blend of size, strength, and finesse that is rarely seen in high school basketball. His ability to score in multiple ways—from inside the paint to mid-range jumpers to three-pointers—has made him one of the most complete players in his class.
During his junior season at Great Crossing High School, Moreno showcased his all-around game, averaging 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor caught the eye of college scouts across the country. Despite offers from a variety of top programs, Moreno committed to Kentucky early in his recruitment, a decision that sent shockwaves through the college basketball landscape. His commitment was a clear indication that head coach John Calipari had found a player who could become the cornerstone of his program for the years to come.
Moreno’s commitment to Kentucky wasn’t just a win for the Wildcats, but also for the state of Kentucky. With the state’s deep basketball roots, Moreno’s choice to stay home to play for the Wildcats was seen as a major victory for the program and a sign of things to come. His decision only further solidified Kentucky’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier basketball programs, capable of attracting the best talent, both from within the state and across the country.
A Sweet 16 Run with Great Crossing
The 2024-2025 season marked the pinnacle of Moreno’s high school career. Not only was he preparing for his future at Kentucky, but he also had a goal to leave a lasting legacy at Great Crossing High School. The team had been building towards this moment for years, and this season, with Moreno leading the charge, they were poised to make a deep run in the KHSAA (Kentucky High School Athletic Association) state tournament.
Great Crossing, which had been steadily improving over the past few seasons, had never before advanced beyond the Sweet 16 in the state tournament. However, with Moreno playing at an elite level, this year was different. The team had high expectations, and Moreno was the key to fulfilling them. Throughout the season, he played with a level of intensity and focus that inspired his teammates. Whether it was his leadership on the floor, his ability to hit clutch shots, or his defensive tenacity, Moreno had all the tools to lead his team deep into the postseason.
In the regional finals, Great Crossing faced off against a formidable opponent in Lexington Catholic, a team that had been a perennial powerhouse in Kentucky basketball. Despite the challenge, Moreno played perhaps his best game of the season, finishing with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. His performance propelled Great Crossing to a hard-fought victory, securing them a spot in the state tournament’s Sweet 16 for the first time in the school’s history.
Once in the Sweet 16, Great Crossing matched up with Ballard High School, a team known for its aggressive defense and fast-paced offense. It was a battle of contrasting styles—Great Crossing’s methodical, disciplined play against Ballard’s high-pressure, up-tempo game. While Moreno again put up impressive numbers, it was Ballard’s defense and experience that ultimately proved to be too much. Great Crossing fell short in a heartbreaking 74-68 defeat. However, the team had exceeded expectations by reaching the Sweet 16, and Moreno’s leadership was a major factor in their success.
Despite the loss, the season was a massive success for both Moreno and his team. The experience of playing in the state tournament and leading his school to new heights was invaluable for Moreno, and it further solidified his reputation as one of the top high school players in the country.
The McDonald’s All-American Game: A National Stage
As the high school basketball season wound down, Moreno’s achievements did not go unnoticed. His selection to the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game was the culmination of a stellar high school career. The McDonald’s All-American Game, widely regarded as the most prestigious high school basketball event in the country, brings together the top 24 players from across the nation for a showcase of talent. The game serves as a platform for the country’s best recruits to show off their skills in front of a national audience, and it has become a key event in the recruitment process for college basketball programs.
For Moreno, the invitation to the game was the crowning achievement of his high school career. His name would be added to a long list of legendary players who had participated in the event, including the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis. To be selected to this exclusive group was a testament to the incredible talent and potential that Moreno possesses.
Alongside Moreno will be his fellow Kentucky recruit, Nate Ament, a 6’9″ forward from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. Ament’s skills complement Moreno’s in many ways. While Moreno is known for his scoring and versatility, Ament is a more traditional power forward—strong in the paint, an elite rebounder, and an excellent rim protector. The pairing of these two players, who will soon join forces at Kentucky, adds even more intrigue to an already highly anticipated McDonald’s All-American Game.
For both players, the game will serve as an opportunity to showcase their skills against the best of the best. It will also give them a chance to develop chemistry as teammates ahead of their arrival at Kentucky. While much of the spotlight will inevitably be on players from other programs, the duo of Moreno and Ament will likely draw significant attention from Wildcats fans and college basketball fans alike.
Kentucky’s Future: The Impact of Moreno and Ament
When Malachi Moreno and Nate Ament suit up for Kentucky next season, they will be stepping into a program that is hungry for success. After a couple of up-and-down seasons, the Wildcats are ready to return to the elite level of college basketball, and the addition of two highly ranked recruits like Moreno and Ament will be a major part of that push. Together, the two players will provide Kentucky with a dynamic one-two punch in the frontcourt—an inside presence in Ament and an all-around offensive weapon in Moreno.
While it’s too early to predict exactly how their college careers will unfold, there’s no doubt that both players will have an immediate impact. For Moreno, his ability to score at all three levels will make him an invaluable asset to Kentucky’s offense. Whether it’s driving to the basket, hitting a jumper, or stretching the defense with his three-point shooting, Moreno’s versatility will give the Wildcats a much-needed weapon in their quest for a national title.
Ament, on the other hand, will provide Kentucky with the physicality and rebounding that they need to compete at the highest level. His ability to control the paint, protect the rim, and finish around the basket will make him a key component of Kentucky’s defense and transition game. Together, Moreno and Ament represent a formidable frontcourt duo that has the potential to elevate Kentucky to new heights.
Conclusion: The Future is Bright for Kentucky Basketball
As the McDonald’s All-American Game approaches, the excitement surrounding Malachi Moreno and Nate Ament continues to grow. The two players have already made their mark on the high school basketball scene, and now, with Kentucky in their future, they are poised to take college basketball by storm. While Great Crossing’s Sweet 16 run was a great way to cap off Moreno’s high school career, the true test for both players will come when they step onto the court for the Wildcats next season.
Kentucky fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of these two future stars, and with their combination of skill, talent, and drive, it’s clear that the Wildcats are in for an exciting ride. If the McDonald’s All-American Game is any indication, Malachi Moreno and Nate Ament will soon be household names in the college basketball world—and they’ll be doing it in the blue and white of Kentucky.
