Tracking Kentucky’s Elite: Where the Last 10 Gatorade State Boys Basketball Players of the Year Are Now and What’s Ahead
Over the past decade, Kentucky high school basketball has produced some of the nation’s most electric young talents—athletes who earned the prestigious title of Gatorade Kentucky Boys Basketball Player of the Year. These players represent a unique blend of skill, leadership, and promise. Some became national household names, while others followed different routes, whether in college ball, overseas, or different walks of life altogether. From Malachi Moreno to Reed Sheppard, here’s a detailed look at where the last ten winners of this award are now, and how their journeys have unfolded so far.
A dominant 7-footer from Great Crossing High School, Malachi Moreno’s breakout junior season earned him the 2024 Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year honor. A powerful interior presence known for his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, Moreno averaged a double-double and anchored one of the state’s top teams. As of now, Moreno remains uncommitted but has drawn significant attention from high-major Division I programs, including Kentucky, Indiana, and Purdue. Entering his senior year, he is expected to be one of the most sought-after big men in the 2025 recruiting class.
A scoring machine and all-time Kentucky high school basketball scoring leader, Travis Perry captured the 2023 honor following a phenomenal season at Lyon County High School. Known for his deep range, fearless scoring, and high IQ, Perry committed to the University of Kentucky in 2023. He chose to stay in-state, fulfilling the dreams of many Wildcats fans. Now enrolled in Lexington, Perry joins a stacked Kentucky recruiting class, bringing both skill and experience to John Calipari’s new-look backcourt. Early expectations hint that Perry could contribute immediately with his shot-making and composure.
One of the most celebrated recruits in recent Kentucky history, Reed Sheppard was born into basketball royalty—his father Jeff Sheppard was a Final Four MVP for the Wildcats, and his mother, Stacey, also played at UK. Reed earned the Gatorade award in 2022 after leading North Laurel to back-to-back state appearances and averaging over 25 points per game. He joined Kentucky’s program in 2023 and made an immediate splash, earning national attention for his highlight-reel plays, elite perimeter defense, and unselfish style. Sheppard declared for the 2024 NBA Draft after a sensational freshman campaign and is projected to be a lottery pick—cementing his meteoric rise from in-state hero to pro-ready phenom.
Ben Johnson of Lexington Catholic won the 2021 award after averaging over 30 points per game and showcasing a smooth, all-around offensive game. A prolific shooter and natural scorer, Johnson stayed close to home by committing to Bellarmine University, a rising Division I program in Louisville. While he hasn’t reached national stardom like some of his predecessors, Johnson has made a solid impact at Bellarmine, becoming a key contributor. His story is one of consistency, leadership, and maximizing every opportunity at the college level.
Hailing from Collins High School, Dayvion McKnight earned the 2020 honor thanks to his dynamic play as a combo guard. A well-rounded player with excellent strength, vision, and toughness, McKnight signed with Western Kentucky University. At WKU, he quickly became a leader and star, averaging double digits and leading the Hilltoppers in assists. After three strong years, he transferred to Xavier University for the 2023–24 season, looking to prove himself in the Big East. His journey exemplifies persistence and growth as he continues to elevate his game on a bigger stage.
A high-scoring wing from Pendleton County, Dontaie Allen dazzled fans with his shot-making abilities and earned the 2019 Gatorade title. Allen signed with Kentucky but battled injuries and inconsistent playing time during his tenure in Lexington. While his red-hot shooting nights earned him a cult following, he eventually transferred to Western Kentucky to find more consistent minutes. Allen’s story reflects the unpredictable nature of elite college basketball—how opportunity, health, and timing can shape a career. He remains a capable scorer, now aiming to recapture his pre-college dominance.
Bowling Green High School’s Taveion Hollingsworth won the 2018 award after leading his team to a state championship. He took his talents to Western Kentucky University, where he had a standout career. A steady and durable guard, Hollingsworth finished among the top scorers in program history and played a major role in WKU’s multiple postseason runs. After college, he pursued professional opportunities overseas, where he has begun carving out a solid pro career. Hollingsworth exemplifies the player who may not be flashy but delivers excellence through discipline and efficiency.
Bowling Green produced another Gatorade winner in 2017 in Terry Taylor. Known for his incredible rebounding ability despite being undersized, Taylor went to Austin Peay University, where he became one of the most dominant mid-major players in the country. Averaging over 20 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game across multiple seasons, Taylor ultimately made it to the NBA, signing a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers. He later had stints with other NBA teams and G League affiliates, proving his toughness and work ethic could carry him beyond expectations. Taylor is now a seasoned pro, still chasing his basketball dream at the highest level.
A high-flying wing from Apollo High School, Eli Wright won the award in 2016 and committed to Mississippi State. Wright’s path was winding—after limited minutes at MSU, he transferred to St. John’s and then to Morehead State. Despite the turbulence, he managed to complete his college career and has pursued opportunities abroad. Wright’s story is a reminder of the challenges players can face transitioning to college basketball, and how perseverance is often as important as raw talent.
Knott County Central’s Camron Justice claimed the 2015 honor following a stellar senior season. A gifted shooter, he committed to Vanderbilt before transferring to IUPUI and later Western Kentucky, where he flourished. Justice wrapped up a productive college career, showcasing his ability to adapt and improve with each stop. Post-college, he began exploring overseas professional opportunities and has remained involved with the game, whether through coaching, training, or playing abroad. Justice’s adaptability and basketball IQ made him a standout at every level he competed.
The last ten Gatorade Kentucky Boys Basketball Players of the Year show how diverse the paths of elite high school players can be. Some reached the NBA, some became college stars, and others took less conventional routes. Regardless of the level of fame or success, each of these athletes earned their place in Kentucky basketball history.
What stands out is the loyalty many of these players have to their home state. From Reed Sheppard and Travis Perry committing to Kentucky, to others finding success at Western Kentucky or Bellarmine, these athletes carry the pride of their communities with them. Their decisions, work ethic, and perseverance reflect more than just talent—they embody Kentucky’s deep-rooted passion for the game.
The Gatorade Player of the Year award is not just about stats. It factors in academic achievement, character, and leadership—all of which have proven just as critical as athleticism in these athletes’ journeys. For players like Moreno and Perry, the next chapter is still being written. For those like Sheppard and Taylor, their impact is already etched in state and national history.
Looking ahead, Kentucky will continue to produce top-tier basketball talent. But it’s the blend of heart, humility, and hard work that separates these ten names—not just as athletes, but as young men growing through the game they love.
