Malachi Moreno closes high school career with double-double in KY/IN All-Star Game

Malachi Moreno‘s high school career is officially in the books. Now it’s time to focus on number nine.

On Friday night at Lexington Catholic High School, Moreno suited up for his home state in the annual Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Game. The seven-footer dropped 22 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals in 39 minutes for the Kentucky All-Stars. Moreno shot 7-12 from the field and 7-8 from the free throw line while making his lone three-point attempt en route to being named the game’s MVP.

Unfortunately, his efforts came in a 98-89 loss to the Indiana All-Stars. In the girls’ game earlier in the day, the Kentucky All-Stars pulled out an 84-73 win over Indiana thanks to 28 points from Miss Basketball winner ZaKiyah Johnson, who is signed to play at LSU.

Tough loss, but strong performance for Malachi Moreno — MVP of the 2025 KY/IN All-Star Game

22 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and three assists pic.twitter.com/4yu1tg1U9Q

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) June 7, 2025

A recent Great Crossing High School graduate, Moreno made an impact early and often for the Kentucky All-Stars, particularly on the glass and by protecting the rim. The state’s Mr. Basketball winner nearly posted a double-double (10 points, nine rebounds) at halftime with his team ahead 44-41. But down the stretch of the second half, the Indiana All-Stars — led by UConn commit Braylon Mullins, a former Kentucky target — took control late before cruising to the win in the final minutes. Mullins scored a game-high 24 points.

Joining Moreno in the Kentucky All-Stars’ 20-point club was his high school teammate, Morehead State commit Vince Dawson, who went for 21 points and seven rebounds. Those two led Great Crossing to the school’s first-ever state championship win earlier this year. Three other Kentucky All-Stars finished in double figures. With the win, Indiana now holds an all-time record of 106-46 in this event’s history.

Moreno, who will play his college ball for the Kentucky Wildcats, does not plan to participate in the second game of this All-Star event, which takes place in Indiana on Saturday. He moved into his new home on UK’s campus on Thursday as he begins to settle in for his upcoming freshman season with the ‘Cats. A handful of his new Kentucky teammates even made the trip to Lexington Catholic to show their support.

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