Malachi Moreno is helping recruit fellow Bluegrass native Jayden McClain for Kentucky WBB

Saturday was a big day for UK Athletics. Of course, Kentucky football took on Ole Miss, but it was also a big day for both basketball programs. On the men’s side, 2026 targets Caleb Holt and Maximo Adams were in town, and on the women’s side, there were a few potential future Cats in Lexington as well, including 2029 prospect Jayden McClain out of Ryle.

McClain has been on several unofficial visits to Kentucky. In fact, this was her sixth one. However, this time around, she ran into a star freshman on the men’s side — fellow Kentucky native Malachi Moreno.

The two got a picture together at the Ole Miss game.

Malachi Moreno pictured with WBB target Jayden McClain out of Ryle HS at today’s football game.

One Bluegrass native helping recruit another. pic.twitter.com/VZaZcjKnUX

— Phoenix Stevens (@PStevensKSR) September 6, 2025

Additionally, McClain talked to KSR about her visit to Kentucky and what it has been like to be recruited by Kenny Brooks and the staff. After touring the re-painted practice facility and meeting newly-hired Program Assistant Taylor Soule, Brooks talked with McClain.

“Coach Brooks spoke with just us and our parents about how family and relationships are important,” the 6-foot-6 14-year-old prodigy recalled. [Brooks talked about] how they take care of the players and help manage and navigate the new world of NIL, how there was a lot of talent in the room and for us to continue working hard.”

On top of that, McClain commented on her relationship with assistant Josh Petersen — one that was established really early on. It was also interesting to hear that she is getting closer with assistant Ciara Gregory as well.

“The relationship with Coach Petersen has always been strong as I met him in the 5th grade,” McClain noted. “He’s very caring, energetic and really loves what he does. I am definitely becoming closer with Ciara as I have been talking to her the most recently and building a stronger relationship with her.”

McClain holds offers from a number of high-profile programs such as Ohio State, Ole Miss and Clemson, among several others. Can the staff (and Malachi Moreno?) keep her in-state?

Want more coverage of the Cats? Join KSR+

KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. In the middle of a pressure-packed Kentucky football season for Mark Stoops, now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. Come join the club.