Reed Sheppard named 2023 Kentucky Mr. Basketball

Reed Sheppard is ending his Kentucky high school basketball career with one final superlative. Sunday afternoon the North Laurel standout and future Wildcat was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball.

“Growing up in Kentucky, everybody wants to be Mr. Basketball,” Sheppard said shortly after learning the news. “Being able to be here and finally win it, it’s a really special moment for me. Not a lot of people get to say that they won it., so being able to is just an unbelievable experience.”

In 2023 Reed Sheppard almost averaged a triple-double. He scored 22.1 points per game, dished out 8.5 assists and grabbed 8.5 rebounds per contest. He also tallied 4.0 steals per game and shot 88.6% from the free throw line, the fifth-best mark from the charity stripe in the state of Kentucky.

Sheppard, the son of 1998 Final Four Most Outstanding Player Jeff Sheppard, led North Laurel to back-to-back 13th Region titles. His 2023 season ended where his next one will begin, at Rupp Arena. The Jaguars fell to the defending State Champs, George Rogers Clark, 60-54 in Thursday’s first round action at the Sweet 16.

Reed Sheppard is the fifth Kentucky Mr. Basketball to play for John Calipari at Kentucky, following Dontaie Allen (2019), Dominique Hawkins (2013), Jon Hood (2009) and Darius Miller (2008). In addition to Mr. Basketball honors, the talented point guard was also earned an invitation to the McDonald’s All-American Game. He’s only the fifth player from Kentucky to sign with the Wildcats and earn McDonald’s All-American honors, joining Rajon Rondo (2004), Rex Chapman (1986), Winston Bennett (1983), and Dirk Minniefield (1979).

Sheppard ranks as the No. 36 overall prospect in the 2023 On3 Industry Rankings — the average ranking from all four major recruiting media companies (ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals, On3). He’s the ninth-ranked combo guard in the country and the No. 1 player in the state of Kentucky.

The future Wildcat did not completely steal the spotlight. Kentucky Miss Basketball was also awarded Sunday evening. Rowan County’s Haven Ford took home the hardware. The 5-foot-6 guard committed to Murray State averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 5.2 steals to help Rowan County finish 24-8 in 2023.