‘Couldn’t have been a better decision.’ Moreno on UK signing, Great Crossing title hopes.
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2024-25 Kentucky High School Basketball Preview
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When Great Crossing’s 6-foot-11 senior center Malachi Moreno signed with Kentucky three months ago, he made a leap into unknown waters with new UK coach Mark Pope yet to stroll the sideline in charge of the Wildcats.
Since, the Cats have notched a signature win over a top-10 Duke team and displayed a high-powered offense to go with a gritty and determined defense.
From what Moreno has seen so far, the five-star recruit has grown even more comfortable turning down 26 other college offers to stay close to home.
“I think it couldn’t have been a better decision for myself,” Moreno told the Herald-Leader last week as the Warhawks prepared to embark on the 2024-25 campaign.
Moreno talked about UK and Great Crossing’s hopes for this coming season ahead of a recent practice. The following Q&A has been edited for clarity.
Question: What did you think of Kentucky’s performance against Duke?
Moreno: “Them being a whole new team coming into such a big platform — I think that really helped them put their foot on the gas and showcase that they’re one of the best teams in the country.”
Q: What do you think you’ve improved on coming into this season?
Moreno: “Just my overall skill. Just being able to dribble the ball, being able to pass out of a double team and making sure my teammates stay active in the game. And making sure we’re talking.”
Q: What did you learn from last season’s state semifinals loss to Lyon County? They were pretty effective denying you the ball and collapsing on you when you got it.
Moreno: “I just need to get my teammates involved and try any way I can to help Great Crossing win. If that means I have to be a decoy, I’ll be a decoy.”
Q: Great Crossing’s schedule again this year puts in some nationwide events like the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Florida, and the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where you’ll face some top-ranked teams. That’s a pretty daunting schedule.
Moreno: “It’s always great playing against tough competition and just being able to play some of the top players in the country. I think that will really help us and help our team for the future.”
Q: What’s it like to see the Warhawks ranked No. 1 in the state and as high as No. 15 in the nation?
Moreno: “We carry it proud. Not every public school team can be included in the top 15.”
Q: What do you expect in the 11th Region this season?
Moreno: “Just for it to be the same as always — a tough competition. We have to be ready for a battle.”
Q: What was the feeling after last season’s Boys’ Sweet 16?
Moreno: “Losing two seniors, it definitely hurt a little bit, but for some of us, we still have one more year to do it. I think we just had a heartfelt moment saying, ‘I know we didn’t get it this year, but next year, I’m sure we’ll get it.”
Q: What’s your connection with your teammates like?
Moreno: “It’s gotten better every year. We’ve grown up with each other since we were in first and second grade. Just to be able to play with your friends, there’s no better feeling than that. It’s our last go around at this and our last chance at a lot of stuff, so we should play with no regrets.”
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 10:45 AM.
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