Justin Edwards tops Reed Sheppard in clash of future Kentucky teammates

Both of the future teammates were in full agreement after the game: they would much rather play with each other, than against.

On Sunday night at Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY, a glimpse into the future of Kentucky men’s basketball was put on full display. North Laurel vs. Imhotep at the Kentucky Play-by-Play Classic. Reed Sheppard vs. Justin Edwards. ‘Cat vs. ‘Cat. It was the first time either of the highly-ranked prospects went against the other in a head-to-head showdown. John Calipari and Orlando Antigua sat sideline to watch their future stars. Kentucky fans were scattered throughout the crowd to do the same thing.

In what was a tightly contested matchup throughout, the Pennsylvania-based Imhotep squeaked out with a 59-54 victory over North Laurel. Edwards finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side while Sheppard added 14 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds on the other end. After the final buzzer sounded, both of the Kentucky commits were named the Most Valuable Player of their respective team.

Justin Edwards and Reed Sheppard earn game MVP honors

Sheppard with 14 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds

Edwards with 15 points and 12 rebounds

Future Wildcats took care of business in the Kentucky @PBPCLASSICS pic.twitter.com/P6gmynhlxJ

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) December 12, 2022

The competitive juices came out once the ball was tipped, but the pair of future Wildcats were nothing but complimentary of each other following the action. They’d still prefer to suit up wearing the same colors, though.

“I’d rather play with (Sheppard) than against him,” Edwards said afterward.

Sheppard also shared the same sentiment.

“I think I’ll have more fun playing with (Edwards) than against him,” the local star added. Just one more season separates them from making that happen.

Really enjoyed watching @reed_sheppard and @Jedwards3_ last night. Both played well and both have really improved since I last saw them. And, most importantly, they are great teammates!! Can’t wait to coach them both next year.

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) December 12, 2022

Edwards and Sheppard help make up another top-ranked recruiting class for Coach Calipari. Edwards is currently ranked as a five-star and No. 5 overall by On3 in the class of 2023, with legitimate talk that he could rise into the top three or even the top overall spot by the time this cycle is over. Meanwhile, Sheppard has held onto four-star status for a while now and checks in at No. 30 overall in the On3 Consensus.

They’ll both bring plenty of talent and competitiveness to Lexington for however long they stick around. Sheppard’s story speaks for itself — a Kentucky boy whose dad is a program icon. Edwards, meanwhile, is already talking some trash about one of Kentucky’s biggest rivals, Tennessee. It came down to the Vols or the ‘Cats for Edwards in the final stretch of his recruitment. He obviously went with UK, and is already buying into the hate the Big Blue Nation shares for the Tennessee fan base.

Freedom Hall is using Trinity’s basketballs for the Kentucky @PBPCLASSICS. The Shamrocks’ logo looks a lot like Tennessee’s.

Overheard UK commit Justin Edwards earlier say: “Is this a Tennessee ball? I can’t use this.” pic.twitter.com/d37RP9buB2

— Zack Geoghegan (@ZGeogheganKSR) December 12, 2022

They’ll fit in quite nicely.

KSR’s Rapid Reaction from Freedom Hall

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