Malachi Moreno, Great Crossing will face Boozer twins this week

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moreno-ls-down — (Malachi Moreno at UK vs. Louisville - Photo by Mont Dawson)

A future Wildcat will take on one of the best high school players in the country this week.

Kentucky signee Malachi Moreno and the Great Crossing Warhawks will be in Fort Myers, FL on Thursday for the annual City of Palms Classic. The opponent? The Columbus Explorers, which are ranked No. 6 in the country by On3 and are led by future Duke Blue Devils, Cameron and Cayden Boozer. Tipoff on Thursday is set for 7:15 p.m. EST at Florida SouthWestern State College.

It’s likely that Moreno and Cameron Boozer will match up in the frontcourt with each other for the bulk of this game. It’ll be an excellent test for the seven-foot in-state star, who is considered the 31st-best player in the 2025 cycle. Boozer, a 6-foot-9 power forward, is ranked No. 2 in 2025.

The City of Palms Classic, now in its 51st year, is a multi-tournament event, headlined by a 16-team bracket featuring some of the best teams in the country. With Moreno leading the way as a top recruit, Great Crossing was added to this season’s schedule. Kentucky high schools have participated in this event before as well: Reed Sheppard and North Laurel in 2022 followed by Travis Perry and Lyon County in 2023, for example.

Great Crossing (6-1) will enter as the clear underdog against Columbus, especially coming off its first loss of the season. The Warhawks were bumped off the state’s No. 1 spot after falling to St. Xavier (which took over the top ranking) 72-58 over the weekend. Meanwhile, Columbus is 7-1 with its lone loss to nationally-ranked Prolific Prep (CA). They also have a big win over nationally-ranked Gonzaga (DC).

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Individually, Moreno has been off to an excellent start to his senior campaign. He posted 24 points, 20 rebounds, and five blocks in the loss to St. Xavier. On the season, he’s averaging 23.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per outing while shooting 75.6 percent from the field. His playmaking and rim protection have stood out, as well.

Win or loss against Columbus, Great Crossing will play at least two total games in the City of Palms Classic. A win over the Boozer twins would move the Warhawks into the quarterfinals on Friday night. A loss would send them to the Consolation Bracket where they’d play on Friday morning.