Malachi Moreno receives McDonald's All-American jersey on Senior Night

Future Wildcat Malachi Moreno has done nothing but produce at Great Crossing, ending his career as a McDonald’s All-American while being selected to the Nike Hoop Summit. He was named KABC 11th Region Player of the Year this week while also establishing himself as a firm Mr. Basketball finalist in Kentucky, averaging 22.0 points, 14.6 rebounds, 4.1 blocks and 3.2 assists per game as a senior while shooting 71.8 percent from the field.

On Friday, he received his McDAAG jersey ahead of the prestigious event scheduled for Tuesday, April 1 in Brooklyn.

The jersey ceremony was held prior to Great Crossing’s 99-37 blowout victory over Madison Southern. He finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists and five blocks as the Warhawks enter postseason play riding an 18-game winning streak.

“It was a goal I set for myself at the beginning of the year,” Moreno said of earning McDAAG honors. “It’s also to prove the point that I can stay in the state at Great Crossing and still be a McDonald’s All-American. … I wish my high school season would never end, but hopefully it ends in March when I’m holding up the biggest trophy.”

SPECIAL night for Malachi Moreno! The soon to be Kentucky Wildcat was presented his McDonald's All-American jersey tonight. Plus… he finished with 21 pts, 15 reb and 9 ast in Great Crossing's dominate win over Madison Southern 99-37.

Vince Dawson became the program's all-time… pic.twitter.com/YfHweDWGal

— Kinsey Lee (@kinseyleetv) February 22, 2025

Moreno is one of six players born in Kentucky to be named a McDonald’s All-American before suiting up for the Wildcats, joining Reed Sheppard, Rajon Rondo, Rex Chapman, Winston Bennett and Dirk Minniefield.

“That’s a big legacy there, those guys came to Kentucky and put their name on the map,” Moreno said. “… Being on that list is a huge opportunity and a huge honor.”

Malachi Moreno was presented his McDonald’s All-American jersey prior to tonight’s Great Crossing game.

Moreno joins some elite company in state history with the honor! @malachimoreno24 @GCwarhawksbball @GCWarhawks @McDAAG @steve_page1 @KentuckyMBB pic.twitter.com/3kknHtJBd4

— Lee K. Howard ☀️ (@HowardWKYT) February 22, 2025

As for the rest of Moreno’s high school journey, the Warhawks open postseason play Tuesday in the 41st District Tournament as he makes a push for the KHSAA Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.

After that, he’ll be joining fellow top-35 signees Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis in Lexington as Kentucky Wildcats.