‘Sprinkles to the Top of Your Cake’: Moreno, Johnson Are Kentucky’s Mr. and Miss Basketball
By Jared Peck, Updated March 17, 2025
In a shining moment of recognition and celebration, two of Kentucky’s most remarkable high school basketball players were honored with the state’s top individual awards. On Sunday, Sacred Heart’s ZaKiyah Johnson was named the 2025 Kentucky Miss Basketball, and Great Crossing’s Malachi Moreno claimed the coveted Mr. Basketball title. The award ceremony, hosted by the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation and the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches, was held at the prestigious Griffin Gate Marriott in Lexington.
Both Johnson and Moreno had already cemented their places as legends in Kentucky high school basketball. Their victories were not just the culmination of a successful senior season, but a reflection of years of dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent.
ZaKiyah Johnson: A Legacy of Excellence
ZaKiyah Johnson, a 6-foot forward who has been one of the most dominant forces in Kentucky girls’ basketball, wrapped up an extraordinary career at Sacred Heart Academy by being named the 2025 Kentucky Miss Basketball. With a commanding performance on the court, Johnson led her team, the Sacred Heart Valkyries, to a remarkable fifth consecutive Girls’ Sweet 16 state championship. The Valkyries defeated the second-ranked George Rogers Clark 65-60 in the championship game, securing Johnson’s place in Kentucky’s basketball lore.
Throughout her senior year, Johnson averaged 21.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, showcasing her versatility and leadership. Her impact on the game extended far beyond statistics. As a four-time Most Valuable Player of the Girls’ Sweet 16, a four-time Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year, and now, a Miss Basketball honoree, Johnson’s career will be remembered as one of the greatest in Kentucky’s history.
Reflecting on the culmination of her career, Johnson described the honor of winning Miss Basketball as “surreal.” She humbly acknowledged that her career had unfolded in ways few could have imagined, especially with the combination of four state championships, four MVPs, and four Gatorade Player of the Year awards. “It’s kind of like the sprinkles to the top of your cake,” she said, an apt metaphor for the topping of her legendary high school journey.
Johnson’s legacy at Sacred Heart is undeniable. She is the third player in school history to receive the Miss Basketball award, following in the footsteps of Crystal Kelly and Carly Ormerod, who claimed the honor in 2004 and 2005, respectively. With 3,870 career points, Johnson ranks sixth on the KHSAA’s all-time girls’ scoring list, and her 1,559 rebounds place her among the top 20 in state history.
While Johnson may be regarded by many as the greatest girls’ basketball player to come out of Kentucky, she is confident in her own assessment. “I think I’m the best player, hands down, to come out of Kentucky,” she said, a statement that underscores her self-assurance and the legacy she has built.
Malachi Moreno: Dominance on Both Ends of the Court
On the boys’ side, the prestigious title of Mr. Basketball went to Malachi Moreno, a 6-foot-10 center from Great Crossing High School in Georgetown. Moreno’s selection as Mr. Basketball was the result of an exceptional senior season in which he led the Great Crossing Warhawks to back-to-back 11th Region championships. He averaged an impressive 21.5 points and 14.8 rebounds per game, proving to be an unstoppable force on both ends of the court.
Moreno’s victory was a personal milestone, but it was also a moment of pride for his family and the community of Scott County. His older brother, Michael Moreno, had been a finalist for Mr. Basketball in 2019 and was also named the 11th Region Player of the Year. The younger Moreno’s achievement placed him in rare company, as he became the third player from Scott County to claim Mr. Basketball honors, following Rick Jones in 1999 and Scott Hundley in 2000.
For Malachi, the journey to receiving the Mr. Basketball award was one filled with both hard work and humility. “It was definitely a little nerve-wracking,” he admitted, acknowledging the competition from other outstanding players in the state. But when his name was called, Moreno felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. “It was a whole lot of praying and, you know, God chose me to be Mr. Basketball today,” he said.
As a player, Moreno’s impact on the game is undeniable. He finished the regular season ranked No. 2 in the state and has accumulated over 2,392 points and 1,896 rebounds in his career. He also ranks among the KHSAA’s all-time leaders in career blocks with 611, positioning himself as one of the most dominant players in Kentucky high school basketball history.
Moreno’s future is bright, as he is set to continue his basketball career at the University of Kentucky, following in the footsteps of past Wildcats who have claimed the Mr. Basketball title. He is the 22nd future UK player to win the award, a prestigious honor that places him in the same company as some of the most legendary players in college basketball.
A Family Affair: The Moreno Legacy
The Moreno family has a rich basketball history. Malachi’s older brother, Michael, was a standout player at Scott County and went on to play for Eastern Kentucky University. Michael was named the 11th Region Player of the Year in 2019 and was a Mr. Basketball finalist, but he has been quick to support Malachi’s own achievements. The two share a strong bond, with Malachi acknowledging his brother’s continued role as a source of inspiration and guidance.
“[Michael] still has a little bit more accolades than I do,” Malachi joked, though with his own growing list of achievements, it seems that the younger Moreno may be catching up. The two brothers will undoubtedly continue to push each other to reach even greater heights in their respective basketball careers.
The Future of Kentucky Basketball
As both Johnson and Moreno prepare for their next steps in their basketball journeys, they will also represent Kentucky on a national stage. Both players were selected to play in the annual Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Series, where they will face off against some of the best players from Indiana in two high-profile games this summer. The games, which will take place in both Kentucky and Indiana, are a tradition for the state’s top high school basketball players and offer an exciting glimpse into the future of college and professional basketball.
The Mr. and Miss Basketball awards are among the most prestigious honors in Kentucky, and both Johnson and Moreno will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the state’s basketball history. Their achievements reflect not only their individual talent but also the incredible basketball culture that continues to thrive in Kentucky. As the state looks toward the 2025 UK Healthcare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16 and other future competitions, the legacy of these two outstanding athletes will continue to inspire the next generation of players.
Other Notable Awards and Honors
At the same ceremony, several other basketball figures were recognized for their contributions to the sport. Elisha Justice, the 2010 Mr. Basketball, received the Ralph Beard Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and achievements in Kentucky basketball. Tony Hopper, the 2009 Kentucky Boys All-Star coach, was honored with the Founders Coaching Award, and Curtis Turley, a coach and longtime advocate for Kentucky basketball, was inducted into the Kentucky All-Star Hall of Fame.
Additionally, many other regional players of the year were acknowledged, representing the best players from across the state. These athletes, who demonstrated excellence in their respective regions, add to the vibrant and competitive landscape of high school basketball in Kentucky.
Conclusion
ZaKiyah Johnson and Malachi Moreno’s recognition as Kentucky’s 2025 Mr. and Miss Basketball is not just a testament to their individual talents but also to the strong tradition of high school basketball in the state. With college careers ahead of them, they represent the future of the sport while standing as the pinnacle of achievement for Kentucky’s current generation of high school athletes. Their success, marked by championships, awards, and recognition, will surely inspire young players for years to come.
