Kentucky High School Basketball: A Pipeline of Talent
Kentucky high school basketball has become a hotbed for top-tier college talent, with several players making significant impacts at the collegiate level. Notable names like Reed Sheppard, Trent Noah, Travis Perry, and Malachi Moreno have emerged from Kentucky's prep ranks to shine for the Wildcats. But the talent pool extends beyond state lines, as many players choose to pursue college careers elsewhere.
As the University of Kentucky (17-10 overall, 8-6 SEC) aims to break a three-game losing streak against South Carolina (12-15, 3-11), they'll face a familiar face in EJ Walker, a standout freshman forward from Northern Kentucky.
EJ Walker: From Kentucky to South Carolina
EJ Walker, hailing from Florence, Kentucky, made a name for himself at Lloyd Memorial High School in Erlanger. With an impressive 1,924 points and 1,196 rebounds, Walker became the all-time leading scorer in the school's history, coached by his father, Mike.
Ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 283 player nationally in the 247Sports Composite, Walker committed early to South Carolina in May 2024. His recruitment journey included over 50 visits, with Ohio State, Purdue, and Wisconsin among his final choices. In Kentucky's 2025 senior class, Walker was second only to Moreno, a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American.
Walker's Impact at South Carolina
Despite initial plans to redshirt, Walker has played in 17 of South Carolina's 27 games, averaging 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game, with a shooting percentage of 48.7% from the field. His debut on December 6 marked the beginning of his unexpected contribution to the team.
Head Coach Lamont Paris praised Walker's basketball IQ, highlighting his ability to quickly grasp concepts on the court. "EJ Walker is an extremely intelligent player," Paris noted, emphasizing Walker's natural understanding of the game.
Walker recently scored three points, including a crucial 3-pointer, in South Carolina’s win over Mississippi State, helping snap a seven-game losing streak.
A Promising Future
Paris expressed excitement about Walker’s potential, describing him as a "tremendous young man" with a genuine love for basketball. As Walker continues to develop, his passion and dedication are expected to drive his growth and impact on the court.
Kentucky high school basketball continues to be a fertile ground for emerging talent, with players like Walker proving that the state’s influence extends well beyond its borders. As Walker’s journey unfolds, Kentucky fans and basketball enthusiasts alike will be watching closely.