Best Kentucky High School Basketball Players of All-Time: Bluegrass State’s Finest
Kentucky has a rich tradition of producing some of the most talented high school basketball players in the country. Known for its passionate basketball culture and competitive high school leagues, the Bluegrass State has been the breeding ground for numerous athletes who have gone on to achieve greatness in college and professional basketball.
Remarkably, nine of the top players from Kentucky high schools went on to play for either the University of Kentucky or the University of Louisville, keeping homegrown talent in the state.
This list celebrates the top 10 best Kentucky high school basketball players of all time, highlighting their incredible achievements, contributions to the sport, and lasting legacies that have inspired generations of basketball fans and players alike.
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#10: Richie Farmer (1984-1988)
High School: Clay County High School – Manchester, KY
Position: Shooting Guard
Richie Farmer is a legendary figure in Kentucky high school basketball history. Playing for Clay County High School, Farmer led his team to four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances and won the state championship in 1987.
Farmer was known for his scoring ability and leadership and was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball in 1988. He averaged over 27 points per game during his high school career. His high school career left a lasting impact on Kentucky basketball, and he went on to play for the University of Kentucky, where he continued to be a fan favorite.
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#9: Darius Miller (2004-2008)
High School: Mason County High School – Maysville, KY
Position: Small Forward
Darius Miller had an outstanding high school career at Mason County High School, where he led his team to a state championship in 2008. Known for his versatility and clutch performances, Miller was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball in 2008.
He averaged 19.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game during his senior season. His impressive high school career paved the way for his success at the University of Kentucky, where he played a key role on their 2012 NCAA Championship team.
#8: Derek Anderson (1988-1992)
High School: Doss High School – Louisville, KY
Position: Shooting Guard
Derek Anderson was a standout player at Doss High School in Louisville, where he showcased his scoring ability and athleticism. Anderson led Doss to the state championship game in 1991 and was named to the All-State team.
He averaged 24 points and 7 rebounds per game during his high school career. His high school success earned him a scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where he became a key player for the Wildcats and went on to have a successful NBA career.
#7: Mike Casey (1962-1966)
High School: Shelby County High School – Shelbyville, KY
Position: Guard
Mike Casey was a prolific scorer and a dominant player at Shelby County High School. He led his team to the state championship in 1966 and was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball the same year.
Casey was known for his exceptional shooting and playmaking abilities, averaging 29 points per game in his senior year. He continued his basketball career at the University of Kentucky, where he became an All-American.
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#6: Cliff Hagan (1947-1950)
High School: Owensboro High School – Owensboro, KY
Position: Forward
Cliff Hagan was a dominant force at Owensboro High School, leading his team to the state championship in 1949. Hagan’s exceptional talent and leadership on the court earned him Kentucky Mr. Basketball honors in 1950.
He averaged 24.5 points per game during his high school career. Hagan went on to have an illustrious college career at the University of Kentucky, followed by a successful professional career in the NBA, where he became a Hall of Famer.
#5: Rajon Rondo (2002-2004)
High School: Eastern High School – Louisville, KY
Position: Point Guard
Rajon Rondo began his high school career at Eastern High School in Louisville, where he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the state. Rondo’s exceptional court vision, passing, and defensive skills made him a standout player.
He averaged 27.9 points, 10 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in his junior year at Eastern High. Although he transferred to Oak Hill Academy for his senior year, Rondo’s impact on Kentucky high school basketball remains significant.
#4: Allan Houston (1985-1989)
High School: Ballard High School – Louisville, KY
Position: Shooting Guard
Allan Houston was a standout player at Ballard High School in Louisville, where he led his team to a state championship in 1988. Known for his smooth shooting and scoring ability, Houston was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball in 1989.
He averaged 24.5 points per game during his high school career. Houston’s remarkable performance at Ballard High earned him a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer. Houston had a successful NBA career, primarily with the New York Knicks.
#3: Rex Chapman (1984-1986)
High School: Apollo High School – Owensboro, KY
Position: Shooting Guard
Rex Chapman was a prolific scorer and dynamic player at Apollo High School in Owensboro. Known for his athleticism and shooting, Chapman averaged 25.9 points per game and was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball in 1986.
Chapman’s high school success led him to the University of Kentucky, where he became a fan favorite. Chapman went on to have a successful NBA career, known for his exciting style of play.
#2: Darrell Griffith (1972-1976)
High School: Male High School – Louisville, KY
Position: Shooting Guard
Darrell Griffith, also known as “Dr. Dunkenstein,” was a legendary player at Male High School in Louisville. Griffith led his team to a state championship in 1975 and was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball in 1976.
Griffith continued his success at the University of Louisville, where he led the Cardinals to an NCAA Championship in 1980. He went on to have a stellar NBA career, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1981.
#1: Wes Unseld (1961-1964)
High School: Seneca High School – Louisville, KY
Position: Center / Power Forward
Wes Unseld is considered one of the greatest players in Kentucky high school basketball history. Playing for Seneca High School, Unseld led his team to back-to-back state championships in 1963 and 1964.
Known for his rebounding, defense, and leadership, Unseld averaged 30 points and 20 rebounds per game during his senior year. Unseld went on to have a Hall of Fame career at the University of Louisville and in the NBA, where he won an MVP award and an NBA Championship.
