Getting to Know…Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard
Kentucky Basketball may have found its next Oscar Tshiebwe. There is little more that BBN enjoys than a Kentucky High School player who earns valuable playing time for the Cats. No, he’s not a physical 6’9″ presence, nor will he average 15.3 rebounds per Game.
But as far as affection and like-ability go, meet Reed Sheppard, as he will be a fan favorite. At the article’s end, I’ll provide another interesting possibility, as far as the ’24 Kentucky starting lineup.
Reed Sheppard is a North Laurel High School Jaguar, located in London, Kentucky. The Jaguars are much better than their 10-8 record, as several of the losses came against some of the Nation’s best out of State Teams.
Reed is rated as the 22nd best High School player in the nation by Rivals. He is working hard to add muscle to his 6’3″ 170 lb. frame and, as we all know, he signed with the Wildcats last November.
The Legacy Recruit
Reed is certainly a Kentucky legacy recruit , as both parents are U.K. graduates who posted decorated careers. Sheppard’s father, Jeff, played on the University of Kentucky’s 1996, and 1998 National Championship teams while also being named Final Four MVP in ‘98. His mother, Stacey, played basketball at the University of Kentucky and is one of the top 10 scorers in program history.
Noted mostly for his shooting prowess, Reed Sheppard is also a prolific passer, often quickly finding Teammates in favorable scoring positions.
Reed’s early 2023 statistics serve to support his Coach’s thoughts. Reed averages 26.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Jaguars. He’s shooting 56.0 percent from the field and has made 30 of 74 three-point shots (40.5 percent). He’s also shooting 90.2 percent on free throws. The future Wildcat’s junior campaign has included winning MVP honors at the King of the Bluegrass tournament in Louisville.
Early 2023 Statistics
Other accolades include being our state’s first McDonald’s All American to play for UK since Rajon Rondo in 2004, Rex Chapman (1986), Winston Bennett (1983), and Dirk Minniefield (1979). Reed was Kentucky’s Gatorade Player of the Year last season. He may well be a repeat winner. In a matchup that featured several five-star talents, it was Kentucky commit Reed Sheppard and his AAU Midwest Basketball Club that stole the show at the Las Vegas Big Time Finale in July 2022. Sheppard was dominant against the best High School players from throughout the Country.
Let’s look to an interesting possibility for your 2024 Cats. Just 40 miles West of Paducah you’ll find Lyon County High School (292 students) and its Coach Ryan Perry. His son, Travis Perry, is a 6’2 sharpshooter and has a scholarship offer from Kentucky. Perry is ranked #87 in the Rivals ranking of High School players. Travis may well hold the All-Time Kentucky High School scoring record upon graduation. Just imagine, two starting Kentuckians, filling the Rupp Arena nets and distributing the basketball. This may well happen!
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