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LONDON, Ky. (KT) – Reed Sheppard will follow in his father’s footsteps.
The North Laurel High School star chose to attend Kentucky on Saturday, where her father Jeff, won two national championships (1996, 1998) during his four-year career. His mother, Stacey Reed Sheppard, also played basketball for the Wildcats in the 1990s.
Sheppard made the announcement with his parents and sister, as well as high school coach Nate Valentine and current teammates and a host of friends and school faculty members on Saturday morning.
“Like many little boys who grew up in Kentucky, playing college basketball has always been a dream of mine,†he said. “Over the past few months, I have been fortunate to be able to attend many different colleges and meet some of the best coaches in the world. I am very happy and grateful to announce that I will be playing basketball at the University of Kentucky.
Sheppard said it was one of his dreams to play for the Wildcats and said the decision was made easier because of his love for the Wildcats.
“I grew up attending all kinds of Kentucky games and different SEC tournaments,†he said. “I’ve always been around this and having this opportunity is something that is very difficult to pass up. It is the dream of many little boys who live in Kentucky to play basketball at the University of Kentucky.
Despite his parents’ legacy, Sheppard forged his own path and is considered one of the state’s top junior prospects. A combined guard at 6-4, 170, Sheppard chose the Wildcats over Virginia, Arizona State, Indiana, Louisville, Texas A&M and many other programs. He made an official visit to Kentucky on September 24 and attended Big Blue Madness on October 15.
He averaged 30.1 points per game and 7.1 rebounds in his second season at North Laurel last year. He had 50 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in one game last season. He led the Jaguars to a 25-3 record.
“What makes Sheppard so good is that he can see the ground really well,” Clay County boys’ basketball coach Glenn Gray said.
“He makes others around him better. He is very selfless and can hurt you with his score and his ability to overtake. “
Sheppard caught the attention of college scouts when he scored 14 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists in a victory over Jackson County in 2020.
He was also named Underclassmen of the Year and was part of the second team while playing for the Adidas-sponsored Midwest Basketball Club last summer.
North Laurel will be competing at the King of the Bluegrass in Louisville Fairdale starting December 17 and the traditional Bank Holiday Classic on December 27 at Lexington Catholic.
Keith Taylor is the sports writer for Kentucky Today. Contact him at [email protected] or via Twitter at keithtaylor21
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