Usually, when we talk about Kentucky basketball and McDonald's All-Americans, the conversation is entirely dominated by the boys. But to quote Bob Dylan, the times are a-changin' in Lexington.
Kenny Brooks and his coaching staff have 3 incoming "Burger Girls" arriving next season to join the one already sitting on the current roster in Kaelyn Carroll. Meanwhile, on the men's side, Mark Pope has zero commits but is targeting Tyran Stokes, who is as confusing as ever.
So, how did the future of the Big Blue Nation actually perform under the brightest lights in high school basketball?
Kentucky WBB's incoming women put on an absolute clinic
We have to start with the girls, because not only did they have the better season this year, but they undeniably have the better recruiting class right now.
Emily McDonald got things off to a roaring start by putting on a shooting clinic to win the Girls 3-Point Contest at the Sprite JamFest. But she was not stopping with just one trophy, I mean, why would you when you could have 2?
She stepped right back onto the court and knocked off former Kentucky men's target Jason Crowe Jr. in a battle of the sexes to claim the overall 3-Point Shootout crown at the JamFest.
When it came time for the actual game, the future Wildcats took over. McDonald and Savvy Swords suited up for the East team, ultimately running away with a massive 20-point victory over their fellow incoming Kentucky teammate Maddyn Greenway and the West squad.
In a wild turn of events, there is not a single box score for the girls up on the internet at the time of this writing, and that is deeply disappointing. I will personally make sure there is one up next year. Do better, guys. These ladies are killing it.
The Tyran Stokes timeline remains a massive mystery
Over on the boys' side of the gym, all eyes were glued to Tyran Stokes.
The elite Kentucky target looked the part, finishing the high-profile exhibition with a physical double-double that required a 4th quarter surge. He is a game-wrecker when he gets downhill, but his actual recruitment remains as confusing as ever.
Stokes is keeping his cards incredibly close to his chest. His timeline remains a total mystery, leaving Mark Pope and BBN in the dark about when he is going to commit. I would look for it to come somewhere after the portal closes later this month.
But let's close it out talking about the ladies, they deserve it. Kentucky has the same number of McDonald's All-Americans as Texas, and that is awesome to see for Kenny Brooks and a team that is making a push up the charts.