3rd Region Hoops— Daviess County has seen its share of struggles recently but the optimism around Coach Neil Hayden’s program is as high as it has been in some time. With the off-season return of Sophomore PG Jonathan Moss & one of the top prospects in the state, DeAaron Watkins transferring in from Madisonville North Hopkins, the expectations have suddenly sky rocketed. The Panthers will find themselves as one of the favorites to win the region, behind a veteran Ohio County team and the Star Studded Bears from Butler County. As we mentioned, Daviess County had an exciting off-season & one cannot overlook the additions, but perhaps lost in the social media buzz about the transfers is a guy by the name of Gage Phelps. In 2022/23 DC was bitten by the injury bug, losing lead guard Jack Payne & key player Cole Burch, leaving Gage Phelps to take over as the “do it all” guy for Hayden & he done so in very solid fashion.. Phelps led the Panthers in scoring at 18 points per game and shot at an exceptionally high rate of 52% from the field which also was the best on the team. The Panthers finished 13-15 and failed to make the Regional Tournament, but don’t undervalue what last season did for Phelps’ confidence as a player. In an article we put out over the summer, we listed Gage Phelps as one of five candidates for 3rd Region Player Of The Year, alongside Ty Price (Butler County) Lawson Rice (Butler County) Elijah Decker (Ohio County) & Maddox Jernigan (Muhlenberg County). The attention is there but somewhat quietly due to the amount of star power across the region, but Gage Phelps, now a Senior, is undoubtedly one of the top players in the region & will look to lead Daviess County back to the regional tournament & contend for a title. On paper, you won’t find many teams with the upside and talent that the Panthers will bring night in & night out & there won’t be as much pressure for Gage to carry the weight but Coach Hayden will be quick to remind you that DC NEEDS Phelps & his value is unmatched. When you speak of Boys Basketball & the Top players in our area, stop disrespecting Gage Phelps. HE’S A GAMER!