Having played over 1,200 games together dating back to travel ball when they were both in fifth grade, it was only natural that Daviess County’s Jonathan Moss and DeAaron Watkins would sign their college commitment letters on the same day. Moss will be joining the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, while DeAaron Watkins committed to McKendree University.
“He’s like my brother,” Moss said. “It means a lot to sign together. It is really emotional together, but that’s my bother. We have played a lot of games together, and it means a lot.”
Watkins echoed his sentiments.
“He’s like my best friend,” Watkins said. “It’s that bond we have and its just something special.”
A point guard, Moss is fresh off averaging 19.5 points and 3.5 rebounds and helping the Panthers win the 3rd Region Championship and reach the State Tournament. After three dominant seasons at Daviess County, the senior is closing in on the school’s all-time points and assists records and has the chance to leave as a 2,000-point scorer.
Moss played for the varsity team as an eighth grader, before joining Owensboro High School his freshman year. After winning the 3rd Region Championship with the Red Devils, Moss returned to Daviess County in his sophomore year, averaging 17.1 points per game.
He chose Chattanooga over Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, and Evansville.
Watkins arrived at Daviess County as a sophomore for the 2023/24 season, averaging 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Last season as a junior, Watkins took the next step, averaging a double-double of 15.9 points and 10.3 rebounds and was instrumental in the Panthers 3rd Region Championship run.
He spoke with multiple schools, but chose McKendree due to the fit.
“They made me feel at home,” Watkins said. “They talked to me every day, made me feel comfortable at their school, and I know I can play a big role for their team.”
With the pressure relieved due to finding their collegiate homes early, the duo can now set their sights on winning a second straight 3rd Region Championship.
