WPIAL rules Mars' Fusco eligible for playoffs
ADAMS TWP — A series of anonymous tips sent to the WPIAL put Mars senior basketball player Khori Fusco's postseason eligibility in question this week.
Fusco, a 6-foot-3 guard who moved from Clairton to the Mars area before his senior year, filed his transfer paperwork Aug. 6.
The information provided in a series of anonymous tips was not disclosed, but the WPIAL saw cause to examine the transfer further.
The WPIAL held a hearing Wednesday on Fusco's matter, as well as on other players' eligibility questions.
On Thursday, the WPIAL ruled Fusco could play in the playoffs, which begin late next week.
“Obviously, we're very happy that this is behind us now,” said Mars boys basketball coach Rob Carmody.
Carmody found out Monday about the hearing and the question about Fusco's eligibility.
But Carmody chose to keep that information from his team — and even Fusco.
“I felt like it was the job of these guys to take care of their academics, play basketball and be kids,” Carmody said. “They didn't need to worry about this.”
Fusco attended the hearing Wednesday — the first he had heard of his eligibility question — along with Carmody and Mars principal Lindsay Rosswog.
“You know what, for an 18-year-old kid who's had a number of changes occur in his life, I couldn't be prouder of how he handled it,” Carmody said. “I'm very impressed with how the young man handled this.
“When I saw him (Thursday) after he was ruled eligible, we had a big hug,” Carmody added. “Then it was, 'All right. This is behind us. Let's get on to the next game.'”
Fusco moved from Clairton to Mars with his mother, Shandrea Ramseur, this summer.
One of the reasons for the hearing, though, was the transfer paperwork filed was dated Aug. 6.
The PIAA passed a rule last year that required all transfers after the 10th grade to be automatically ineligible for postseason play if they occurred on or after Aug. 6 unless certain conditions were met.
The WPIAL ruled Thursday that the transfer actually occurred before that deadline.
Fusco is averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists for Mars, which is 20-1 this season.
He also played football for the Planets this fall.
“I have no animosity toward the WPIAL,” Carmody said. “They had a job to do. I'm just happy this is behind us. It's hard enough to win without any other distractions.”
