Scotland bound
ADAMS TWP — Tucked amid the green valleys and lush forested hills of Greene Township in Franklin County, Pa., is a basketball powerhouse.
Few outside of the unincorporated community of Scotland have heard of this hoop juggernaut, which is one of the best prep programs in the country.
Scotland Campus, a high school and post-graduate prep school, has produced a slew of Division I players recently, including University of Pittsburgh freshman Karim Coulibaly.
Khori Fusco, who was a senior guard for the Mars basketball team last season, hopes to be one of them.
Fusco said he will take online college courses at the Community College of Allegheny County while also attending the Scotland Campus.
“I'm going to refine my skill set,” Fusco said. “Get stronger and quicker and get ready for my freshman season at college.”
Fusco, a 6-foot-3 guard, was a key member of the Planets' WPIAL 5A championship team last year after transferring from Clairton.
He averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and three assists per game for Mars, which went 27-2.
Fusco said when the opportunity to play at Scotland Campus arose, it was a no-brainer for him to accept.
“I couldn't pass it up,” he said. “It's one of the best prep schools in the country.”
Fusco said he had received interest from a number of Division II and Division III schools, including West Liberty University and Slippery Rock University, but decided he needed more seasoning.
Both on the court and off of it.
“I think it will help me become a man,” Fusco said. “I'll be living on my own. There will be no one to clean up my messes but myself. I think I'm going to learn a lot about myself there.”
Fusco said it will also give him an opportunity to learn about himself as a basketball player.
He's looking forward to playing for Chris Chaney, who has produced 140 Division I players as well as 18 who have gone on to the NBA.
He's won national coach of the year three times and has piled up more than 700 victories as a prep school coach.
He's in his third season at Scotland, which went 36-2 and finished second in the nation.
“It'll give me an opportunity to clean up some small stuff,” Fusco said. “My shot and my IQ set. I'll be playing for a legendary coach who is known for making players.”
Fusco said he couldn't put a value on what he learned in his only season at Mars.
“When I got there, it was a big culture change for me,” Fusco said. “It took me awhile to adjust, but everyone was so welcoming.
“I learned a lot from Coach Rob,” Fusco said of Mars basketball coach Rob Carmody. “I was very fortunate to have him teaching me. I'll always be grateful for that.”
