Carolina Forest’s Moss: ‘It felt like home’

Notoriety, pride and tradition certainly have their place in the lexicon of college recruiting.

Not often enough, however, does anyone beg the question whether a certain school and its athletic program are the right fit.

For Carolina Forest basketball standout Duane Moss, finding a place that felt like home was priority No. 1. And when he found that place, there was no way he was letting go.

Among the state’s top hoops prospects in the Class of 2019, Moss verbally committed last week to Youngstown State University. Recruited by more than a dozen schools, he trimmed his list to the Ohio school and Northern Iowa before opting to take the Penguins up on their offer.

“I really liked (Youngstown State and Northern Iowa), but at the end of the day Youngstown State felt more like home,” he said. “There was more of an opportunity for me to come in and contribute right away, and it also felt just right.”

Initially, Moss planned to wait until the spring to make his college intentions known. But advised by family and close friends that such opportunities may not exist if he chose to do so, the Carolina Forest basketball standout altered his recruiting strategy.

“The more I looked into the risk of waiting, the more I started to lean toward the early signing period to make a decision,” he said.

Moss’ parents were the first to learn of his plans, followed shortly after by Carolina Forest boys basketball coach Dennis Brunson.

“(Brunson) wanted to double check with me and make sure if I was 100 percent secure with my decision,” Moss said. “Once I told him where I stood, he agreed with me and felt I was making the choice for all the right reasons.”

Though undecided about a major, Moss said he is interested in taking courses focusing on health sciences and physical therapy. More importantly, it is a place he believes one can thrive both athletically and educationally.

“Walking the campus, everyone knew who everyone was,” he said. “Similarly, the coaching staff is able to connect with players on a personal level. They had a system and program that suited what I was looking for – both from a basketball standpoint and school-wise.”

Now that his decision out of the way, Moss can now focus on the task of leading the Panthers to another deep run through the playoffs.

Last season, Moss averaged just shy of 14 points and seven rebounds per game. The Panthers finished 18-8, earning a share of the Region VI-4A title, making it to the Lower State semifinal round before bowing out to Irmo.

With several veterans returning, the Carolina Forest standout believes the team has what it takes to go to the next level.

“Last year, we showed people we are for real,” Moss said. “Making it to the Lower State final four, everyone was able to jump on board.

“This mission really means a lot to us, and a lot of other people who are fans of Carolina Forest. Hopefully, we can get it done.”

This story was originally published November 8, 2016 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Carolina Forest’s Moss: ‘It felt like home’."