GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Ryan Slusher has committed to attend Tusculum College and play basketball for the Pioneers announced TC men's coach Jim Boone.

Slusher, a 6-5 guard from Knoxville, Tenn., played his prep basketball at Grace Christian Academy where he averaged 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He led the Rams to the Class A State Tournament in Murfreesboro, Tenn. this past March where he scored 18 points in a quarterfinal loss to Chattanooga Grace Baptist, where he poured in six 3-pointers.

"Ryan is a terrific addition to the Tusculum basketball program," said Boone. "His high skill level coupled with his passion for the game will make him a valuable member of the Pioneer family."

The First Team All-State selection scored 2,099 points in his high school career, while also garnering All-District 13A First Team honors. He was named to the All-State Team by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association, while shooting 43 percent from the floor, including 38 percent from three-point territory. Grace Christian finished the 2008-09 campaign with a 27-7 record, while capturing the Region 2A Tournament title.

Tusculum is coming off one of its best seasons in school history. The Pioneers posted a 20-11 record, while advancing to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the second time in school history. TC returns six of its top eight players from a year ago, including All-America guard Kyle Moore, who was named the 2009 South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year.

Tusculum College, located in Greeneville, Tenn., is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA and is a NCAA Division II member of the South Atlantic Conference which is comprised of nine colleges and universities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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