Salmen senior shooting guard R.J. Scott has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Central Florida and play basketball for the Knights.

“It feels great,” Scott said. “It’s a lot of weight off my chest. I’m ready to get down there, but more looking forward to this season, trying to get this state championship.”

Scott said he enjoyed being around the coaching staff.

Salmen'€™s R.J. Scott signed a letter of intent with Central Florida. Pictured from left, first row: Donnie Arioll (grandpa), Kathy Stone (grandma), Scott, Denise Troullier (mom), Gabby Ignacio (sister and sitting on Troullier'€™s lap) and Rob Troullier (dad); second row: Principal Byron Williams, athletic director Mike Leland, Salmen basketball coach Jay Carlin and Salmen assistant coach Ryan Walsh. (Staff Photo by Chris Kinkaid)

“I really liked all the coaches when I went for my visit. I had a good time with them,” Scott said.

Scott, who is originally from Orlando, Fla., said he felt he fit in best with Central Florida.

He also said that having relatives close by played a role in his decision.

“It’s real close to where I used to stay. I’m from Florida. I’ve got family in Florida. That was a big part on why I decided to go there,” Scott said.

Scott said the arena is real nice.

“It’s big. It’s brand new. They’ve got state-of-the-art facilities,” Scott said.

He also said he likes the campus.

“The campus is real nice and real big. It’s like the (sixth) biggest school (by enrollment) in the nation,” Scott said.

Salmen coach Jay Carlin, who enters his 29th season with the Spartans, said he’s happy to see Scott moving to the next level.

“You like to see guys grow and mature during their high school years,” Carlin said. “You like to see them become better people and better basketball players. Most kids, when they come to high school, if they’ve got a little bit of talent, one of their goals is to maybe play college basketball.”

Last season, Scott was a first-year starter and took advantage of the playing time. He led the Spartans, averaging 15 points per game. He also averaged six rebounds and two assists per contest. His accomplishments netted him District 9-4A first-team all-district honors.

Last year, his team went to the state semifinals before falling to O. Perry Walker. The Spartans got there by beating previously unbeaten Peabody Magnet, 50-49. Salmen won the district with a 10-0 record and tallied a 31-4-overall mark.

Scott, who named Michael Jordan as his favorite basketball player, said he feels his biggest strength is shooting the ball, but also said he is working on his ball handling.

Scott is the son of Rob and Denise Troullier of Slidell.