SOUTH PARIS – Like most kids his age, Telstar High School sophomore Daniel Vaughn is looking for odd jobs to do over the spring and summer. The difference is that Vaughn might be doing his raking, mowing and painting while practicing his Italian.

Vaughn, 15, has been selected by 365 Sports to play for Team USA in the Italy Shoot-Out Basketball Tournament in Foligno, Italy in August. He sees it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to face international competition and see a part of the world he may never get to see.

“It’s an amazing opportunity. I was just honored that they would select me,” Vaughn said. “I’m excited about being able to go overseas.”

Based in Raleigh, N.C., 365 Sports calls itself “an immersive summer athletic experience” which combines “intense training and international tournament competition” that assists athletes in their athletic and character growth. The organization sponsors teams for international competition in basketball, golf, volleyball and soccer.

Vaughn, a rugged, 6-foot-1, 210-pound swingman, started as a freshman for Telstar and averaged 14 points per game. He was the Rebels’ second-leading scorer and leading rebounder last season while earning honorable mention with the Mountain Valley Conference All-Stars. His assignments last season included guarding Thomas Knight, the Notre Dame-bound center from Dirigo.

“He’s a good kid. He’s a hard-working kid,” said Telstar coach Mark Thurlow. “He’s hard on himself, too hard on himself at times. But he gives you all he’s got on the court.”

“He’s determined, and he knows when he’s got you beat, he can take it to the hoop,” said Gary Vaughn, Daniel’s father.

Vaughn, who lives in Andover, received a letter from 365 Sports inviting him to apply for a spot on the team. After attending a meeting in Portland, he applied, then heard back from the organization about a week later for a phone interview.

Now comes the hard part. The trip costs about $4,000. Gary Vaughn, who lives in South Paris, has already sent a couple of installments to 365 Sports. He still needs another $2,800 by June 2 to pay in full.

Vaughn is hoping for donations, whether they be in the form of cash, check or returnable bottles and cans. He’s also willing to work to earn the dough.

“I’m willing to do odd jobs around the house, anything that I really can do,” he said. “I just need as much help possible in any way.”

Vaughn’s trip begins Aug. 2 with a three-day training camp at Hoops City U in Raleigh. He will participate in two training sessions per day with his head coach and Hoop City U’s professional staff. Then it’s off to Italy for the week-long competition against Italian teams as well as a clinic hosted by Italian coaches. The trip also includes visits to three other Italian cities – Rome, Siena and Florence.

“When he’s in North Carolina, I’m hoping that he gets to be a lot better free throw shooter,” Gary Vaughn said somewhat in jest.

“I hope to improve my game, and I want to get a little more knowledgeable about the world,” he said. “I heard there are going to be college scouts, so I’m hoping to make some connections early and maybe get recruited when that time comes around.”

Donations may be sent to Gary Vaughn at P.O. Box 422, South Paris, 04281. For more information, call Gary at 739-9442.