  Experimental above-barrier fusion cross-sections for $^{17}$F + $^{12}$C are
compared to the fusion excitation functions for $^{16,18}$O, $^{19}$F, and
$^{20}$Ne ions on a carbon target. In comparing the different systems both the
differing static size of the incident ions and changes in fusion barrier are
accounted for by examining the reduced fusion cross-section. Remaining trends
of the fusion cross-section above the barrier which reflect the sensitive
interplay of the sd protons and neutrons are observed. The experimental data
are also compared to both a widely-used analytical model of near-barrier
fusion, as well as a time-dependent Hartree-Fock model. Both models fail to
describe the trends observed.
