Bryson Medious won’t be the only dual Wildcat — starring at both Columbia High School and Pearl River Community College — to play for the William Carey Crusaders next season.
Second baseman Scooter Ginn recently inked his signature on a letter of intent to play for the Hattiesburg NAIA college and is excited to play alongside his longtime teammate once again.
“That’s aw esome,” he said of playing with Medious for the Crusaders. “I can’t explain how frickin’ fun that is. He’s one of my best friends, and we’ve been playing together since high school. It’s just going to be super fun, for sure.”
Ginn took an unconventional route to secure a spot at a four-year program, playing one season at Southwest Community College before transferring to Pearl River for his sophomore year. Ginn batted .270 with 12 extra-base hits (1 HR) and 20 RBI this season to earn the opportunity to continue his playing career.
“I’ve worked my entire life and have played this game since I was 4 years old, so it means a lot to me that I get to continue to play,” he said.
Playing for a team with a winning culture like the Crusaders, which made it to the NAIA World Series in 2017 and placed third, enticed Ginn.
“They’re known for winning, and coach (Bobby) Halford has been successful there for many years. It’s just an honor,” he said. “They went to the World Series a couple years ago, and that excites me a lot. They are known for winning, and I love to win so that’s what I’m most excited about.”
Ginn provided his own scouting report for William Carey fans.
“I’m just a hard-nose dirtbag. I play as hard as I can every play, every pitch. My goal is when I leave the dugout I want to have the dirtiest jersey,” he said. “It’s just who I am, how I play the game and how I was taught. I’m not the biggest and I’m not the fastest, but I’m going to give 100 percent every time I go out there.”
Halford, who is entering his 33rd season as the Crusaders head coach and has been named the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference coach of the year eight times, likes Ginn’s hard-nosed nature and versatility in the infield.
“He’s been successful wherever he’s been and can play two or three different positions. He can play second, short or third, so we’ll look at him at all three areas to see how he fits,” he said. “He’s a good hitter for his size, a good defender and has played on a lot of winning teams.”
While Ginn spent just one season at Pearl River, he wouldn’t trade his experience in Poplarville for anything. The Wildcats won the MACJC state title this season and posted a 38-11 overall record.
“I left there a champion, and that’s an awesome feeling. Coach (Michael) Avalon impacted my life like no other. He’s probably the best coach you’ll ever have,” he said. “I definitely went out in my community college career with a bang. We had a fun year and worked hard, and it definitely paid off. I got me a ring.”
William Carey went 36-25 in 2018 and 2-2 in the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round before being ousted by No. 3 Saint Thomas.
Pictured Above: Scooter Ginn celebrates for Pearl River Community College. | Photo Submitted
