SAMANTHA | Coy Arrowood has to cross a river to go to college, but he won't stray far from home.

Arrowood, a senior at Northside High School, signed on Tuesday to play baseball at Shelton State Community College.

'It's just another opportunity to keep my baseball career going and to play as long as I can,' Arrowood said. 'This is going to set me up where I'm going to go. I like the idea of being close to my family because they supported me through everything. I'd like for them to be a part of it.

'I started playing when I was probably 8 years old. I just like the excitement the game gives me. I strive to do better every game.'

Arrowood, 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, said he expects to fill an outfield spot for Shelton State coach Bobby Sprowl. Arrowood patrolled center field for Northside coach Larry Mims.

'He's a good enough athlete to play shortstop, but we couldn't take him out of the outfield,' Mims said. 'He's probably the best outfielder we've had since I've been here. He gets such a good jump on the ball. He's got good speed and covers a lot of ground.

'His was the most solid position we had all year defensively.'

Arrowood, a three-year starter for the Rams, hit .390 in his senior season and drove in 24 runs. He struck out only five times in 100 at-bats.

'Coach Mims really taught me how to play the game of baseball,' Arrowood said. 'He told me about the situations I could be in and how to handle things on and off the field.'

Mims said he thinks Arrowood could advance to a four-year school with a little more consistency in his hitting.

'He's good enough to play at a four-year school,' Mims said. 'He's got the ability to do it, but he's still got to work. There's no doubt in my mind he could be a Division I player.'

Arrowood said he is interested in studying heating and cooling technology at Shelton State.

Reach Andrew Carroll at andrew.carroll@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0223.