NATCHEZ — After graduating from Trinity Episcopal last spring, Garrett Vinson held out hope that he would get to continue his basketball career in college.

The wait was long, but Vinson’s wish came true Thursday morning when he signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D.

Vinson, who averaged 9.3 points and 3.04 rebounds per game last season for the Saints, said playing for the local Amateur Athletic Union basketball team, Miss-Lou Select, this summer helped him earn an offer.

“My teammate Quavion Ellis had already been recruited by them, and my coach got the Presentation number from (Ellis),” Vinson said.

After sending the Presentation staff film of Vinson, Vinson said he accepted the offer as soon as it came.

“They have nice facilities, nice dorms and everything,” he said. “I like the coach (Jeremy Reigle) a lot. It seems like a good opportunity.”

Vinson, who played shooting guard in high school, said he’s not sure which position the Presentation coaches will have him play.

“I might be a forward with my height,” Vinson said. “I don’t know.”

Since Ellis will be rooming with Vinson, Vinson said he’s much more comfortable with the prospect of moving a long distance away.

“I didn’t want to go up there and not know anyone,” Vinson said.

He also said he’s keeping an open mind about being away from home.

“I wanted to play basketball next year, so I got a chance to do that,” Vinson said. “I think it’ll be a good experience. I know I’ll get homesick, but I want to keep myself in the gym doing something.”

Ultimately, getting to continue his basketball career was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

“Ever since my freshman year, that’s all I wanted, to play at the next level,” Vinson said. “Now I get a chance to do that.”