SOUTH POINT, Ohio -- Despite his exceptional play on both ends of the basketball court this season, a shadow was cast upon South Point's Corey Taylor.

Big time names like Todd Mayo and Beau Weed overshadowed Taylor's strong play and left him out of the constant media spotlight surrounding the program. But, Taylor kept his focus and used every ounce of energy he had to keep the Pointers on the winning track.

Instead of being unhappy with the situation, the 6-foot-3 senior center relished his title as a role player and used it to his advantage. He quickly developed into a defensive-minded, but offensive-ready, player.

"I have never been the best player or go-to-guy, but I play hard," Taylor said. "I usually get most of my points down low by grabbing the offensive board and putting it back up."

Taylor flirted with averaging a double-double this year, tossing in 9.5 points a game and pulling down 9.4 rebounds.

Being the total team player that he is has earned Taylor the right to extend his career to the next level. He signed a letter of intent Thursday at South Point to play at The University of Rio Grande. Taylor said he will be converted to a power forward in college.

It became a trademark of Taylor's game to leave all of his hustle and determination on the court from the opening tip until the final buzzer sounded. This directed the Pointers toward a perfect 20-0 regular season, but the Pointers were ousted 57-53 by Ironton during the first round of sectional play.

Taylor was overshadowed by Mayo's electrifying display of moves and 22.6 point average per game. In addition, Weed also gave the team a huge lift with a 13.4 scoring average.

"The biggest positive aspect is that he works so hard," South Point coach Gary Norris said. "Corey is also an excellent student and that's a reflection of the effort he puts fourth on the court and in the classroom."

Making A's and B's in the classroom is just as easy for Taylor as snatching a rebound out of the air or laying the ball off the glass for a bucket.

Taylor might not be the toughest, biggest or most talented player on the roster, but it undoubtedly will be hard to outwork him. Not giving Taylor the credit he deserves will trigger one reaction.

He will work harder. Which is a scary thought considering how much effort this young man puts forth to compete at the high level he does.