SOUTH POINT — Cody Taylor wasn’t ready to quit.

After playing basketball since he was a young boy, Taylor spent the past two years in the South Point Pointers’ starting lineup.

After signing a letter-of-intent with the University of Rio Grande RedStorm, Taylor will continue his career.

“I think it’ll be fun. It’s good to keep playing,” said Taylor.

Taylor was honorable mention on the All-Ohio Valley Conference team as he averaged almost 10 points and 8.0 rebounds a game.

While Taylor stands nearly 6-foot-6, his weight last season was in the 200-pound range after dropping 30 pounds.

“I was quicker. My game is to shoot the ball (from the perimeter). It helped me with my shot,” said Taylor. “I have to work out and get stronger.”

Taylor will join his long-time friend and teammate Ethan Prater who also signed with Rio Grande.

“It’s great to go with a teammate and friend. We talked about it a few times. I knew I was going before he did. I tried to talk him into it,” said Taylor.

The Rio Grande coaching staff is glad to get both of the players.

“We like both Ethan and Cody. We like the way they play hard. They do whatever is asked of them. We think they’ll play for us,” said Rio Grande assistant coach Ryan Arrowood.

Taylor knew he wanted to go to Rio Grande and follow his brother, Corey, who had signed two years ago.

However, tragedy struck on Christmas night in 2008 when Corey was killed in an automobile accident.

“I knew I wanted to go there and follow my brother,” said Cody. “I never saw him play. I always had practice or games. I always wanted to play with him (in college).”

Taylor plans to honor his brother by wearing his college jersey, No. 50.

“My brother was a great basketball player. I will be following in his footsteps after I graduate,” said Cody. “Basketball helped me keep my mind off Corey. This year I tried to stay busy. I played soccer, basketball and baseball. I consider that an accomplishment. I started every game except one time just like my previous season. I use sports and mainly basketball to stay strong.”