May 6, 2017 4 min read

The path to significant playing time and success at Clarion University will lead Kass Taylor to the weight room.

Taylor, a senior at California High School, has signed to play basketball for the Golden Eagles, an NCAA Division II member of the PSAC.

For the 6-5, 170-pound Taylor, selecting Clarion was pretty simple. The formula for future success on the court will depend on his work ethic in gaining strength, improving his ball-handling and putting the basketball through the net from outside the lane.

“Most importantly, I need to get myself in the weight room,” said Taylor, who averaged 19.7 points per game for the Trojans in the 2016-17 season and helped them to a 19-3 record and WPIAL Class AA playoff spot.

“To be honest, the (Clarion) coaches made me feel right at home as soon as I stepped on campus. I had four good years at Cal. I’ll be working out with a family member throughout the summer and once I get there, I will join their lifting program.

“I’m really glad recruiting is over and the decision has been made. Honestly, it wasn’t very stressful. I really like the school, the atmosphere on campus and the basketball team.”

Recently retired California coach Bruno Pappasergi said Taylor’s future is bright, not only because of his basketball skills but also his strong personality and leadership qualities.

“Kass meant a lot to our team and program,” said Pappasergi, who stepped down last month. “He was our go-to guy when we needed a bucket, a rebound or a big defensive play.

“He’s just an all-around good player. Everything we needed him to get done, he did. I know he is going to do well at Clarion. Once he gets stronger, and bigger, he will be very good.”

Taylor was named to the Observer-Reporter’s All-District third team this season and participated in the Roundball Classic at Geneva College last weekend.

Before settling on Clarion, Taylor also considered Waynesburg, Penn State-Fayette, Penn State-Behrend and Thiel.

In four seasons with the varsity, Taylor was an integral part in helping the Trojans to a 59-27 record (.686 winning percentage). California was a section runner-up the past three seasons, when the Trojans were 49-15. California’s four-year section record was 37-13 – qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs each season.

The Trojans’ season ended in a heartbreaking WPIAL Class AA playoffs opening-round loss to Neshannock, 46-45.

“I felt like we had a really great season,” Taylor said. “It’s sad the way the season ended. But our losses came against really good teams. We have nothing to be disappointed about.”

Taylor said he will take his vocal leadership abilities, motivation and intensity to Clarion.

“I also will continue to focus on defense,” he said. “It’s an important part of the game.”

Pappasergi said Taylor’s best is ahead of him.

“He’s not opposed to hard work,” Pappasergi said. “He’s an excellent fit there. He has the ability to play the game at that level.

“We talked a lot during the season and Clarion never backed off. They are getting a good player, who can eventually be a great player, and is an outstanding young man.”

Taylor is finishing his high school athletic career as a member of California’s track team and he also is serving as a pinch-runner for the Trojans’ baseball team. California is one of the top Class AA baseball teams in the WPIAL.

“I used to play baseball and I started out the year, playing the outfield,” he said. “But I jammed my ankle and that was it for playing a position. I still run the bases here and there. It’s nice to be in this atmosphere.”