Jordan Taylor and Courtney Boylan wear two of the biggest smiles every time they step on the basketball court. Their grins were a littler larger than usual on Sunday night.

The two senior guards were surprisingly honored as Mr. & Miss Basketball at the 34th annual awards banquet at the Minneapolis Marriott West in St. Louis Park. The award is presented to the top senior player in the state.

Taylor led Benilde-St. Margaret's to the boys' Class 3A state championship, while Boylan helped Chaska to its first girls' state tournament appearance (Class 4A) in 10 years.

"This last year has been really special for me," said Taylor, who had a double-double (20 points and 10 rebounds) to go along with six assists as the Red Knights beat defending state champion St. Thomas Academy 58-52 in the Class 3A finals.

"To win the state championship after losing in the championship last year [56-40 to St. Thomas Academy] meant a lot, but this is unbelievable."

It didn't come without a lot of work. Taylor had his sights set on making the varsity team as a freshman but was cut.

"I was bummed out," Taylor said. "I had to fight through it and work harder."

He did just that, and was suiting up for Red Knights coach John Moore a month later. As incredible as his final season was, Moore said the best is still ahead for this standout. The Wisconsin-bound Taylor averaged 22.3 points and 7.1 assists per game.

"When he gets to the next level and isn't required to score, you will see his real talent," Moore said. "He sees the floor so well, and his ability to pass the ball makes him a true point guard. We needed him to score."

That's one thing Chaska coach Bob Downs wishes Boylan had done more of at times. She averaged 20.8 points in her final season and eclipsed the 2,000-point barrier in her career.

"We would get frustrated at times because she wouldn't shoot enough," Downs said. "But that is why she is such a unique talent. She would do whatever it took to make her teammates better."

Boylan was considered one of the top players in the state as a sophomore before recruiters cooled on her until last summer. She is going to Michigan.

"I never worked harder than I did this past offseason," Boylan said. "It wasn't just physically, but mentally, too. I had to work on my ability to become a leader."

That's the exact reason the two were being honored at the conclusion of their illustrious prep careers.

"This past year was really amazing," Boylan said. "This high school season was magical."