It is one thing to baton down the hatches and weather the storm. It’s another thing to survive and get by.

But it’s quite a different proposition to shine in the face of adversity.

That’s exactly what the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team and Taylor Smith have accomplished this season. When things have been their most bleak, Smith and Vikings have been at their brightest.

Now how many teams in the area can say they are in contention for a Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class AAA playoff berths after having lost three starters? Northern Lebanon can, and Smith, a senior forward, is one of the biggest reasons why.

With the Vikings depleted and former JV players now playing prominent roles, Smith has been a steadying influence, as solid as a rock and a source of leadership. But not only has Smith grown in the intangible portions of competition, she has also stepped up her individual game.

A tireless worker on both sides of the glass, Smith has emerged as Northern Lebanon’s top option offensively and its leading scorer. With a variety of moves, Smith scores around the basket against bigger and more physical opponents.