Throughout every area of team sports, there is always one player who is a catalyst for energy. That one person often sparks a fire in the rest of the team, motivating them all to push harder and play better. For the FC varsity basketball team, Tyler Breedlove, ’16, is that person. He strives to work harder and play more physical than anyone else on the court.

Breedlove has been playing basketball since the age of five. Whether it has been shooting around for fun or playing competitively, he has always enjoyed the sport. Breedlove started playing basketball because his dad signed him up at a very young age.

“I’ve been playing since I was about five or six, just shooting baskets,” Breedlove said. “I played at People’s Church and then in junior high and high school I played for Fresno Christian. I started playing because my dad signed me up and I had a lot of fun.”

Breedlove is not only known as a very energetic player but also an exceptional shooter. He continually provides the team with three pointers and clutch scoring. Senior, Justin Houts, has been playing with Breedlove since 7th grade and loves what he brings to the team.

“I’ve been playing with him since 7th grade,” Houts said. “Tyler always bring a good attitude and energy each game. He has a great three point shot and has been known for being a really clutch player. He’s great at getting our team out of slumps that we get ourselves into.”

Tyler’s experience on varsity helps us a lot because we have mostly all first year varsity players. He’s really vocal and encourages the team. He is also a huge help on both sides of the ball with his defensive ability and awesome shooting. He leads us by example. –Daniel Walker

The basketball team has 13 players and nine of them are first year varsity players. On a very young team, Breedlove stands out as a very experienced player with this being his 3rd year on varsity. Daniel Walker, ’17, thinks that Breedlove’s experience is vital to the team’s success because of all the young players on the team.

“Tyler’s experience on varsity helps us a lot because we have mostly all first year varsity players,” Walker said. “He’s really vocal and encourages the team. He is also a huge help on both sides of the ball with his defensive ability and awesome shooting. He leads us by example.”

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This being Breedlove’s final year in high school, he wants to finish it off with a victory in Selland arena. The schedule for the Eagle’s this season has been the hardest of Breedlove’s high school career, mainly playing teams in a higher division during the preseason. Despite the little amount of success that the Eagle’s have had, Breedlove is still confident in their ability.

“This year has been the hardest schedule I have ever played,” Breedlove said. “We are in D-5 and we have been playing teams from D-3 and D-2. Playing against some of the hardest teams in the valley is really difficult for us but I think that once we get into league play, things will be easier for us because of our tough competition.”

With the Eagles playing one of the hardest schedules in recent history, Breedlove provides leadership on the young team. This year he is one of three captains along with fellow senior, Justin Houts, and 3rd year varsity player, Trevor Trevino, ’17. Coach Penberthy chose Breedlove as a captain because of his attitude and physical play. Despite being a captain, Penberthy still thinks that Breedlove can improve some parts of his game.

“Tyler brings toughness and a relentless attitude,” Penberthy said. “His effort is also unmatched. I chose Tyler to be a captain because of his experience from last season on varsity. I think that he would be a lot better if he got more comfortable with the ball in his hands, and getting his shot off quicker.”

Breedlove is known as an active athlete around the FC campus. He is a three sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. Earlier this year, Breedlove helped lead his football team to win the 8-man Valley championship as the quarterback. Nick LeBlanc, ’17, played football and basketball with Breedlove. LeBlanc thinks that he is a natural-born leader and practices what he preaches.

“I played football and basketball with Breedlove,” said LeBlanc. “He was a captain on our football team and now he’s a captain for basketball. I remember he would have us pay attention in football and it’s the same in basketball. He’s a great leader who leads us by example.”

The Eagles have now started playing in league competition. Come out and support Breedlove and the rest of the team at the next home game against Minarets High School, Jan. 29.

To read another sports profile, read Houts provides example, inspiration for basketball team.

This writer can be reach via twitter: @Phillip11499 and via email: Phillip Christopher