Crashing through the lane, the 6’4″ center elevates and throws down a one-handed slam dunk.

Taylor Brouwer, the same kid who used to overeat, quit on field sprints, and even had his own separate time to make when his team ran suicides and 17s, has refocused his mindset and revamped his game according to his teammates and coaching staff.

“Taylor had some difficult moments over the past few years, especially with the early morning practices and the physical demands of the sport,” head boys’ basketball coach Chris Schultz said. “There were times when his mind got the better of him and he wasn’t able to always push through conditioning and would have to stop.”

However, the coaching staff continued to push him and offer encouragement. As Schultz put it: “We knew he had the ability to push through [the pain].” Slowly change started to take place.

After finishing his second year of varsity last Febuary with a 7-16 record, Brouwer says that losing pushed him to work harder in the offseason. He joined the tennis team in order to stay active and secured the No. 3 spot.

“I think I was in the gym at least once a week since the end of last season, even during tennis season,” Brouwer recalled. “I spent some time with (varsity assistant) coach Nate (McClurg) working on post stuff. Obviously it being my senior year makes everything more important. I play every game like it’s my last because it almost is; I’m going to miss this sport and all the workouts too.”

This past summer, Brouwer traveled with his family to Michigan, where his older brother Matt (’06) attends Calvin College. In an effort to not lose conditioning shape, he worked out in the gym for 30 minutes every other day and jogged two miles on the off-days.

Backing up his improved physical effort, Brouwer improved his diet by watching how much he ate. He still has his regular cheeseburger and fries but now just orders the “smaller version of everything.” Also instead of getting a soda, he fills his cup with water.

In all the changes materialized as he shed 35 pounds, going from 210 pounds to 175. This helped him improve his running and made him more effective on the court.

“I was very surprised with my self discipline,” Brouwer said. “It was something I had never done before. I improved my diet and learned that my body was full long before I usually finished eating. It’s nice to be able to run with everyone now instead of 10 seconds behind.”

According to Brouwer, there is also the added motivation of being the younger brother in the family.

“I remember watching my brother playing varsity when I was a freshman,” Brouwer said. “I never thought I could be as good as him and that was always in the back of my mind pushing me to work harder.”

This season, the slimmed down three-year varsity letterman is the lone post player on the team and has risen to the challenge, leading the team with averages of 13.8 points, and 11.0 rebounds through 12 games. Despite totting extra minutes he has also maintained a team-leading 54% field goal percentage.

Since his “transformation,” Brouwer has produced several high-scoring games, namely against division V power Mission Prep. Playing against a Royals’ front line of players 6’6,” 6’7,” and 6’8,” he went for 19 points and 15 rebounds-providing a beacon of light according to Schultz in the 52-33 loss, Jan. 3.

“He played the whole game against guys four to six inches taller than him and kept battling,” Schultz said. “He was tentative early on but as the game wore on, he was better at going through the defenders, making shots, and getting to the line. On the defensive end, he played some of his best ball and really made their bigs work for their points.”

Just two weeks earlier, he was named to the All-Tournament team of the Immanuel Holiday Tournament, Dec. 10-13.

Under the guidance of, former Eastern Oregon University center and family friend, McClurg, Brouwer has grown in his knowledge of the game and now understands how to put himself in a better position to score and to assist his teammates. He is also recognized as a leader on the team and earned the position of captain this season.

“I really pushed Taylor hard in his conditioning,” McClurg said. “We’ve tried to stretch him competitively by forcing him to play against better competition such as coaches and alumni. He has made leaps and bounds and I am very proud of him.”

Consistency in Brouwer’s game continues to improve as he recently scored a career-high 28 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in the Eagles’ 68-39 rout of Clovis Christian, Jan. 8.

“He’s a key part of our basketball team,” senior Nick Anderson said. “He’s a second year starter on varsity and shows his senior leadership and experience with the way he works hard down in the post. He brings confidence, toughness, and experience to this year’s team.”

His mother Maria has noticed several changes in her son since his freshman year.

“Taylor has grown in his leadership style and skills,” Maria said. “He has earned and used his independence well. He enjoys people and having fun with them. His spirituality and walk with God has also grown.”

Recently Brouwer has added a new component to his arsenal: the dunk.

“One day I started noticing how close I was getting to the rim,” Brouwer said. “I started working my way up, first throwing it down with a tennis ball, next a soccer ball, then a girls’ basketball. Then one day in practice during layups, I had my first dunk with a regulation-sized ball.”

To unwind after practice, Brouwer usually plops down in front of the tv or plays video games, however both take a back seat during basketball season.

As for college aspirations, he is considering either Fresno State or private school Calvin College-his parents’ alma mater and is still undecided on his major. For now his main focus is helping the Eagles win the West Sequoia League title.

“Taylor is an excellent example of how sports can have a positive impact on a young person,” Schultz said. “He has had to endure a lot physically and mentally but he has stayed committed, worked hard, and made dramatic improvements. I’m proud of the player and the person Taylor has become.”