Athlete of the Week: Taylor Broekhuis CSCS basketball

Colorado Springs Christian School 6-foot-7 senior center Taylor Broekhuis led his team in scoring including 21 points in the semifinal to send the Lions to the 3A state title game on Saturday night. For his efforts, Broekhuis is The Gazette's Athlete of the Week.

What were your emotions like during the state championship game?

Right before the tipoff, I was just like "Holy cow, we're playing in the state championship game." Then once it got started it felt just like any other game. I guess it's good that it felt like any other game and there wasn't a lot of pressure, but it was a lot of fun to play in it.

You were a huge part of your team's success this season, what does that mean to you as a senior?

It was just fun to come in my senior year. I've been doing it for four years. It just felt like another basketball season until I guess last night when I was sitting at home thinking, ‘I'm done with high school basketball.' So, I'll miss the guys, I'll miss the practices, but I'm ready to move on to the next step of my life.

What is that next step?

Right now I'm trying to chose where I'm going to go play ball, somewhere in college. I don't know where, but hopefully that decision will be made soon.

Who are some of the prospects?

Pretty much all of the in-state schools. Air Force, UNC, CSU, DU. All of those schools.

Do you enjoy the NCAA Tournament?

I do. I don't really have a favorite team, but I just love the college atmosphere. I think college sports is the best athletics to watch and be a part of.

Do you have your bracket ready?

Not yet. Me and my dad have to fill those out tonight.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Probably Michael Jordan. I just grew up watching him. I can always remember sitting in front of the TV with my little Michael Jordan basketball jersey on. Pretending I was him in the parking lot or in the driveway practicing dribbling or last second shots. He was an awesome player and just a phenomenal guy overall.

Do you think any of today's players compare to him?

There's a lot of guys that can do what he does, but I don't think they're going to end up doing what he did, or to the extent of what he did winning all of those championships and stuff.

You and your sister (Morgan) are both good athletes, has there ever been any sibling rivalry in your household?

She kind of focuses on volleyball and I focus on basketball. This weekend at state, she went for like 21 points and 24 rebounds in a game, so I sure had to match that in my games (laughs). I didn't quite get there, but yeah we kind of try and compete in our separate sports.

What is your favorite movie?

I like "I Am Legend." The one with Will Smith that just came out. I'm a big fan of that one.

Why do you like it?

I love Will Smith. He's my favorite actor. He just plays so many different roles. I just like it, because it's kind of what every guy dreams about, you know, being the last person on Earth trying to save the world. I think that's kind of cool.