LIONS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: ETHAN LAIL! 

We are excited to announce our very first LFCA Lions Middle School Player of the Week… Ethan Lail!

Even though Ethan is currently sidelined with a fractured ankle, he has shown incredible heart, dedication, and team spirit. He has been at every practice and every game, cheering on his teammates, staying engaged, and supporting the team however he can.

One thing that has stood out the most is Ethan’s heart for the Lord. I’ve personally witnessed him praying over his teammates, offering encouragement, and leading by example even when he can’t be on the court physically. That’s leadership rooted in faith — the kind that builds a program, not just a roster.

His commitment, attitude, and spiritual leadership speak louder than points or stats. We are proud of you, Ethan, and we can’t wait to see you back out there once you’re fully healed!

“Encourage one another and build one another up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Help us celebrate Ethan! 

#LionsPlayerOfTheWeek #GoLions #FaithFamilyFocus #lionsbasketball

 LIONS MS PLAYER OF THE WEEK 

We are excited to recognize Kevin as this week’s Player of the Week!

Kevin is a 6th grader playing on his first-ever school basketball team, and he has been a standout example of what it means to be a Lion. He listens well, works hard, and always gives his best—no excuses, no shortcuts.

From the start of the season until now, Kevin has shown tremendous growth, both in skill and confidence. He’s coachable, steady, and consistently willing to learn. That kind of heart and attitude makes our whole team better.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord…” — Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

Proud of you, Kevin! Keep leading by example and keep growing.

Once a Lion, always a Lion! 

 Player of the Week — Eli Gorence! 

So proud to recognize Eli, one of our LFCA 8th graders, as this week’s Player of the Week!

I’ve seen tremendous growth in him this season—not just as a basketball player, but as a leader. Eli has stepped up in a huge way, especially as our starting point guard. The way he helps our 5th & 6th graders, encourages them, teaches them, and pours into them shows the kind of young man he is becoming.

He competes with heart, plays with confidence, and leads with humility. I’m excited to see how God continues to shape him on and off the court.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” — Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

Keep going, Eli — proud of you, young man! 

 LIONS PLAYER OF THE WEEK 

Brayden Mitchell | 7th Grade

This week’s Player of the Week is Brayden Mitchell! Brayden is a true floor general—using his speed, basketball IQ, and defensive effort to make an impact all over the court.

This is my second year coaching Brayden, and it’s been an absolute thrill watching him grow. He continues to take steps forward as a player and as a leader, and his confidence shows every time he steps on the floor.

In our recent games against Portland Christian and KCD, Brayden was outstanding—finishing with 7 points and 4 rebounds, while bringing consistent energy and effort on both ends of the court.

Proud of you, Brayden. Keep working, keep leading, and keep growing! 

 #LionsPride #playeroftheweek #FloorGeneral #growthmindset

PLAYER OF THE WEEK – LORENZO FARRIS-PEREZ

LFCA 8th

This week’s Player of the Week goes to Lorenzo Farris-Perez, and it’s well deserved.

I’ve seen tremendous teamwork and leadership qualities from Lorenzo lately. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, he brings energy, hustle, and a team-first mindset every single time he steps on the floor. He plays the game the right way and does the little things that don’t always show up in the stat sheet—but they matter.

What excites me even more is who Lorenzo is outside of basketball. I’m seeing him shine for the Lord—whether that’s praying at church or praying over his teammates. He’s being a light, and that speaks volumes.

Proud of you, Lorenzo. Keep growing, keep leading, and keep honoring God in all you do.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

Lion Pride

🦁 PLAYER OF THE WEEK 🏀

This week’s Player of the Week goes to Joshua “JT” Tluang — an 8th Grader and one of our team captains.

JT brings a positive, encouraging attitude every single day, and that leadership shows both on and off the court. Whether he’s leading by example, lifting up teammates, or doing the little things right, JT plays the game the right way.

Beyond basketball, JT is a devoted Christian who serves faithfully at his church on the worship team, using his gifts to glorify the Lord. Seeing him lead in prayer, encouragement, and service is a blessing to this program.

We’re proud of the young man you are becoming, JT — a great leader, teammate, and light. Keep shining!

📖 “Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

💜💛 #LionsWay #PlayerOfTheWeek #FaithFamilyBasketball #Leadership

🦁 LIONS PLAYER OF THE WEEK 🏀

This week’s Player of the Week goes to Dominic Gaddis — a 6th grader who has stepped up as a true leader for our Lions!

Dominic has shown outstanding leadership in both practice and games this past week. He competes every possession, battles on both ends of the floor, and plays with a high basketball IQ. Whether it’s offense, defense, communication, or effort, Dominic brings it consistently.

What stands out most is his leadership — on the court, in the huddle, and on the bench. He communicates well, encourages his teammates, and pushes others to be better. That’s the kind of leadership that makes a team stronger.

Very proud of you, Dominic. Keep leading the right way! 💜💛

🦁 #PlayerOfTheWeek #TheLionsWay #LFCAHoops #LeadByExample

🦁 PLAYER OF THE WEEK 🏀

This week’s Player of the Week goes to Josh Mwungura (8th Grade).

In Friday night’s game vs LKY, the outcome didn’t go our way as a team—but Josh led the way with effort, toughness, and consistency. He finished the night with a double-double:

🔥 14 Points
💪 10 Rebounds
🎯 2 Assists

This is my second year coaching Josh, and I’ve seen a lot of growth in his game this season—his confidence, his presence on the floor, and his willingness to do the dirty work for the team. He continues to show up, compete, and improve, and that matters.

Proud of Josh’s effort and leadership. We keep learning, we keep growing, and we keep moving forward together.

💜💛 Congrats, Josh!
🦁 Next play. Let’s go Lions.

Lucas Copley

🏀 PLAYER OF THE WEEK 🏀
🦁 LFCA LIONS 🦁

This week’s Player of the Week recognition goes to 7th Grader Lucas Copley 👏

I’ve had the privilege of coaching Lucas for two years, and one thing has always stood out—his desire to grow. Lucas is dedicated to improving not just for himself, but for his coaches and for his team. That mindset matters.

Lucas can play multiple positions, and no matter what role he’s asked to fill, he’s always willing to accept the mission and give his best effort. His attitude, coachability, and dedication are a great example of what it means to be a Lion.

Proud of the work you’re putting in, Lucas. Keep building, keep grinding, and keep leading the right way.

👉 “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Drop some encouragement for Lucas below 👇
💜💛 #LionsPride #PlayerOfTheWeek #AcceptTheMission #BeCoachable #PlayForHisGlory