Men's and Women's Basketball Team Awards: Most Valuable Player

Coaches Award

Women's Basketball

Most Valuable Player – Michaela Crider

Michaela Crider earned the 2019-20 Most Valuable Player from beginning to end. Going all the way back to the first preseason practices, "Mick" led the way in her work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence. Whether it was a game, a practice, a pre-game talk, or a captains' meeting, #31's contribution was necessary for our team's success.

Averaging 12.6 points per game and 7.2 rebounds per game were just the beginning of her game production. Michaela led the team in 2-point shooting percentage (43%),  free throws attempts (102), and total points scored (302). That being said, the leadership intangibles Michaela brought to the team every practice, game, road trip, and team function pushed her teammates to new heights both as basketball players and as individuals.

Without a doubt, Michaela loves the game of basketball, but her love for God goes above and beyond any love for the game. Through all the challenges that came with this basketball season, Michaela's testimony of doing all she does for the glory of God shone brightly at every turn. Michaela's heart was to pass that life philosophy on to her teammates. The women's basketball program of FBBC will miss Michaela Crider next year, but she leaves a strong legacy for all those who come behind her.

Men's Basketball

Most Valuable Player - Nathan Keck

The men's basketball most valuable player award seeks to recognize an individual on the team who so directly affects multiple aspects of games that without that player the outcome of those games would have been different. Christian character, a Christ like attitude, and a coachable spirit are also important characteristics of the most valuable player selection. This year's recipient as selected by his teammates and coaches is freshman Nathan Keck

Nathan led the team in scoring with 19.5 points per game, rebounding at 8.9 rebounds per game, steals at 1.6 per game (tied with Kalab Sidlinger) and second in assists with 3 per game. He finished the season 10th in the nation in scoring and 5th in rebounding. He was a 2nd team all conference, 1st team all region, and 2nd team all american selection. Nathan twice won games for the Eagles in the last seconds - a three against #8 Central Christian College of the Bible and a free throw with one second left in the conference championship against Calvary University. 

Keck scored 20 or more points 14 times, and in six of those games eclipsed the 30 point mark. During the Eagles run to the region championship, he scored 30 against Maranatha and 29 in the championship against Trinity Bible.  

Coach Fincham has this to say about Nathan, "Nathan is a gifted athlete and basketball player. Despite his advanced basketball skills he was always willing to listen to the coaches and do what was asked of him. He was truly a joy to coach. Consistently played hard, wanted to improve, and didn't care about his numbers - just wanted to win and would do whatever it took to do that. I really appreciate his desire to play in a Christian environment and honor the Lord with the talents He has blessed Nathan with. The priority he placed on that and the values, experience, and friendships he knew he would get at a place like Faith show where his heart and focus are - on bringing glory to God with his life."