Nov. 25, 2011
ST. LOUIS -
Illinois State's Jon Ekey, a sophomore on the men's basketball team, was selected as one of the two Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Week for the 2011-12 academic year, Commissioner Doug Elgin made the announcement Friday, based on his performance during the period of November 14-20.
Now in its 13th year of existence, The Valley's Scholar-Athlete program is sponsored by Prairie Farms, Roberts and Hiland Dairies. On a weekly basis, the Conference honors its student-athletes for their athletic performance for a one-week period and academic success in the classroom.
Ekey, from Independence, Missouri, averaged 11.5 points, as the Redbirds downed Southern Illinois-Edwardsville (68-38 on November 17) and Lipscomb (78-70 on November 19).
Ekey, who has a 3.36 cumulative grade-point average in business administration, compiled 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals against SIUE. Versus Lipscomb, he was one of five Redbirds to score in double-digits, as he netted 11 points.
To qualify for Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.20, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing. Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.
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