Dec. 16, 2011
ST. LOUIS -
For the second time this season, 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. Valley Commissioner Doug Elgin made the announcement Friday, based on Ekey's performance during the period of December 5-11.
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.
A forward for the Illinois State men's basketball team, Ekey, a sophomore from Independence, Missouri, celebrated his 21st birthday by sinking a career-best five three-pointers, as the Redbirds won at Morehead State, 78-73, on December 7.
Ekey, who has a 3.36 cumulative grade-point average in business administration, collected 17 points on 5-of-8 three-point shooting and 2-of-2 accuracy from the free throw line, while adding three boards, three assists and a blocked shot.
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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