Jan. 19, 2012
ST. LOUIS -
Illinois State sophomore men's basketball player Jon Ekey was named as the Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week. Valley Commissioner Doug Elgin made the announcement Thursday, based on Ekey's performance during the period of January 9-15.
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, a forward from Independence, Mo., averaged 6.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game during the Redbirds' three games last week against Wichita State, 18th-ranked Creighton and Drake.
Tabbed Prairie Farms MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week for the fifth time this season, Ekey, who has a 3.27 cumulative grade-point average in business administration, collected 11 points on 4-of-7 field goal shooting - 3-of-5 from three-point range - at Drake Jan. 15.
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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