DEC. 23, 2008

ST. LOUIS, MO. -- One day after being named the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Basketball Player of the Week, Drake junior guard Josh Young (Lawton, Okla.) was named the Prairie Farms/MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week for the second straight week on Tuesday.

Young, who has a 3.16 cumulative grade-point average in marketing and management,
scored a game-high 24 points to spur the Bulldogs to a 60-43 victory past Iowa last Saturday at the Drake Knapp Center.
    
Young, enjoying his third-straight 20-plus scoring game, recorded career highs of 14 made free throws and 15 free throws attempted. He also grabbed five rebounds for the third time in the last four games.The 6-foot 1-inch guard made two three-point baskets and collected a steal.
    
Young scored seven points during a 16-0 run that turned a 13-10 lead into a 29-10 Drake advantage.
    
Last week Young was named the MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week for his performance from Dec. 8-14 when he averaged 22.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals in three games as the Bulldogs won at Iowa State (66-63 on Dec. 9), defeated Georgia Southern (84-73 on Dec. 12) and finished runner-up in the inaugural Hy-Vee Classic.

Now in its tenth 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.

“Our continued corporate partnership with Prairie Farms provides an important vehicle by which to honor our top student-athletes,” said MVC Commissioner Doug Elgin, who is in his 21st year with The Valley.  “Our student-athletes are the league's best ambassadors, and we recognize Josh (Young) for his athletic and academic achievements.”