Brookens Named ICCAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year
In just one season with Iowa Lakes Men's Basketball, Justin Brookens made his impact felt. On Wednesday, he was named the 2019-20 ICCAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year.
A transfer from Bryant & Stratton (WI), the Milwaukee native arrived at the Estherville campus in the fall of 2019. After a stellar freshman season with the Bobcats, Brookens repeated his on the court success in the ICCAC.
Brookens was known for his efficiency from his point guard position. He was arguably the nation's top three-point shooter, connecting on 107 of 207 attempts for a percentage of 51.7 second-best. His 107 makes were fourth most in the country.
During a seven-stretch at the tail end of the conference schedule, Brookens mad 32 of 42 three pointers, a 76% clip. Eight times he made five or more threes in a game, with a season high eight coming against John Wood (Ill.) on Nov. 16. Only twice did he fail to connect from long range in a game.
He was a top 10 free throw shooter making 87 percent of his attempts. In all, he averaged 20.1 points per game, second-most in the ICCAC, to go with 4.9 assists and four rebounds per game.
The sophomore led Iowa Lakes to an 26-6 record, and an 11-3 record in one of toughest conferences in the country. The Lakers, despite a Region XI Semi Final exit, finished the season ranked No. 10 in the NJCAA polls. At one point during the year, they were ranked as high as No. 8.
His coach, Troy Larson, cited Brookens as a leader, beginning with his work-ethic.
"He was always in the gym, a true gym rat," Larson said. "He developed a solid relationship with all the players and was able to push the right buttons in leading and shaping the direction of the team."
In addition to being a First Team All-Region selection, Brookens finished the 2019-20 season by being named the 2019-20 co-Division II Men's Basketball Player of the Year and a First Team NJCAA All-American.
Recently, he signed with Western Illinois University to play NCAA Division I Basketball.
Academically, Brookens was a Second Team All-Region academic performer in the fall while adjusting to his new institution. He also served as a tutor to his teammates in numerous subjects.
Brookens also made himself available in the Estherville community. He volunteered his time to assist in community service projects that included assisting the elderly with yard work and chores, working at the local food bank, and instructing youth basketball clinics.
"Justin was the best leader I have coached in my 13 years here," Larson said.
Now in its third year, Brookens joins Iowa Central's Spencer Cuvelier and Ellsworth's Justin Folley as the ICCAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year.
Nominations were received by the ICCAC Awards Committee, composed of select athletic directors from across the conference. Those nominations were then narrowed to a select three student-athletes that embodied the best characteristics that the ICCAC offers not just on the court or field, but also for what they accomplish in the classroom and contribute back to their school and community.
ICCAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year Winners:
2019-20 - Justin Brookens, Iowa Lakes
2018-19 - Spencer Cuvelier, Iowa Central
2017-18 - Justin Folley, Ellsworth