ST. LOUIS - Clayton Custer of Loyola and Liza Fruendt of Missouri State have been selected Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Week, presented by Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced today. The two athletes were honored for their performances during the period of January 15-21.
To qualify for 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 are evaluated on their athletic performance during the one-week period.
Clayton Custer, Loyola, Jr., Basketball, Finance, 3.52 GPA
Loyola junior Clayton Custer helped the Ramblers extend their winning streak to five games, and in the process, claim a share of first place in the Valley race. Custer averaged 15.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.5 steals per game, while shooting 55.6 percent (10-for-18) from the field, 75 percent (3-for-4) from three-point range, and 87.5 percent (7-for-8) from the foul line during the week. In a 79-65 victory over Southern Illinois on January 17, Custer produced 12 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals, then tallied 15 of his team-high 18 points in the second half to lead the Ramblers to a 70-54 decision on the road over Valparaiso. Custer added five assists, four steals and a pair of boards against the Crusaders and hit all three of his three-point attempts.
Liza Fruendt, Missouri State, Sr., Basketball, Administrative Management, 3.73 GPA
Missouri State senior Liza Fruendt averaged 31 points on 22-for-37 (.595) shooting overall and 9-for-19 (.474) from three-point range, adding 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game in two MSU wins. Friday, the senior poured in a season-high 33 points against Valparaiso, going 11-for-19 with four three-pointers, three rebounds, three steals, and five assists against one turnover in 28 minutes. In Sunday’s win over Loyola, Fruendt shot 11-for-18 with five treys to finish with 29 points and three boards, becoming the first MSU player with 29-plus points in consecutive games since Jackie Stiles in 2001.
About Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Enterprise Bank & Trust was founded nearly 30 years ago on the idea of serving the lifetime financial needs of privately-held businesses, their owner families and other success-minded individuals. That concept for Enterprise Bank & Trust has remained its unwavering and guiding vision. Enterprise Bank and Trust tailors its services to fit the needs of our clients and has all the capabilities of the largest financial companies with the personal relationship orientation of a community bank. Enterprise Bank and Trust offers a comprehensive array of banking, trust and financial advisory services. Member FDIC.