AMES – Justin Brookens, a sophomore with the Iowa Lakes Community College men's basketball team, is one of three finalists for Male Student-Athlete of the Year in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.

The annual honor is awarded to those who most exemplify the definition of the modern-day student-athlete taking into account athletic accomplishments, academic success and community involvement over the school year. The winners will be announced on Wednesday.

A transfer from Bryant and Stratton College, Brookens had an outstanding sophomore season at ILCC.

He was named an NJCAA First Team All-American, First-Team All-NJCAA Region XI member and the ICCAC co-Player of the year. Brookens helped lead the Lakers to an overall record of 26-6 and a conference record of 13-3.

He finished second in the country in three-point percentage (51.7) and fifth in free throw percentage (87.6). He had the fourth most made threes in the nation with 107.

As a student, he was a second-team academic all-Region XI performer, earning between a 3.0 and 3.49 grade-point average. He served in the community in numerous projects including helping elderly residents with chores, assisting at the food bank and instructing youth basketball clinics.

Brookens will attend Western Illinois University in the fall.

Other finalists for the Male award are Ellsworth wrestler Cardeionte Wilson and Iowa Central track and field standout Courtney Lindsey.

Finalists for the Female Student-Athlete of the Year award are Emily Murphy of Indian Hills (soccer), Autam Mendez (basketball) and Winrose Chesang (cross country/half marathon).