Overland Park, Kan. — Central Methodist senior Austin Prater was named the Heart of America Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week following a dominant all-around performance in the Eagles' win over Baker last Wednesday. 

Prater anchored the CMU defense with a monster effort on the glass, recording a 12-point, 17-rebound double-double. An overwhelming 15 of his 17 boards came on the defensive end. His performance helped CMU control the paint and finish with a 41–33 rebounding advantage.

In addition to his rebounding presence, Prater filled up the defensive stat sheet with three steals and one block while logging 36 minutes of action. He was efficient offensively as well, shooting five-for-seven from the field and two-for-three from beyond the arc to complement his defensive impact.

Prate and the Eagles head out on the road for a three-game road swing, beginning with a matchup against William Woods Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Fulton, Missouri. 

To view the conference release on this week's Heart Men's Basketball Players of the Week, please click here.

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