Mid-Prairie head girls basketball coach Stephen Bender was named Coach of the Year for the Southeast District by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association.

Since taking over the program for the 2013-14 season, Bender has an overall record of 59-34, including a 17-7 record in the 2016-17 season. Under Bender’s watch the program has never finished below .500, increasing its win total each year and qualifying for the 2016 state tournament.

Mid-Prairie wrapped up this season in the regional final round of the playoffs, falling to No. 3 Center Point-Urbana 52-35.