CJ Dunston can now be known by another set of initials – MVP. Dunston, an Elkton resident and 2012 graduate of Tri-State Christian Academy, led Lancaster Bible College to its first-ever National Christian College Athletic Association Division II national championship. "It definitely felt good," Dunston said. "We worked really hard. There were a lot of early mornings. I don't think it surprised us. We thought we earned it." A 6-4 junior, Dunston was named tournament Most Valuable Player after collecting 21 points, 14 rebounds and three assists as the Chargers claimed the crown with a 78-65 triumph over Hillsdale Baptist March 14 in Circleville, Ohio. "It felt good, but, in my opinion, I'm not the best player," Dunston said. "We have a lot of good players and it's a team game. We worked hard and achieved this as a team." The title game capped a 28-3 season and was the 400th win in program history. Dunston enjoyed a remarkable season. He averaged 14.6 points and 9.1 rebounds, led the league with 62 and was second with 42 blocks. Dunston shot 65.1 percent from the field (177-272), the fifth best mark in NCAA Division III. He was a first team All-North Eastern Athletic Conference selection and NEAC Player of the Year. Dunston was also named to the All-East Region second team by D3hoops.com, the first time a Lancaster Bible men's basketball player earned that honor. He is the 21st player in school history to eclipse the 1,000-point mark. The Chargers placed third last year and that disappointment helped fuel the national title team. "I thought we underachieved last season and going back we knew what we could do," said Dunston. Dunston's roommate and fellow TSCA grad Dave Long was a Chargers reserve in his senior season. Dunston moved from White Marsh to Elkton when he was six. He credits three men for aiding his basketball development – his father, Chris, Tri-State Christian head coach Bill Smith, and Chris Scarbro, a former Tri-State assistant who coached Dunston in middle school. Dunston, a sports management major, also says the TSCA education readied him for the rigors of college. "Tri-State is a great high school," Dunston said. "It prepared me well academically." Comments are closed.
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