WINONA LAKE — Duke Johnson, a 2008 Jimtown High School graduate, joined the 1,000-point club Tuesday as he helped Grace College to an 87-82 men’s basketball victory at Bethel.
The 6-foot-11 junior made 10 of 13 field goal attempts on the way to 26 points — including 10 straight during a pivotal three-minute stretch — against the Pilots and now has 1,001 for his career.
“It was just a stellar performance,” said Grace coach Jim Kessler. “To score 26 against a team that has had its way with us over the last couple years is an exemplary feat. He just dominated inside and he wanted the basketball. It was also in his own back yard, so it was particularly joyful for him.”
Johnson, who netted 216 points his freshman year, 472 his sophomore year and 313 so far this season, is the 42nd Lancer to join the 1,000-point club.
This season, Johnson is averaging 16.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game and has notched five double-doubles. He is only three rebounds away from grabbing 500 career boards.
Johnson also ranks No.1 in the Mid-Central Conference in field goal percentage (58.8), No.3 in double-doubles (5), No.4 in rebounds per game (6.9), No.5 in blocks per game (0.8), No.8 in free throw percentage (80.9) and No.9 in scoring (16.6 ).
“He has come so far as a player, and I always saw the potential in him,” said Kessler. “This last year, he has come to realize what his abilities really are. He plays with confidence and determination. He is realizing that he is a scorer, which has transformed him and transformed us.”