GREENWOOD, IN – A trio of seniors and a sophomore represented LC State Men’s Basketball on the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, announced by CSC on Tuesday. John Lustig, Grayson Hunt and Peyton Nordland earned the honor to end their careers, and sophomore Dylan Skaife was tabbed in his first season eligible.
The award recognizes student-athletes that excel both in the classroom and in the field of play. To be eligible, student-athletes must start in 66% of games or appear in 90%, must hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher and be at least a sophomore in standing. A maximum of four players are selected per program for the competitive award.
“Super proud of these four guys to have their work recognized,” coach Austin Johnson said. “Each guy has really taken their classes and the challenge of academics seriously. It shows how competitive and well-rounded they are to pursue excellence both on and off the court. Each of them is a great example of the type of student-athlete we recruit here at LC State. This is also a testament to the supportive resources here at LC in terms of professors and advisors.”
Lustig earned the award in every year he was eligible to bring his total to three. The Colfax native maintains a 3.66 grade point average as a business communications major and solidified his place as one of the best to wear a Warrior uniform this season. In the NAIA First Round, the senior surpassed Greg Jose to become LC State’s all-time leading scorer with 1463 points. He led the CCC in field goal percentage this season at 58.5% and was fifth in rebounding with 7.3. Lustig led the Warriors in scoring with 15.8 per game and added 70 assists, 18 blocks and 14 steals to his final season. Along with his record for most points all-time, Lustig leaves LC State ranked third in field goals made (561), fifth in rebounds (614) and sixth in free throws made (272). He was voted All-Cascade Conference and was named the CCC Defensive and Offensive Player of the Week once each this season.
Hunt, who holds a 3.85 GPA in computer science, wrapped up his four years with his best season. The senior from Pullman was third in the CCC in field goal percentage (57.8%). Hunt was second on the team in rebounding (6.3) and averaged 9.5 points per game. The forward led the team in blocked shots with 21 and scored 22 points twice this season. He was voted the CCC Defensive Player of the Week once this season.
Nordland will graduate this spring with a degree in kinesiology and holds a 3.86 grade point average. The senior from Renton, Wash., stepped into a starting role this season and led the Warriors with an 82.3% mark from the free throw line. One of the team’s playmakers, Nordland dished out 64 assists and knocked down 31 3-pointers. He averaged 8.7 points per game and scored a career-high 17 points against Warner Pacific (Ore.).
The lone sophomore in the group, Skaife made his name as one of the top 3-point shooters in the CCC. The Spokane native is majoring in business administration and maintains a 3.84 GPA through his first two years. He led the CCC in 3-pointers made this season with 90, which ranks fourth in a single season at LC State and did so at a clip of 38.3%. He was second on the team in scoring with 12.5 points per game and shot 40.9% from the field. Skaife tied for the team lead with 22 steals.
