Pella Christian Senior Devan Runner Signs to Continue Basketball Career at Dordt

Runner will join the Defenders basketball team next school year.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Pella Christian senior Devan Runner has signed his national letter of intent to continue his academic and basketball careers at Dordt University. Runner was a two-year varsity member of the Eagles basketball squad, playing in 48 games and making 28 starts over that span. He recorded 278 points, 205 rebounds, 36 assists, 18 steals, and 12 blocks during his high school career.

Why it matters

Devan Runner's decision to join the Dordt basketball program highlights the strong pipeline of talent from Pella Christian High School to the college ranks. Dordt has also been building a reputation as a competitive NAIA basketball program, making Runner's commitment an important addition to their roster.

The details

This winter, Devan Runner averaged 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for Pella Christian. He also recorded new career-highs in scoring and rebounding early in the season, posting 21 points in a 53-52 win over Des Moines Christian and 15 rebounds in a 64-35 victory over PCM. Runner cited the close-knit culture of the Dordt basketball team as a major factor in his decision to join the program.

  • Devan Runner signed his national letter of intent on March 7, 2026.
  • The Defenders basketball team went 16-13 this past season.

The players

Devan Runner

A senior basketball player at Pella Christian High School who has signed to continue his academic and athletic career at Dordt University.

Dordt University

An NAIA college located in Sioux Center, Iowa that competes in men's basketball.

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What they’re saying

“They really emphasize the brotherhood that their team has. The coaches said none of it is forced at all, their guys just choose to hang out and every time they see them around campus they're always with each other. They're always eating lunch together, they're always hanging out together. and I think that's just really good, because I think that off the court friendship is really what helps the team chemistry on the court.”

— Devan Runner (kniakrls.com)

What’s next

Devan Runner will join the Dordt University basketball team for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Devan Runner's commitment to Dordt University showcases the strong pipeline of talent from Pella Christian High School to the college ranks, as well as Dordt's growing reputation as a competitive NAIA basketball program.