It had been an almost expected decision in the weeks and months following New London High School's Class L state championship in March, but on Tuesday it finally became official.

Whalers star Kris Dunn announced he will be attending Wilbraham & Monson Academy for his senior season.

Dunn averaged 25 points per game during his junior season and was named the state player of the year by the Connecticut High School Coaches' Association, leading the Whalers to an undefeated season and the state's No. 1 ranking.

"It was a really hard decision, especially because we came off a great season," Dunn said Tuesday in a telephone conversation. "Me and my family thought about what was best for me in college and that's what it came down to."

Dunn was also considering St. Thomas More, South Kent School and Brewster Academy.

Wilbraham & Monson, located in Wilbraham, Mass., is coached by Chris Sparks, who was an assistant at Pennsylvania under current UConn assistant and Mystic native Glen Miller.

"The main benefit is playing against the best competition I could," Dunn said. "It's a great campus and a great education. I'll have the chance to see new things and travel different places. Prep school gives you a feel for college. I'm ready for it. I'm not worried about (not being in) the spotlight at all. I just want to get better."

Dunn, a 6-foot-3-inch point guard, is currently ranked the No. 48 player in the country and the No. 7 point guard by ESPN's recruiting rankings.

On the heels of his junior season, Dunn took the AAU season by storm with the Connecticut Basketball Club.

New London coach Craig Parker said Dunn called him to tell him the news on Tuesday afternoon.

"We thanked each other, in particular for the season we just had together," Parker said. "He had the chance to come back to New London and go into uncharted territory, not only for New London players, but state players.

"Kris and his family made the decision and that's entirely a family decision that you have to respect. I hope it all works out for him and he continues to reach his potential. He certainly has the skills to do so."

Parker said he went through a similar process with former New London great Allan Chaney, who ultimately decided to stay in high school for his senior year before going to college at Florida. Chaney is now at Virginia Tech.

"We'll move on," Parker said.

Dunn, an honor roll student and The Day's All-Area Player of the Year the last two seasons, was bittersweet about his departure.

"It's going to be overwhelming to leave New London," he said. "It seemed like everyone was talking to me, telling me to stay. They have some great players coming back and hopefully they'll do well next year."

In addition to UConn, Dunn has been offered scholarships by Marquette, Providence and many other major programs.

o.poole@theday.com