Super 30: No. 2 Dylan Dismuke, Duncan…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Dylan Dismuke, right, and Dominique Petties should have Duncan standing tall this year. Photo by Robert Przybylo, The Oklahoman
I’m glad driving from Oklahoma City to Duncan is one of the easier road trips you can possibly make. For someone who gets lost often on the road, it’s great to know even a blind squirrel could find the Duncan HS.
Because let’s be honest, trips to Duncan are going to be commonplace this season with the likes of Dylan Laurens and Dominique Petties. Oh yea, and Dylan Dismuke.
For all the hullabaloo surrounding some top recruits in the state going to Texas and other out of state places, Dismuke is one of those kids who couldn’t see himself anywhere else but Oklahoma.
It’s the first thing he mentioned, ‘it’s a dream come true.’ Dismuke became a target last season for a lot of top schools across the country and that helps get the word out on Petties and Laurens.
But it’s also helped Dismuke be able to deal with everything. He mentioned the biggest key to the team’s success this year is team unity.
We can’t get jealous of each other about all this media attention. We have to stay together and fight as a team.” – Dismuke
Duncan coach Jim Holloway raves about Dismuke’s work ethic as Dismuke has done everything he can to put himself in the best possible position.
It looked like that ship had sailed on the OU offer, but it came and Dismuke has been even more motivated since that day.
With a line featuring Dismuke and Laurens (the two Dylans), no question why Duncan fans are pumped for September to get here.
Super 30: Week 4 recap…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Boy oh boy, are we getting close. We’ve reached the top five of the Super 30, and by this time next week, you will have learned a lot about some of the top kids for the upcoming year.
But before we do that, let take a look back at the week that was for the Super 30…
No. 11 Davion Pierson, Millwood: A quiet kid off the field, Pierson is a beast on it. His stock is soaring thanks in large part to getting in much better shape heading into his senior season. For Scott Wright’s story on Pierson, go here.
No. 10 Austin Beck, Nowata: This Arkansas commit is one of the most imposing figures in the state. He’ll be playing offensive line in college, a position he hasn’t played too much of in HS. For Justin Harper’s story on Beck, go here.
No. 9 Jamelle Naff, Del City: He’s still getting accustomed to the attention and playing the recruiting game. You can’t blame him as less than three months ago, he had zero offers. Naff has eight now. For my story on Naff, go here.
No. 8 Garrett Gladd, Sallisaw: Sometimes it just hits you when you least expect it. Gladd figured he would be staying in the area but became enamored with Stanford on his visit and committed to the Cardinal. For Scott Wright’s story on Gladd, go here.
No. 7 Kevonte Richardson, Millwood: It all started with Richardson a long time ago when he was offered by UNLV as a freshman. A lot has changed since, but he’s still a hot commodity and a leader for the Falcons. For Ryan Aber’s story on Richardson, go here.
No. 6 Dominique Petties, Duncan: He might be the best athlete in the state when it comes to athleticism, and Oklahoma certainly has taken notice. Petties is right at home on a loaded Duncan squad and has several offers. For my story on Petties, go here.
No. 5 Kentrell Brothers, Guthrie: Robert Frost has the ‘road not taken.’ Well, Brothers story is one where every road is being traveled. A leader on and off the field, Brothers has accumulated 15 offers. For my story on Brothers, go here.
For much more on the Super 30 kids, including stories, bios, analysis, videos and more good stuff, keep it locked here on NewsOK.com.
Super 30: No. 6 Dominique Petties, Duncan…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Dominique Petties, center, and Dylan Dismuke are two big reasons why Duncan will be a force this year. Photo by Robert Przybylo, The Oklahoman
Some Oklahoma supporters are a little agitated by Duncan’s Dominique Petties right now. How can someone who has had an offer from the Sooners for so long still not commit?
In talking to him, it’s not a pride thing. He’s still just weighing his options like most kids around this time. Obviously, the OU offer stands out compared to his other four ones, but prestige isn’t really playing a role in it.
Having to battle that ‘athlete’ label is tough, but Petties is taking that in stride. It’s pretty incredible to think what Del City would be like had Petties stayed with the Eagles. However, he left after his sophomore season because of family issues, and now it’s the Demons who have one of the most talented teams in the state.
Petties’ highlight video is some fun stuff, advise you to check it out when you get a chance. He came out of nowhere on OU’s Junior Day and the interest has stayed steady there and increased at other places.
Duncan coach Jim Holloway has been most impressed with Petties’ attitude since coming to the Demons. “He’s been someone who has been willing to do whatever we’ve asked of him.”
How much fun is Week 1 going to be with the showdown between Duncan and Guthrie? And perhaps on both sides of the ball, might see a showdown between Petties and Guthrie’s Kentrell Brothers. Two more months, my friends.
Duncan: Dylan Dismuke commits to OU…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
He’s been one of the most sought-after recruits all spring, but it won’t be a long process for Duncan’s Dylan Dismuke.
The prized recruit committed to Oklahoma on Tuesday, he confirmed via a Facebook message to The Oklahoman.
At 6-foot-6 and 292 pounds, Dismuke is regarded as one of the best prospects in the state and is ranked No. 191 by Rivals.com in the nation.
The offensive tackle is one of several highly touted recruits for the Demons that also includes offensive lineman Dylan Laurens and Dominique Petties. Petties has five offers, including OU, while Laurens has two offers.
Dismuke had offers from nine other schools but chose the Sooners. His other offers were Oklahoma State, Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon State, Texas Tech and Tulsa.
Dismuke is ranked No. 2 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 top recruits for 2011. Millwood’s Josh Turner is No. 1.
Millwood: Josh Turner still No. 1 recruit…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
This was from fellow chum Ryan Aber earlier today:
Millwood’s Turner, Southmoore’s Thompson on ESPN list
Millwood cornerback Josh Turner and Southmoore quarterback Kendal Thompson were the two state players on the ESPNU 150 released earlier this week.
The list ranks the top prospects in the class of 2011.
Turner came in at No. 87 and Thompson, an OU commit, was ranked No. 146.
Turner will visit OU and Texas soon as well as making a trip to a camp in Nebraska.
OU had five other commits on the list, all from Texas. Wide receiver Trey Metoyer led the way at No. 58. Athlete Danzel Williams (60), running back Brandon Williams (73), defensive end Nathan Hughes (89) and defensive tackle Jordan Wade (102) rounded out the list for OU.
***
And then Rivals.com released their top 250 and Turner and a couple of Duncan boys are on that list. Turner comes in at No. 55 while Duncan’s Dominique Petties is No. 176 and Dylan Dismuke is No. 191.
For the full list, here ya go.
Duncan: Don’t forget about Dylan Laurens…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Making the rounds in the spring football world and was able to catch up with Duncan coach Jim Holloway. The Demons are making some major noise with talents like Dylan Dismuke and Dominique Petties.
However, when I asked about ‘Dylan,’ Holloway took a second and said, ‘which one?’ And he’s right as Dylan Laurens is a a lot more than just the ‘other Dylan’ on the team.
They’re all very impressive, but they’ve improved so much physically since last year. They’re only bigger and stronger.” – Holloway
Like most coaches at this point, he’s optimistic about his team’s chances at this point. Holloway said he’s been pleased with the progress.
The key for Duncan will be how some of the younger players develop. Duncan had an under-the-radar type year last year and had a chance to win the district title against El Reno in Week 10.
For those that don’t know, Dismuke, recruited as an OT, has offers from Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Texas Tech and Tulsa. Petties, being recruited as an athlete, has offers from Oklahoma, Missouri, Arizona, Texas Tech and Tulsa. Laurens has no offers yet, but you know that will change as more coaches get a look at him.
Good time to be a Duncan Demon fan right now.
Class 5A state baseball pairings
Wednesday
Bracket A
at Jenks
Game 1: Deer Creek vs. Tulsa Washington, 1:30 p.m.
Game 2: Chickasha vs. Claremore, 4 p.m.
Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday
Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m.
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 6:30 p.m.
Friday
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 6:30 p.m. (if necessary)
Bracket B
at Tulsa Union
Game 1: Tulsa Kelley vs. Carl Albert, 1:30 p.m.
Game 2: Collinsville vs. Duncan, 4 p.m.
Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday
Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m.
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 6:30 p.m.
Friday
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 6:30 p.m. (if necessary)
Championship
Saturday
at OneOkField, Tulsa
Bracket A winner vs. Bracket B winner, noon
Baseball state tournament qualifiers
While waiting for the schedule to be released Monday, here are the state tournament qualifers:
6A
Broken Arrow
Edmond Memorial
Edmond Santa Fe
Jenks
Norman North
Owasso
Putnam North
Tulsa Union
5A
Carl Albert
Chickasha
Claremore
Collinsville
Deer Creek
Duncan
Tulsa Kelley
Tulsa Washington
4A
Berryhill
Clinton
Fort Gibson
Hilldale
Lone Grove
Metro Christian
Newcastle
Weatherford
3A
Beggs
Bethel
Chandler
Eufaula
Sperry
Plainview
Purcell
Verdigris
2A
Dale
Latta
Lincoln Christian
Mangum
Oktaha
Pioneer
Silo
Wister
Tennis: Girls state preview…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Oh ye tennis gods, all I ask is a weekend of no rain and getting everything in. Friday begins the state tennis tournament at the OKC Tennis Center (my home away from home).
Here’s some thoughts and insights on what I believe will happen. And look for a story on Edmond North’s Ann Pepper in Friday’s paper.
6A
Last year’s champs: Edmond North
The Huskies have a great shot at repeating this year. I’m expecting an all Edmond North-Jenks singles final with Rachel Mitcham against Lisa Waldron of Jenks at No. 1 and Pepper vs. Gabrielle Siegler of Jenks at No. 2.
Broken Arrow’s Jodi Blackim will have something to say about that and Enid might go and mess up everything, too.
Edmond Memorial was able to earn both doubles regional titles against rival North, which I found very interesting. The Bulldogs might end up keeping the Huskies off the top spot.
Prediction: Jenks wins a nail-biter, followed by Edmond North, Enid and Edmond Memorial.
5A
Last year’s champs: Bishop McGuinness
There is no drama in this as the Irish should cruise to their 12th straight state championship. However, there will be drama at No. 1 doubles with Whitney Ritchie and Trinian O’Neil of McGuinness who could possibly take on Tulsa Edison in the championship.
Edison has Haley Martin, one of the best players in the state (and nation, for that matter). Martin has had Ritchie’s number on the Missouri Valley circuit, so it would make for one heckuva championship. Martin is teamed with Abby Tolson.
Also will be interesting to see how Duncan’s Melanie Barnes does if she gets a crack at Mia Lancaster of McGuinness. The depth and dominance of the Irish can’t be questioned, though.
Ritchie and No. 2 singles Emily Conrad are going for their fourth state titles while Ashleigh Chiaf and Lancaster are gunning for their third championship. Insane.
4A
Last year’s champs: Heritage Hall
Definitely expect the Chargers to take at least three of the four titles here. Nobody can touch Julie Labarthe and Carissa Villaflor should be able to handle things at No. 2 singles (though I got a hunch Mt. St. Mary’s Victoria Vaughn and Perry’s Lauryn Sullins will play a role).
At No. 1 doubles, Sarah Bowen of Heritage is so strong that it doesn’t matter too much who her partner is though Kelsey Grace is dang good in her own right.
Should be a fun weekend, and you’ll know I’ll be back each night with thoughts.
Millwood’s Josh Turner, Memorial’s Kameron Doolittle among Army A-A nominees
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
Millwood cornerback/wide receiver Josh Turner and Edmond Memroial quarterback/wide receiver Kameron Doolittle are among seven Oklahoma athletes who have been nominated to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl next January.
Also nominated were Duncan defensive back Dominique Petties, Duncan offensive lineman Dylan Dismuke, Southmoore quarterback Kendal Thompson, Sallisaw offensive lineman Garrett Gladd and Tulsa Washington running back Isaac Bennett.
Of the 400-plus nominations, 90 will be selected to play in the game, which will be held Jan. 8 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Last year, Tulsa Washington’s Calvin Barnett, who eventually signed with Arkansas, was the state’s lone representative in the game.
