Duncan looking for fifth state title this decade

David Miller
The Duncan Banner

Fri, May 16 2008

— In the early portion of the season, the Duncan Demons’ tennis team had some holes to fill with some uncertainty of which guys would do it.
Two years removed from a Class 4A state tennis title, the Demons hit a few rough patches along the season. With the stage set for the state tournament today, Duncan enters with a shot of juice after winning Monday’s regional tournament at DHS.
Duncan’s win at regionals was the eighth this decade, and Demon tennis has been arguably the most successful DHS sport over that span. Since 2000, DHS has won four state titles, two state runners-up and two academic state titles, the most recent coming this week.
“I think it gives us an added sense of confidence,” Duncan head coach Phil Barnes said of the past eight years. “People know we’ve been the dominant team and it can intimidate some people.”
Monday’s regional win saw Duncan sweep all four divisions and Barnes believes the Demons are peaking at the right time.
“For the first time this season, I feel like we have ammunition at every spot,” Barnes said. “We enter state with a lot of confidence, and I think everyone can score. I wouldn’t be shocked if three of four made it to the final.
“We can’t just have one guy step up, everyone will have to play well.”
Duncan’s stalwart has been Eric Kent (24-5) at No. 2 singles, and after getting upset in the quarterfinals last year, Barnes believes Kent has a great chance to bring home a state title.
“It’s a huge advantage knowing that we are guaranteed a semifinal every time we play,” Barnes said. “Eric is playing real well, and I think he will challenge for a spot in the final.”
Kent, one of three seniors along with Braden Scott and Blake Hartzell, is being counted upon to lead DHS through the two-day tourney.
“The biggest difference this season is that we’ve been there and we know more of what to expect,” Barnes said. “I’m hoping that leadership carries over.”
Barnes added that Bryan Duell will have the toughest road at No. 1 singles, given the nature of the position. Bishop Kelley’s Reider Hunt, the likely No. 1 seed, and Ada’s Stephen Kelch highlight a tough division.
In No. 1 doubles, Blake Hartzell and Vitor Moraes (12-2) will tangle with Carl Albert, Shawnee and Ada for a spot in the final. Hartzell adds championship experience for DHS, winning an individual state title in No. 2 doubles in ’06.
Scott and Bradley Toone (15-6) will compete at No. 2 doubles.
No. 1 singles play begins at 11:30 a.m. today at the Will Rogers Tennis Center in Oklahoma City, while the rest of the divisions hit the court at 12:30 p.m.

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