Michael Pineda
For the first time, the Duncan boys’ basketball team is working at full strength.
Mykel Davison welcomed 10 football players into the gym Monday as preseason drills began in earnest for the season opener Dec. 1. For Davison, who is in his first year as head coach of the Demons, and his team, it will all start with fundamentals.
“You start over all the time,” Davison said. “It doesn’t matter if you have had them three years. That way, there is no doubt on what they are doing three weeks from now. It may cost you a game early, but in the long run, it makes a difference.”
The players that have been in the gym have been busy in the preseason and have a couple of scrimmages under their belt. The next scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, when Duncan will host Anadarko and Edmond North. Each team is ranked No. 4 in the state in its class.
In the scrimmage, which is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Davison is focused on defensive effort, one of the things that the team is working on this week.
“We are working on the motion offense, individual skills and team defense,” he said. “It just takes time to learn. We are also working on transition offense and defense.”
The team is also working on conditioning. While the football players have been busy this season, there is a difference when it comes to basketball shape. Davison is pleased with how the football players have reacted to the conditions thus far.
“We finished up at 5:40 p.m. and started at 2:10 p.m.,” Davison said. “It’s pretty good. We’re not blistering people. I like my kids to get in shape over time. You don’t want anyone getting hurt early on.”
Among the football players joining the team are Dylan Dismuke and Tyler Gay. Each one was a starter at one point in the season in 2008. Also joining the team are newcomers Domonique Petties, Devante Harris and Terre Farrow as well as Michael Buben, Daniel McCoy, Jordan Laskey, Jacquan Beck and freshman Jack Braught.
Although some teams are getting a jump on the season before the Thanksgiving break, Duncan will wait until Dec. 1, when it will host Elgin.
“It’s huge to start on Dec. 1,” Davison said. “We have got a chance to get some things in and go.”
