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PBR OK OSSAA Team Previews: Duncan Demons

February 23, 2023
Scott Hood
OK/MO/KS/ARK Assistant Scouting Director

The Oklahoma high school baseball season kicks off on Feb. 20th for A-B, and March 1st for 2A-6A. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2023 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Oklahoma Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

We’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided as well as our own coverage on players in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

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Team: Duncan Demons
2022 Record: 29-7
Classification: 5A
Head Coach: Grant Oliver
Years at the Helm: 1

OUTLOOK

 It was a banner year for Coach Oliver and the Demons in 2022 capturing the 5A State Championship.  After a hard fought win in the opener against Bishop Kelley, the Demons would then outscore their next two opponents 32-10 to take the championship in a dominate fashion.  The tough news for the rest of their 5A foes is they return 3 of the 4 arms that threw in the State Tournament and the top 6 hitters in the lineup all with proven numbers at the Varsity level.  There are a few question marks heading into the 2023 campaign such as developing a deeper staff to help stretch the week as well as finding a couple of hitters to round out the lineup and provide quality at bats.  Luckily they have the type of fire power to help break in some new faces to the lineup and opposing pitchers will have a tough time navigating the early and middle part of the lineup.  They have a very steady mix of speed and power guys sprinkled in their lineup and can beat you multiple ways offensively.  On the mound they have proven arms that have shown the ability to take over games.  With their experience gained in 2022, look for Duncan to be a front-runner in 5A this Spring as they look to repeat their success again in May.

IMPACT PLAYERS

Brance Garrett, LHP, 2023, Murray State College commit

The State Title might not have been had for Duncan without Garrett's efforts in the opener of the State Tournament where he threw a complete game 2-hit shutout to propel them to the next round.  His efforts earned him the PBR 5A State Tournament MVP which showed how important that game one start was.  On the year last year Garrett racked up 95 strikeouts and an ERA under 1.  He went 8-2 on the mound and should return as the Ace of the staff in 2023.  Garrett uses his mid 80's fastball and sweeping breaking ball to miss bats regularly and has shown strong pitchability.  

 

 

Chago Barham, INF, 2024

Michael "Chago" Barham returns as one of the more feared hitters in the state for Duncan after a banner sophomore campaign.  Chago hit .460 last year with 58 RBI, 7 homers, and 20 doubles.  He has elite bat speed and balls jump off the barrel with ease thanks to his strength in the lower half and lightning quick hands.  Defensively he shows the ability to handle the hot corner well with active feet and a feel for glove action.  With Chago's power and run-producing ability in the middle of the lineup, look for him to be counted on again for big production for the Demons and opposing pitchers should tread lightly as any mistake can turn into instant runs.

 

 

Eli Ramirez, SS/RHP, 2025

Ramirez burst onto the national scene this past summer with his impressive showing at the Future Games where he worked the fastball up to 91 mph and showed an improved breaking ball that attacked hitters.  Even at a smaller 5-foot-9 and 155-pound frame Ramirez is able to generate a ton of power thanks to his advanced athleticism and elite hand speed.  On the position player side he uses that athleticism to his full advantage with strong range at shortstop and arm strength that carries across the diamond.  He packs a big punch at the plate with exit velos up into the upper 90's and shows a strong run tool running a 6.76 60.  Ramirez has some of the best tools in the class and should be one to keep an eye on throughout the spring.

 

 

 

Bryson Brooksher, UTL, 2023, Murray State JC commit

Brooksher provides the Demons a ton of versatility with his ability to play both in the infield and the outfield with strong athleticism.  Last season Brooksher hit .320 and added 4 homers to the mix which helps expand the lineup.  Brooksher has an athletic swing and stays behind the ball at contact well which allows him to shoot line drives from gap to gap.  After a full season of experience in 2022 and improved skills and tools, look for Brooksher to have a strong senior campaign and see his role expand in the offense's run production.

 

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Blake Bernard, 1B/RHP, 2023, Murray State JC commit

Preston Giles, UTL, 2025

Jackson Poage, C, 2025

 

Make sure to follow @PBR_Oklahoma on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2023 season.

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