Final MN Team Rankings

#1 posting 5.22.2006

Final MN team rankings
1. St. Paul Harding 19-0
2. St. Paul Central 9-8
3. St. Paul Como Park 10-9
4. St. Paul Johnson 11-7
5. St. Paul Arlington 11-6
6. Eden Prairie 8-7
7. Burnsville 9-8
8. St. Paul Humboldt 5-11
9. St. Paul Highland Park 5-12
10. Mpls Edison 9-4
11. Mpls Henry 11-3
12. Mpls Southwest 5-8
13. Mpls Roosevelt 6-10
14. Mpls South 3-9
15. Mpls North 1-10
16. Mpls Washburn 0-9

My Take
This was the first State tournament badminton event I have attended. I enjoyed watching and reporting on the action. However I would modify a few things.
1. Seeding ----I know it is not easy, but in both the team and more so in the individual portion of the tournament some interesting or challenging rounds actually took place early in the tournament. I am specifically thinking of the Pang Thao, Harding vs Kao Song Yang, Highland Park match that went 3 games in the "Sweet 16" it had a championship air and most of the focus was on this match that Thao came back to win. Coaches need to get records in to a central clearing house for sorting and evaluating.
2. the finals-----in this case I am thinking about the individual portion. I believe everyone's focus should be on the championship match at singles, then the double match. It may take a few minutes longer, but I think having a spot light game like that enhances the tournament flavor.

I was happy that programs were available. I wasn't expecting that. I would however add the year in school for the players.

Next up: Thursday