Crystal Ball

#1 posting 6.21.2007
your periodic dose of badminton news & information

ALL CONFERENCE
The StarTribune has listed the all conference badminton players in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Which leads us to look to the crystal ball for the future.

There will be new state champions in the singles and doubles titles in 2008 as both champs this year graduate.
In the singles department, Mee Xiong of Harding is the top returner. She finished second to her own teammate Pang Thao. Third place finisher Katie Vohnoutka of Eden Prairie is also returning.
Others to be considered are Shoua Moua of Humboldt, and Khoua Xiong of Highland Park.

The doubles take a big hit with 3 of the top four teams all 2007 grads. The only individual (her teammate graduated) that returns next year is Kia Thao of Johnson.
One pairing will be around for a while---Doua Thao and Da Chang from Central graduate in 2010. They just missed going to the semis with a three game set with Harding's #2 team of Nalee Xiong and Pa Yang. Highland Park also has a duo that will return a pair: Elena Kronmiller and Micha Everts. Also the Como Park pair of Panhia Lor and Shelly Thao return.

Which leads us to the team title. Harding still has plenty of ammunition in their arsenal. Other than Pang Thao they return all their singles next season plus Stephanie King, who wasn't around for the state tournament.

If you have badminton news, let me know

next up: July