#1 posting 8.1.2008
badminton news & information
OLYMPICS
The Olympics are almost here and badminton is part of the festivities.
The badminton goes from August 9th to the 17th.
Here is the USA Badminton site, which has some current information, but also has some out of date information (like hoping the 1996 Olympic team will do well--last paragraph in the USA in the Olympics article).
Here is the World Badminton Federation site
Friday, August 01, 2008
Olympic Badminton
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Photo News
#1 posting 6.25.2008
badminton news & information
I now have a new lens that should give better photos next season. The lens is a 2.8 compared to the 5.6 model I was using this year. This means the lens will be able to take in more light, which is a good thing due to the dark nature of most of the gyms.
I also have a new site for photo sales. No badminton photos are there, but I should be able to post all the shots next year. The site is kevinanderson.photostockplus.com.
If you have questions, go to my profile and email me.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Best of 2008
#1 posting 5.23.2008
badminton news & information
YEAR IN REVIEW/AWARDS
Best National Anthem---the only national anthem I heard during the year---at Eden Prairie when they faced St. Paul Johnson.
Best photo angle to watch a match: The top of the bleachers at Harding. Easier to get to than the Highland Park top bleachers.
Best Uniforms: Edison
Best Tour Guide---me. I helped Eden Prairie find the right door to enter at Edison.
Best 6-1 team match: Central vs Como Park at Central. Five of the matches went the distance. Four went to Central.
Best 4-3 team match: Harding vs Johnson at Harding. The doubles had tight scores.
Best individual match: Katie Vohnoutka (Eden Prairie) vs Khoua Xiong (Highland Park) at Eden Prairie. It was Vohnoutka's closest match of the year. Xiong actually outpointed her 55-52. 21-17, 12-21, 21-18.
Best Smash: Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Pairie
Best Soft Drive/cut shot: Khoua Xiong, Highland Park
Best move: Making the finals of the doubles and singles at the state tournament the spotlight event. It gave everyone a chance to see and cheer on their favorites. It gave each event a classy finish.
Worst trip---going to Minneapolis North to watch the Polars and Southwest. Southwest wasn't there. They were on vacation.
Worst trip part II--getting delayed on the "unweave the weave" and missing the opening game of the semis at the state individual tournament.
NEXT YEAR:
As far as next years favorites
Stephanie King of Harding is the only player returning from the top four individuals. She finished 4th this year. Others to watch include Olamide Fadahunsi of Johnson, Desiree Garcia of South, and Elena Kronmiller of Highland.
Da Chang and Doua Thao of Central may be the favorites in the doubles category. They weren't able to compete this year due to a California trip during the state tournament.
As far as the team title goes....Harding has won the last three years. They took a hit with graduation in 2008. It should be an interesting 2009.
FUTURE PLANS
In the next few months I will be moving to a full fledged website. I will have more on that when the site is up and running.
Also I will have more of the photos I took during the year up. I am going to work with someone to put them online and then folks can purchase their favorites.
Next up: When news breaks and when the site is up
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Vohnoutka Athlete of the Week
#1 posting 5.20.2008
badminton news & information
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Individual state champ Katie Vohnoutka of Eden Prairie is KARE 11's Athlete of the Week.
Next up some time this week: a look back at the year that was with some of my own awards and honors.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Tournament Recaps
#1 posting 5.18.2008
badminton news & information
TOURNAMENT RECAPS
The StarTribune and Pioneer Press covered at the individual titles on Friday.
The StarTribune wrote about how her height and volleyball background helped Katie Vohnoutka in her undefeated season. ]
The Pioneer Press wrote about the one hour break between the semis and the finals.
next up: next week with a look back and a look ahead.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Eden Prairie Sweeps Titles
#1 posting 5.16.2008
badminton news & information
EDEN PRAIRIE SWEEPS TITLES
Eden Prairie won both the singles and doubles titles for the first time ever. Both Katie Vohnoutka and the doubles pair of Becca Wade and Larysa Eteneuer were the number one seeds entering the tournament and they made those seeds hold up. Vohnoutka won the title with a 21-15, 21-10 win over #3 seed Mee Xiong. Wade & Eteneuer beat Goly Yang and Belick Pha of Johnson for the title 21-12, 21-12.
badminton news & information
EDEN PRAIRIE SWEEPS TITLES
Eden Prairie won both the singles and doubles titles for the first time ever. Both Katie Vohnoutka and the doubles pair of Becca Wade and Larysa Eteneuer were the number one seeds entering the tournament and they made those seeds hold up. Vohnoutka won the title with a 21-15, 21-10 win over #3 seed Mee Xiong. Wade & Eteneuer beat Goly Yang and Belick Pha of Johnson for the title 21-12, 21-12. Photo: Coach John Becker, Larysa Euteneuer, Katie Vohnoutka, Rebecca Wade, Coach Brian Strand. photo by kja
The last time a school swept the two titles was in 2006 with St. Paul Harding. According to sources this was the first time in six years St. Paul didn't have a state champion in the individual side.
I got to Harding at 3:13 thanks to delays along 694. Unfortunately action had already started for the first round. I will detail the Mee Xiong vs Khoua Xiong match later, but I only got there for games 2 and 3.
In the semifinals today Vohnoutka beat #5 seed Stephanie King 21-12, 21-16.
On the doubles side Wade and Eteneuer beat the Burnsville duo of Amy Linblad and Natalie Leiker 21-9, 21-8. In the other all Johnson semifinal it was Goly Yang and Belick Pha beating fellow Governors Kia Thao and Kou Nou Chang 21-14, 21-14.
The tournament played the 3rd place games prior to the championships. On the singles side Khoua Xiong beat Stephanie King, while Thao and Chang beat Linblad and Leiker for third in the doubles.
Each championship match was the only court open. There was undivided attention on the match at hand and I prefer it that way. It gave me a chance to watch both. I think the fan base also enjoyed getting a chance to see both championships.
DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP
Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer vs Goly Yang/Belick Pha
This is the first doubles match I charted all year from start to finish. The Eden Prairie duo put together more runs and limited the runs against them (8-2). The first big break came on Becca Wade's serve when she had four points to p
ut EP up 9-5. Combine that with another five point run on Eteneuer's serve made it 14-6. All in all it was a 10-1 run. Another four point run put EP on the verge at 20-11. Two side outs, the last on a missed serve ended the first game 21-12.Johnson had a quick start in game two up 3-1. EP put together three runs on four serves on a 12-3 run put the Eagle duo in the drivers seat at 13-6. Another 6-1 run made it 19-9. The game ended on an ace by Wade 20-12.
x
photos: #1. Belick Pha and Goly Yang ready for a return. #2 Becca Wade sends the bird over with Laryssa Eteneuer in the background. photos by kja
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Eden Prairie 8/15-.533; Johnson 4/16-.250
RUNS OF 3+:
Eden Prairie 8, Johnson 2
POINTS:
Eden Prairie 42
Winners 18: Drives 8, Smashes 4, Aces 3, Clears 2, Drops 1
Johnson Errors 24: hitting 20 (Net 7, Fans 6, Wide 5, Deep 2), Serving 4 (Net 3, Short 1)
Johnson
Winners: 7: Drives 4, Drops 2, Clears 1
Eden Prairie Errors 17: hitting 16 (Wide 5, Net 5, Deep 4, Fan 2); Serving 1 (net 1)
Time: 12:16
SINGLES
Mee Xiong vs Khoua Xiong Semifinals
Like I said I am very unhappy I couldn't get her for the start of this contest.
It was the fourth time these two players met and it was the first time this year Mee Xiong won. In the first contest at Highland Khoua won in three. At Harding the match went three games too. Last week in the City championships it went two, but the margin was only six points.
Today Khoua won the first game 21-17. Mee took the last two 21-17, 21-18. For the last two games neither player had a strong side out game. Neither was above .500.
Khoua Xiong was never able (in the last two games) able to score many points off her signature soft drive cut shot. She only had four in the last two games. Mee Xiong had a in and out game meaning her points came on drops close to the net or in the deep back ally.
Game two saw Mee go up 16-12 only to have Khoua tie it at 16. Mee got the side out on a soft drive and then had a three point run to go up 20-16. Two side outs later and the series was tied at one apiece.
Mee started the deciding third game with a run of four including three drops. When Khoua got the bird back on a side out she served wide. Khoua did cut the margin to 7-5 with a three point run including an ace. Mee used a three point run to go up 10-5. Another Mee run of three gave her a 13-7 advantage. Khoua used two Mee fans and a drive to cut the margin to 14-10. A four point run made it 17-10 for Mee. Khoua didn't quit and used a couple of clears to trail 17-16. She tied it at 18 on her signature shot. Mee got the side out when Khoua tried a smash that ended up in the net. On point 20 Khoua got tripped up on the back line for an ace. The game ended on a drop attempt that ended in the net.
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Eden Prairie 8/15-.533; Johnson 4/16-.250
RUNS OF 3+:
Eden Prairie 8, Johnson 2
POINTS:
Eden Prairie 42
Winners 18: Drives 8, Smashes 4, Aces 3, Clears 2, Drops 1
Johnson Errors 24: hitting 20 (Net 7, Fans 6, Wide 5, Deep 2), Serving 4 (Net 3, Short 1)
Johnson
Winners: 7: Drives 4, Drops 2, Clears 1
Eden Prairie Errors 17: hitting 16 (Wide 5, Net 5, Deep 4, Fan 2); Serving 1 (net 1)
Time: 12:16
SINGLES
Mee Xiong vs Khoua Xiong Semifinals
Like I said I am very unhappy I couldn't get her for the start of this contest.It was the fourth time these two players met and it was the first time this year Mee Xiong won. In the first contest at Highland Khoua won in three. At Harding the match went three games too. Last week in the City championships it went two, but the margin was only six points.
Today Khoua won the first game 21-17. Mee took the last two 21-17, 21-18. For the last two games neither player had a strong side out game. Neither was above .500.
Khoua Xiong was never able (in the last two games) able to score many points off her signature soft drive cut shot. She only had four in the last two games. Mee Xiong had a in and out game meaning her points came on drops close to the net or in the deep back ally.
Game two saw Mee go up 16-12 only to have Khoua tie it at 16. Mee got the side out on a soft drive and then had a three point run to go up 20-16. Two side outs later and the series was tied at one apiece.
Mee started the deciding third game with a run of four including three drops. When Khoua got the bird back on a side out she served wide. Khoua did cut the margin to 7-5 with a three point run including an ace. Mee used a three point run to go up 10-5. Another Mee run of three gave her a 13-7 advantage. Khoua used two Mee fans and a drive to cut the margin to 14-10. A four point run made it 17-10 for Mee. Khoua didn't quit and used a couple of clears to trail 17-16. She tied it at 18 on her signature shot. Mee got the side out when Khoua tried a smash that ended up in the net. On point 20 Khoua got tripped up on the back line for an ace. The game ended on a drop attempt that ended in the net.
x
Photos: #1 The two Xiongs. #2. Khoua Xiong at point 20 in game three. photos by kja
SINGLES SEMIFINALS NUMBERS (last two games)
SIDEOUTS:
Mee Xiong 7/17-.412; Khoua Xiong 5/17-.294
RUNS OF 3+:
Mee Xiong 7, Khoua Xiong 5
POINTS: *(of only the last two games)
Mee Xiong 42
Winners 18: Clears 6, Drops 6, Drives 3, Smashes 1, Soft Drives 1, Aces 1
Khoua Xiong Errors 24: hitting 22 (Net 14, Wide 7, Deep 1), Serving 2 (wide 1, short 1)
Khoua Xiong 35
Winners: 15: Soft Drives 4, Clears 4, Drives 3, Aces 2, Drops 2
Mee Xiong Errors 20: hitting 19 (Wide 7, Net 6, Deep 4, Fan 2); Serving 1 (short 1)
CHAMPIONSHIP
Katie Vohnoutka vs Mee Xiong
Katie Vohnoutka finished the season unblemished at 20-0. She did not lose one game in the state finishing 10-0. Last year Vohnoutka finished in 3rd place.
The most she gave up in a two game series was in the semis with King getting 28. Here are the totals points given up
Yer Yang, Henry 10
KY, Arlington 15
Shoua Moua, Humboldt 24
Stephanie King, Harding 28
Mee Xiong, Harding 25
So for the tournament the average Vohnoutka's opponent scored was 10.2.
Vohnoutka had a stronger side out game, had more runs and halted any that Mee Xiong had in mind, plus had an advantage in winners with 23. Meanwhile Mee Xiong had 5 winners. Vohnoutka proved today that she has more game than a smash.
The first game started off with a signature smash by Vohnoutka. The first surge came with a four point run to go up 8-4. That margin held up until another run, this time six points. That made the score 19-10. Vohnoutka had a 20-12 lead but Xiong had her only run of three to cut the margin to 20-15. The game ended with a Xiong hit that sailed wide.
Just as the first game, the second game started off with a Vohnoutka smash. She had 10 smashes on the day. Xiong led 5-4 when Vohnoutka took the lead for good on a three point run including an ace and of course a smash. Vohnoutka had two more runs, one of six and a final run of five to finish the game.
This was the third time I saw these two match up. The first time at the Burnsville Triangular Vohnoutka won 22-20 and 21-13. The second time I saw them was at Burnsville on Wednesday in the State Team title. Vohnoutka won that contest 21-16, 21-14.
SINGLES SEMIFINALS NUMBERS (last two games)
SIDEOUTS:
Mee Xiong 7/17-.412; Khoua Xiong 5/17-.294
RUNS OF 3+:
Mee Xiong 7, Khoua Xiong 5
POINTS: *(of only the last two games)
Mee Xiong 42
Winners 18: Clears 6, Drops 6, Drives 3, Smashes 1, Soft Drives 1, Aces 1
Khoua Xiong Errors 24: hitting 22 (Net 14, Wide 7, Deep 1), Serving 2 (wide 1, short 1)
Khoua Xiong 35
Winners: 15: Soft Drives 4, Clears 4, Drives 3, Aces 2, Drops 2
Mee Xiong Errors 20: hitting 19 (Wide 7, Net 6, Deep 4, Fan 2); Serving 1 (short 1)
CHAMPIONSHIP
Katie Vohnoutka vs Mee Xiong
Katie Vohnoutka finished the season unblemished at 20-0. She did not lose one game in the state finishing 10-0. Last year Vohnoutka finished in 3rd place.
The most she gave up in a two game series was in the semis with King getting 28. Here are the totals points given up
Yer Yang, Henry 10
KY, Arlington 15
Shoua Moua, Humboldt 24
Stephanie King, Harding 28
Mee Xiong, Harding 25
So for the tournament the average Vohnoutka's opponent scored was 10.2.
Vohnoutka had a stronger side out game, had more runs and halted any that Mee Xiong had in mind, plus had an advantage in winners with 23. Meanwhile Mee Xiong had 5 winners. Vohnoutka proved today that she has more game than a smash.
The first game started off with a signature smash by Vohnoutka. The first surge came with a four point run to go up 8-4. That margin held up until another run, this time six points. That made the score 19-10. Vohnoutka had a 20-12 lead but Xiong had her only run of three to cut the margin to 20-15. The game ended with a Xiong hit that sailed wide.Just as the first game, the second game started off with a Vohnoutka smash. She had 10 smashes on the day. Xiong led 5-4 when Vohnoutka took the lead for good on a three point run including an ace and of course a smash. Vohnoutka had two more runs, one of six and a final run of five to finish the game.
This was the third time I saw these two match up. The first time at the Burnsville Triangular Vohnoutka won 22-20 and 21-13. The second time I saw them was at Burnsville on Wednesday in the State Team title. Vohnoutka won that contest 21-16, 21-14. Photos: #1. Mee Xiong with a drop attempt. #2. Katie Vouhnoutka ready to smash. #3 the celebration with the doubles champs Wade and Eteneuer. photos by kja
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 8/16-.500; Mee Xiong 5/17-.294
RUNS OF 3+:
Katie Vohnoutka 5 Mee Xiong 1
POINTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 42
Winners 23: Smashes 10, Clears 5, Soft Drives 3, Drives 2, Drops 2, Aces 1
Mee Xiong Errors 19: hitting 17 (Net 12, Wide 3, Deep 2), Serving 2 (wide 1, net)
Mee Xiong 25
Winners: 5: Drives 2, Clears 2, Smash 1
Katie Vohnoutka Errors 20: hitting 18 (Wide 9, Net 6, Deep 2, Fan 1); Serving 2 (short 1, deep 1)
Time: 12:32
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 8/16-.500; Mee Xiong 5/17-.294
RUNS OF 3+:
Katie Vohnoutka 5 Mee Xiong 1
POINTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 42
Winners 23: Smashes 10, Clears 5, Soft Drives 3, Drives 2, Drops 2, Aces 1
Mee Xiong Errors 19: hitting 17 (Net 12, Wide 3, Deep 2), Serving 2 (wide 1, net)
Mee Xiong 25
Winners: 5: Drives 2, Clears 2, Smash 1
Katie Vohnoutka Errors 20: hitting 18 (Wide 9, Net 6, Deep 2, Fan 1); Serving 2 (short 1, deep 1)
Time: 12:32
Photos: #1 The double winners 1st: Becca Wade, Larysa Eteneuer, Eden Prairie; 4th: Amy Linblad, Natalie Leiker Burnsville; 3rd: Kia Thao and Kou Nou Chang; and 2nd Goly Yang and Belick Pha, Johnson. 
#2. 1st Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie; 2nd Mee Xiong, Harding; 3rd Khoua Xiong, Highland Park; 4th Stephanie King, Harding. photos by kjaCongratulations on all players, coaches and teams for an outstanding tournament and outstanding season.
Next up: I pass out some awards next week.
Next up: I pass out some awards next week.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
First Day Individual State
#2 posting 5.15.2008
badminton news & information
INDIVIDUAL STATE TOURNAMENT
Today was round one of the individual and doubles portion of the state tournament. Surviving round one: were three of the top seeds in the individual and doubles.
SINGLES
FIRST ROUND
#1 Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie beat Yer Yang, Henry 21-5, 21-5
KY, St. Paul Arlington beat Micha Everts, Highland Park 21-18, 22-20
Shoua Moua, Humboldt beat AB, Southwest 21-3, 21-15
Desirae Garcia, South beat TK, Roosevelt 21-15, 21-12
#4 Yer Chang, Central beat Ciera Hogenson, Burnsville 21-14, 21-18
Pang Thao, Johnson beat PX, Edison 21-18, 25-23
NNV, Como Park beat SA, Washburn 21-7, 21-3
#5 Stephanie King, Harding beat AV, North 21-6, 21-6
#2 Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat MH, Southwest 21-5, 21-10
Dani Sack, Washburn beat BS, South 21-16, 21-13
Nicky Wade, Eden Prairie beat TR, Roosevelt 21-11, 21-9
OF, Johnson beat #7 Chu Mai Thao, Edison 20-22, 21-17, 21-18
#3 Mee Xiong, Harding beat BS, Burnsville 21-10, 21-9
Kari Finseth, Central beat SV, Humboldt 21-14, 17-21, 22-20
Cha Her, Arlington beat Foua Khang, North 17-21, 21-9, 21-6
#6 Yer Yang, Como Park beat Hnia Yang, Henry 21-14, 21-3
SWEET 16
#1 Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie beat KY 21-7, 21-8
Shoua Moua, Humboldt beat #8 Desirae Garcia 21-16, 19-21, 21-16
#4 Yer Chang, Central beat Pang Thao, Johnson 21-17, 21-15
#5 Stephanie King, Harding beat KV 21-19, 17-21, 21-13
#2 Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Dani Sack, Washburn 21-17, 21-6
Nicky Wade, Eden Prairie beat OF, Johnson 15-21, 21-19, 21-16
#3 Mee Xiong, Harding beat Kari Finseth, Central 21-4, 21-14
Yer Yang, Como Park beat Cha Her, Arlington 21-11, 21-10
QUARTERFINALS
#1 Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie beat Shoua Moua, Humboldt 21-11, 21-13
#5 Stephanie King, Harding beat #4 Yer Chang, Central 18-21, 21-3, 21-18
#2 Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Nicky Wade, Eden Prairie 21-10, 21-12
#3 Mee Xiong, Harding beat Yer Yang, Como Park 21-14, 20-22, 21-5
DOUBLES
FIRST ROUND
#1 Wade/Enteneur, Eden Prairie beat #McL/NY, Humboldt 15-21, 21-6, 21-16
PT/CV, Arlington beat NW/XYV, Washburn 21-12, 21-12
AC/GM, Highland Park beat JV/MZC, Roosevelt 21-17, 21-6
#8 CX/PNV, Harding beat MS/AB, Southwest 17-21, 21-9, 21-11
#4 MX/MVX, Central beat XX/KBX, Edison 21-16, 6-21, 21-15
B/A, Como Park beat JL/AS, North 21-16, 21-12
AL/NL, Burnsville beat DT/PKL, Highland Park 22-20, 21-18
#5 JH/KPB, South beat NV/ST, Henry 21-17, 21-18
#2 Goly Yang/Belick Pha, Johnson beat SK/HB, Eden Prairie 21-9, 21-19
MSY/PX, Central beat JOR/MN, South 21-10, 21-12
KK/SM, Burnsville beat GT/PHY, Humboldt 21-18, 21-10
#7 MNX/MX, Harding beat FH/FA, Washburn 21-3, 21-6
#3 Kia/Kou Nou, Johnson beat MA/CL, Roosevelt 21-10, 21-7
KK/VK, North beat N/P, Como Park 21-19, 21-15
LW/SX, Henry beat AC/BJ, Southwest 21-11, 21-8
#6 PY/KH, Arlington beat YV/BV, Edison 21-12, 21-14
SWEET 16
#1 Wade/Enteneur, Eden Prairie beat PT/CV, Arlington 21-8, 21-10
#8 CX/PNV, Harding beat PT/CV, Arlington 21-15, 21-12
#4 MX/MVX, Central beat B/A, Como Park 21-12, 21-17
AL/NL, Burnsville beat #5 JH/KPB, South 21-16, 21-15
#2 Goly Yang/Belick Pha, Johnson beat MSY/PX, Central 21-14, 21-18
#7 MNX/MX, Harding beat KK/SM, Burnsville 21-14, 21-10
#3 Kia/Kou Nou, Johnson beat KK/VK, North 21-6, 21-10
#6 PY/KH, Arlington beat LW/SX, Henry 21-9, 21-14
QUARTERFINALS
#1 Wade/Enteneur, Eden Prairie beat #8 CX/PNV, Harding 21-14, 21-13
AL/NL, Burnsville beat #4 MX/MVX, Central 21-17, 21-15
#2 Goly Yang/Belick Pha, Johnson beat #7 MNX/MX, Harding 21-15, 17-21, 21-13
#3 Kia/Kou Nou, Johnson beat #6 PY/KH, Arlington 21-13, 21-14
WHAT I SAW
I am going to give a thumbnail of the games I saw
MATCH ONE
#1 Katie Vohnoutka of Eden Prairie held Yer Yang of Henry to five points in each game. KV was a perfect 10/10 on side outs, KV also scored on all of her serves. The whole match lasted just over 10 minutes. KV only had one smash with the score 17-5 in the first game when she had three to finish up. In game KV had 8 more including the final point for a total of 12 smashes. In the 3+ run category KV won 9-0.
MATCH TWO
#2 Khoua Xiong of Highland Park took the stage with Madeline Hunsicker of Southwest in game two. This game also lasted slightly over 10 minutes as KX won 21-5, and 21-10. KX used a 10 point run in game one to go up 12-2. KX had a .857 side out % to .214 for Hunsicker. Also KX won the 3+ run title 6-0.
MATCH THREE
In the final first round match on court one (where I was perched) it was Cha Her of Arlington bouncing back from a first game loss to beat Foua Khang of North 17-21, 21-7, 21-6. The first game featured a combined 12 side outs. Also FK had a 3-1 advantage in runs in game one. FK had a four point run to go up 20-14. CH had her only run late, but FK halted it to get the win. In game two and three CH turned the tide. Her side out % was 9/12 while FK was 2/13. The 3+ game tipped to CH 8-0.
MATCH FOUR
This was the only Sweet 16 game I saw. #6 Yer Yang of Como Park topped Cha Her of Arlington 21-11, 21-10. Again side out % went to the winner. YY checked in at 14/17; CH had 9/19. The 3+ run advantage also favored YY 7-0. It was 13-10 in game two when YY finished off the match with a run of 8. It didn't help CH's cause in game two when she missed three serves.
MATCH FIVE
It was on to the quarterfinals and again #1 Katie Vohnoutka was on court 1 taking on Shoua Moua of Humboldt. KV won 21-11, 21-13. KV's side out % was .737 to SM's .300. KV won the 3+ run game 7-0. So in the two matches I saw today KV won the 3+ run game 16-0. That is a strong performance. The score was 17-13 in game two when KV finished up with four straight.
MATCH SIX
Another quarterfinal match, and, as it turned out, the last match of the day featured #4 Yer Chang of Central vs #5 Stephanie King of Harding. This match had a little of everything from nail biters and twists and turns to blow outs back to nail biters.
In game one YC had a 20-12 lead when SK got the side out and then gained momentum with five more points to close to 20-18. SK hit a bird deep to give the first game to YC.
Game two definitely tipped the scales in favor of King. Game one featured 10 services per player. Game two only had four. King took total command of game two with a 9 point run to go up 11-1. King also had another monster run of 8 to finish the second game.
It all came down to game three. Chang had a 13-10 lead when a change of court was requested. When they switched the score lost points on each side. King gained strength after that. A three point run tied the game at 14. Chang led 16-15 (on my count) when King had a five point run to go up 20-16. On a fan service error the players thought it was tied up at 17. A smash should have ended the match. Instead they kept going. Yang got a clear and then two more points to make it 21-20 King. King got the side out on a clear and then added two more for a 21-18 (so they thought) win. I had King winning 24-20.
So tomorrow it will be Katie Vohnoutka vs Stephanie King in one semi and Khoua Xiong vs Mee Xiong.
In the doubles it is the suburban duo of Becca Wade and Larysa Eteneuer (Eden Prairie) vs Amy Linblad/Natalie Leiker (Burnsville). In the other bracket it is all Johnson with Goly Yang and Belick Pha vs teammates Kia Thao and Kou Nou Chang
badminton news & information
INDIVIDUAL STATE TOURNAMENTToday was round one of the individual and doubles portion of the state tournament. Surviving round one: were three of the top seeds in the individual and doubles.
SINGLES
FIRST ROUND
#1 Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie beat Yer Yang, Henry 21-5, 21-5
KY, St. Paul Arlington beat Micha Everts, Highland Park 21-18, 22-20
Shoua Moua, Humboldt beat AB, Southwest 21-3, 21-15
Desirae Garcia, South beat TK, Roosevelt 21-15, 21-12
#4 Yer Chang, Central beat Ciera Hogenson, Burnsville 21-14, 21-18
Pang Thao, Johnson beat PX, Edison 21-18, 25-23
NNV, Como Park beat SA, Washburn 21-7, 21-3
#5 Stephanie King, Harding beat AV, North 21-6, 21-6
#2 Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat MH, Southwest 21-5, 21-10
Dani Sack, Washburn beat BS, South 21-16, 21-13
Nicky Wade, Eden Prairie beat TR, Roosevelt 21-11, 21-9
OF, Johnson beat #7 Chu Mai Thao, Edison 20-22, 21-17, 21-18
#3 Mee Xiong, Harding beat BS, Burnsville 21-10, 21-9
Kari Finseth, Central beat SV, Humboldt 21-14, 17-21, 22-20
Cha Her, Arlington beat Foua Khang, North 17-21, 21-9, 21-6
#6 Yer Yang, Como Park beat Hnia Yang, Henry 21-14, 21-3
SWEET 16
#1 Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie beat KY 21-7, 21-8
Shoua Moua, Humboldt beat #8 Desirae Garcia 21-16, 19-21, 21-16
#4 Yer Chang, Central beat Pang Thao, Johnson 21-17, 21-15
#5 Stephanie King, Harding beat KV 21-19, 17-21, 21-13
#2 Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Dani Sack, Washburn 21-17, 21-6
Nicky Wade, Eden Prairie beat OF, Johnson 15-21, 21-19, 21-16
#3 Mee Xiong, Harding beat Kari Finseth, Central 21-4, 21-14
Yer Yang, Como Park beat Cha Her, Arlington 21-11, 21-10
QUARTERFINALS
#1 Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie beat Shoua Moua, Humboldt 21-11, 21-13
#5 Stephanie King, Harding beat #4 Yer Chang, Central 18-21, 21-3, 21-18
#2 Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Nicky Wade, Eden Prairie 21-10, 21-12
#3 Mee Xiong, Harding beat Yer Yang, Como Park 21-14, 20-22, 21-5
DOUBLES
FIRST ROUND
#1 Wade/Enteneur, Eden Prairie beat #McL/NY, Humboldt 15-21, 21-6, 21-16
PT/CV, Arlington beat NW/XYV, Washburn 21-12, 21-12
AC/GM, Highland Park beat JV/MZC, Roosevelt 21-17, 21-6
#8 CX/PNV, Harding beat MS/AB, Southwest 17-21, 21-9, 21-11
#4 MX/MVX, Central beat XX/KBX, Edison 21-16, 6-21, 21-15
B/A, Como Park beat JL/AS, North 21-16, 21-12
AL/NL, Burnsville beat DT/PKL, Highland Park 22-20, 21-18
#5 JH/KPB, South beat NV/ST, Henry 21-17, 21-18
#2 Goly Yang/Belick Pha, Johnson beat SK/HB, Eden Prairie 21-9, 21-19
MSY/PX, Central beat JOR/MN, South 21-10, 21-12
KK/SM, Burnsville beat GT/PHY, Humboldt 21-18, 21-10
#7 MNX/MX, Harding beat FH/FA, Washburn 21-3, 21-6
#3 Kia/Kou Nou, Johnson beat MA/CL, Roosevelt 21-10, 21-7
KK/VK, North beat N/P, Como Park 21-19, 21-15
LW/SX, Henry beat AC/BJ, Southwest 21-11, 21-8
#6 PY/KH, Arlington beat YV/BV, Edison 21-12, 21-14
SWEET 16
#1 Wade/Enteneur, Eden Prairie beat PT/CV, Arlington 21-8, 21-10
#8 CX/PNV, Harding beat PT/CV, Arlington 21-15, 21-12
#4 MX/MVX, Central beat B/A, Como Park 21-12, 21-17
AL/NL, Burnsville beat #5 JH/KPB, South 21-16, 21-15
#2 Goly Yang/Belick Pha, Johnson beat MSY/PX, Central 21-14, 21-18
#7 MNX/MX, Harding beat KK/SM, Burnsville 21-14, 21-10
#3 Kia/Kou Nou, Johnson beat KK/VK, North 21-6, 21-10
#6 PY/KH, Arlington beat LW/SX, Henry 21-9, 21-14
QUARTERFINALS
#1 Wade/Enteneur, Eden Prairie beat #8 CX/PNV, Harding 21-14, 21-13
AL/NL, Burnsville beat #4 MX/MVX, Central 21-17, 21-15
#2 Goly Yang/Belick Pha, Johnson beat #7 MNX/MX, Harding 21-15, 17-21, 21-13
#3 Kia/Kou Nou, Johnson beat #6 PY/KH, Arlington 21-13, 21-14
WHAT I SAW
I am going to give a thumbnail of the games I saw
MATCH ONE
#1 Katie Vohnoutka of Eden Prairie held Yer Yang of Henry to five points in each game. KV was a perfect 10/10 on side outs, KV also scored on all of her serves. The whole match lasted just over 10 minutes. KV only had one smash with the score 17-5 in the first game when she had three to finish up. In game KV had 8 more including the final point for a total of 12 smashes. In the 3+ run category KV won 9-0.
MATCH TWO
#2 Khoua Xiong of Highland Park took the stage with Madeline Hunsicker of Southwest in game two. This game also lasted slightly over 10 minutes as KX won 21-5, and 21-10. KX used a 10 point run in game one to go up 12-2. KX had a .857 side out % to .214 for Hunsicker. Also KX won the 3+ run title 6-0.
MATCH THREE
In the final first round match on court one (where I was perched) it was Cha Her of Arlington bouncing back from a first game loss to beat Foua Khang of North 17-21, 21-7, 21-6. The first game featured a combined 12 side outs. Also FK had a 3-1 advantage in runs in game one. FK had a four point run to go up 20-14. CH had her only run late, but FK halted it to get the win. In game two and three CH turned the tide. Her side out % was 9/12 while FK was 2/13. The 3+ game tipped to CH 8-0.
MATCH FOUR
This was the only Sweet 16 game I saw. #6 Yer Yang of Como Park topped Cha Her of Arlington 21-11, 21-10. Again side out % went to the winner. YY checked in at 14/17; CH had 9/19. The 3+ run advantage also favored YY 7-0. It was 13-10 in game two when YY finished off the match with a run of 8. It didn't help CH's cause in game two when she missed three serves.
MATCH FIVE
It was on to the quarterfinals and again #1 Katie Vohnoutka was on court 1 taking on Shoua Moua of Humboldt. KV won 21-11, 21-13. KV's side out % was .737 to SM's .300. KV won the 3+ run game 7-0. So in the two matches I saw today KV won the 3+ run game 16-0. That is a strong performance. The score was 17-13 in game two when KV finished up with four straight.
MATCH SIX
Another quarterfinal match, and, as it turned out, the last match of the day featured #4 Yer Chang of Central vs #5 Stephanie King of Harding. This match had a little of everything from nail biters and twists and turns to blow outs back to nail biters.
In game one YC had a 20-12 lead when SK got the side out and then gained momentum with five more points to close to 20-18. SK hit a bird deep to give the first game to YC.
Game two definitely tipped the scales in favor of King. Game one featured 10 services per player. Game two only had four. King took total command of game two with a 9 point run to go up 11-1. King also had another monster run of 8 to finish the second game.
It all came down to game three. Chang had a 13-10 lead when a change of court was requested. When they switched the score lost points on each side. King gained strength after that. A three point run tied the game at 14. Chang led 16-15 (on my count) when King had a five point run to go up 20-16. On a fan service error the players thought it was tied up at 17. A smash should have ended the match. Instead they kept going. Yang got a clear and then two more points to make it 21-20 King. King got the side out on a clear and then added two more for a 21-18 (so they thought) win. I had King winning 24-20.
So tomorrow it will be Katie Vohnoutka vs Stephanie King in one semi and Khoua Xiong vs Mee Xiong.
In the doubles it is the suburban duo of Becca Wade and Larysa Eteneuer (Eden Prairie) vs Amy Linblad/Natalie Leiker (Burnsville). In the other bracket it is all Johnson with Goly Yang and Belick Pha vs teammates Kia Thao and Kou Nou Chang
The Athletes I saw today: #1. Katie Vohnoutka; #2. Yer Yang, Henry; #3 Madeline Hunsicker; #4 Khoua Xiong; #5 Cha Her; #6 Foua Khang; #7 Yer Yang, Como Park; #8 Shoua Moua; #9 Yer Chang; #10 Stephanie King
More Team State Tournament
#1 posting 5.15.2008
badminton news & information
MORE TEAM TOURNAMENT
Here are the stories from the St. Paul Pioneer Press and StarTribune on St. Paul Harding's third straight badminton title.
Next up: later today with the first day of the individual state tournament.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
State Tournament: Harding Three-Peat
#2 posting 5.14.2008
badminton news & information
MINNESOTA STATE TEAM TITLE
HARDING THREE-PEATS
#1 seed St. Paul Harding won their third straight team title with a 5-2 win over Eden Prairie. It was the second straight year the two teams met in the finals. Last year Harding won 6-1.
Harding made it to the finals with a 6-1 win over St. Paul Central. #3 seed Eden Prairie beat #2 St. Paul Johnson in the other semifinal 4-3.
In the third place contest Johnson beat Central 5-2.
CHAMPIONSHIP
HARDING knights 5, EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 2
Eden Prairie won both first singles and dou
bles, and Harding took the rest in putting together their third straight title. The only match that lasted three games came at third singles with Crystal Yang winning the last two games. By that time it was already known that Harding had won the title.
In games decided by three or less Harding had the edge with two wins in doubles and one in singles.
badminton news & information
MINNESOTA STATE TEAM TITLE
HARDING THREE-PEATS
#1 seed St. Paul Harding won their third straight team title with a 5-2 win over Eden Prairie. It was the second straight year the two teams met in the finals. Last year Harding won 6-1.
Harding made it to the finals with a 6-1 win over St. Paul Central. #3 seed Eden Prairie beat #2 St. Paul Johnson in the other semifinal 4-3.
In the third place contest Johnson beat Central 5-2.
CHAMPIONSHIP
HARDING knights 5, EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 2
Eden Prairie won both first singles and dou
bles, and Harding took the rest in putting together their third straight title. The only match that lasted three games came at third singles with Crystal Yang winning the last two games. By that time it was already known that Harding had won the title.In games decided by three or less Harding had the edge with two wins in doubles and one in singles.
Photo: back to back to back 2008 state champs Harding. Runner up Eden Prairie. photos by kja
FIRST SINGLES
Katie Vohnoutka did not allow any runs in a two game set with Mee Xiong while using five for the cause. In game one Vohnoutka had two runs combined for a 7-1 advantage as she built an 8-3 lead. Xiong did battle back to 11-9. But Xiong's strategy of putting the bird on the back line also put the bird out. Xion
g had a combined 9 hitting errors that were deep in the two games. Vohnoutka used another of her runs to go up 14-9. Xiong cut it back to 18-15, but she never could get traction on runs. At most two points, never three. Game one ended with a deep hitting error for a 21-16 score for Vohnoutka.
Game two had similarities with the first. Vohnoutka opened 2-0 and had had her first of two runs in game two to go up 6-2. Xiong closed to 11-8, but Vohnoutka had too much power, too much length to be sidetracked. Vohnoutka added three points to go up 16-9. The side out game took over late and Vohnoutka rode that to a 21-14 victory.
FIRST SINGLES
Katie Vohnoutka did not allow any runs in a two game set with Mee Xiong while using five for the cause. In game one Vohnoutka had two runs combined for a 7-1 advantage as she built an 8-3 lead. Xiong did battle back to 11-9. But Xiong's strategy of putting the bird on the back line also put the bird out. Xion
g had a combined 9 hitting errors that were deep in the two games. Vohnoutka used another of her runs to go up 14-9. Xiong cut it back to 18-15, but she never could get traction on runs. At most two points, never three. Game one ended with a deep hitting error for a 21-16 score for Vohnoutka.Game two had similarities with the first. Vohnoutka opened 2-0 and had had her first of two runs in game two to go up 6-2. Xiong closed to 11-8, but Vohnoutka had too much power, too much length to be sidetracked. Vohnoutka added three points to go up 16-9. The side out game took over late and Vohnoutka rode that to a 21-14 victory.
photos: #1 Vohnoutka reaching for a drop. #2 Xiong with a back hand. photos by kja
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 12/21-.571; Mee Xiong 12/23 .522
RUNS OF 3+:
Katie Vohnoutka 5 Goly Yang 0
POINTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 42
Winners 20: Smashes 10, Drops 3, Soft Drives 3, Clears 2 Drives 2
Mee Xiong Errors 22: hitting 21 (Deep 9, Net 7, wide 4, Fan 1), Serving 1 (wide 1)
Mee Xiong 30
Winners: 13: Soft Drives 3, Drives 3, Drops 3, Clears 3, Smashes 1
Katie Vohnoutka Errors 17: hitting 16 (Net 10, Wide 5, Deep 1); Serving 1 (wide 1)
Time: 14:08
SINGLES
1. Katie Vohnoutka (EP) beat Mee Xiong 21-16, 21-14
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Nicky Wade 21-8, 21-13
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Zyue Chen 16-21, 21-13, 21-18
4. Alana Yang (H) beat Janet Stewart 21-10, 21-14
DOUBLES
1. Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer (EP) beat Pa Nyia Thao/Mai Ngia Xiong 21-14, 21-17
2. Gao Thao/Kazoua Yang (H) beat Samantha Klemp/Heather Blake 21-12, 21-18
3. Chao Xiong/Pa Nhia Vang (H) beat Morgan Woodrow/Laura Stone 21-19, 21-13
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 3-1 .750
Games: Harding 6-3 .667
Points: Harding 172-139 .553
decided by 10+: Harding 2-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 2-1 .667
games: Harding 4-2 .667
points: Harding 115-104 .525
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: Harding 2-0
THIRD PLACE
JOHNSON governors 5, CENTRAL minutemen 2
Just like the championship game, 
Central won at first singles and doubles, and Johnson took the rest to claim third place. However this match was closer as evidenced by the number of three game matches. Three of the singles went the distance with one doubles lasting three. At second singles Belick Pha outlasted Kari Finseth after falling in the first game 21-10. Pha edged Finseth by two in the second game and three in the final.
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 12/21-.571; Mee Xiong 12/23 .522
RUNS OF 3+:
Katie Vohnoutka 5 Goly Yang 0
POINTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 42
Winners 20: Smashes 10, Drops 3, Soft Drives 3, Clears 2 Drives 2
Mee Xiong Errors 22: hitting 21 (Deep 9, Net 7, wide 4, Fan 1), Serving 1 (wide 1)
Mee Xiong 30
Winners: 13: Soft Drives 3, Drives 3, Drops 3, Clears 3, Smashes 1
Katie Vohnoutka Errors 17: hitting 16 (Net 10, Wide 5, Deep 1); Serving 1 (wide 1)
Time: 14:08
SINGLES
1. Katie Vohnoutka (EP) beat Mee Xiong 21-16, 21-14
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Nicky Wade 21-8, 21-13
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Zyue Chen 16-21, 21-13, 21-18
4. Alana Yang (H) beat Janet Stewart 21-10, 21-14
DOUBLES
1. Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer (EP) beat Pa Nyia Thao/Mai Ngia Xiong 21-14, 21-17
2. Gao Thao/Kazoua Yang (H) beat Samantha Klemp/Heather Blake 21-12, 21-18
3. Chao Xiong/Pa Nhia Vang (H) beat Morgan Woodrow/Laura Stone 21-19, 21-13
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 3-1 .750
Games: Harding 6-3 .667
Points: Harding 172-139 .553
decided by 10+: Harding 2-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 2-1 .667
games: Harding 4-2 .667
points: Harding 115-104 .525
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: Harding 2-0
THIRD PLACE
JOHNSON governors 5, CENTRAL minutemen 2
Just like the championship game, 
Central won at first singles and doubles, and Johnson took the rest to claim third place. However this match was closer as evidenced by the number of three game matches. Three of the singles went the distance with one doubles lasting three. At second singles Belick Pha outlasted Kari Finseth after falling in the first game 21-10. Pha edged Finseth by two in the second game and three in the final. photos: 3rd place Johnson, 4th place Central. photos by kja
SINGLES
1. Yer Chang (C) beat Goly Yang 21-17, 12-21, 21-15
2. Belick Pha (J) beat Kari Finseth 10-21, 21-19, 21-18
3. Olamade Fudahunsi (J) beat Dawn Vang 21-12, 21-9
4. Pang Thao (J) beat Ka Yang 21-12, 11-21, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Kia Thao/Kou Nou Chang 21-13, 21-19
2. Sheng Thao/Pau Chu (J) beat Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong 21-16, 18-21, 21-16
3. Hlee Vang/Cha Lor (J) beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang 21-15, 21-11
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Johnson 3-1 .750
Games: Johnson 7-4 .636
Points: Johnson 200-179 .528
decided by 10+: Central 2-1 .667
decided by 3-: Johnson 2-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Johnson 2-1 .667
games: Johnson 4-3 .571
points: Johnson 134-121 .525
decided by 10+: Johnson 1-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Central 2-0 1.000
SEMIFINALS
HARDING knights 6, CENTRAL minutemen 1
Harding started their day with a 6-1 win over Central. The Knights swept the singles and added the 2nd and 3rd doubles to put together the win. Two matches lasted three games and in both circumstances Harding prevailed. The Knights won in three at 4th singles and 3rd doubles. Alana Yang had a comeback win after falling in the first game.
SINGLES
1. Mee Xiong (H) beat Yer Chang 21-12, 21-8
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Kari Finseth 21-7, 21-11
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Dawn Vang 23-21, 21-16
4. Alana Yang (H) beat Ka Yang 19-21, 21-9, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Pa Nyia Thao/Mai Ngia Xiong 21-16, 21-14
2. Gao Thao/Kazoua Yang (H) beat Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong 21-16, 21-13
3. Chao Xiong/Pa Nhia Vang (H) beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang 21-12, 18-21, 21-17
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 4-0 1.000
Games: Harding 8-1 .889
Points: Harding 189-118 .616
decided by 10+: Harding 4-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-1 .500
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 2-1 .667
games: Harding 4-3 .571
points: Harding 132-121 .522
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: Central 1-0 1.000
SEMIFINALS
EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 4, JOHNSON governors 3
This was the tightest of the three games and it was an upset considering Johnson was the #2 seed going in and had beat EP 5-2 earlier in the year at EP. The difference this time was EP picked up one win in the singles and one in the doubles. It should be noted that Wade and Eteneuer didn't play in the first event.
Nicky Wade and Zyue Chen each picked up wins the second time around in singles. The key event came at third singles with Zyue Chen edging Olamade Fudahunsi 24-22 in the second game. In the first time the two teams played Fudahunsi played at fourth singles. Belick Pha won the first time at third singles and this time moved to second and lost.
FIRST SINGLES
Katie Vohnoutka used a strong side out game to stymie Goly Yang in straight sets. The first contest had 12 serves for each player. The second game saw that number cut in half. Vohnoutka sided out at 82.4%. On top of that she had a 5-0 advantage in runs of 3 or more.
It was a tight first game until Vohnoutka used a pair of smashes in a six point run to go up 18-11. Vohnoutka sided out the last three times to get the game one win.
In game two Vohnoutka opened 5-0. Stretching back to the first game Vohnoutka kept her side out streak alive with 8 straight. Yang never got on track and the game was over in less than five minutes.
SINGLES
1. Yer Chang (C) beat Goly Yang 21-17, 12-21, 21-15
2. Belick Pha (J) beat Kari Finseth 10-21, 21-19, 21-18
3. Olamade Fudahunsi (J) beat Dawn Vang 21-12, 21-9
4. Pang Thao (J) beat Ka Yang 21-12, 11-21, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Kia Thao/Kou Nou Chang 21-13, 21-19
2. Sheng Thao/Pau Chu (J) beat Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong 21-16, 18-21, 21-16
3. Hlee Vang/Cha Lor (J) beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang 21-15, 21-11
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Johnson 3-1 .750
Games: Johnson 7-4 .636
Points: Johnson 200-179 .528
decided by 10+: Central 2-1 .667
decided by 3-: Johnson 2-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Johnson 2-1 .667
games: Johnson 4-3 .571
points: Johnson 134-121 .525
decided by 10+: Johnson 1-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Central 2-0 1.000
SEMIFINALS
HARDING knights 6, CENTRAL minutemen 1
Harding started their day with a 6-1 win over Central. The Knights swept the singles and added the 2nd and 3rd doubles to put together the win. Two matches lasted three games and in both circumstances Harding prevailed. The Knights won in three at 4th singles and 3rd doubles. Alana Yang had a comeback win after falling in the first game.
SINGLES
1. Mee Xiong (H) beat Yer Chang 21-12, 21-8
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Kari Finseth 21-7, 21-11
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Dawn Vang 23-21, 21-16
4. Alana Yang (H) beat Ka Yang 19-21, 21-9, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Pa Nyia Thao/Mai Ngia Xiong 21-16, 21-14
2. Gao Thao/Kazoua Yang (H) beat Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong 21-16, 21-13
3. Chao Xiong/Pa Nhia Vang (H) beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang 21-12, 18-21, 21-17
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 4-0 1.000
Games: Harding 8-1 .889
Points: Harding 189-118 .616
decided by 10+: Harding 4-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-1 .500
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 2-1 .667
games: Harding 4-3 .571
points: Harding 132-121 .522
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: Central 1-0 1.000
SEMIFINALS
EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 4, JOHNSON governors 3
This was the tightest of the three games and it was an upset considering Johnson was the #2 seed going in and had beat EP 5-2 earlier in the year at EP. The difference this time was EP picked up one win in the singles and one in the doubles. It should be noted that Wade and Eteneuer didn't play in the first event.
Nicky Wade and Zyue Chen each picked up wins the second time around in singles. The key event came at third singles with Zyue Chen edging Olamade Fudahunsi 24-22 in the second game. In the first time the two teams played Fudahunsi played at fourth singles. Belick Pha won the first time at third singles and this time moved to second and lost.
FIRST SINGLES
Katie Vohnoutka used a strong side out game to stymie Goly Yang in straight sets. The first contest had 12 serves for each player. The second game saw that number cut in half. Vohnoutka sided out at 82.4%. On top of that she had a 5-0 advantage in runs of 3 or more.It was a tight first game until Vohnoutka used a pair of smashes in a six point run to go up 18-11. Vohnoutka sided out the last three times to get the game one win.
In game two Vohnoutka opened 5-0. Stretching back to the first game Vohnoutka kept her side out streak alive with 8 straight. Yang never got on track and the game was over in less than five minutes.
photo: The bird hovers above the net as both players ponder their next move. photo by kja
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 14/17-.824; Goly Yang 8/18 .444
RUNS OF 3+:
Katie Vohnoutka 5 Goly Yang 0
POINTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 42
Winners 28: Smashes 14, Clears 5, Drops 5, Drives 3, Soft drive 1
Goly Yang Errors 14: hitting 14 (Net 8, Wide 6)
Goly Yang 20
Winners: 11: Soft Drives 4, Smashes 3, Drops 2, Clears 1, Drives 1
Katie Vohnoutka Errors 9: hitting 7 (Net 4, Wide 3); Serving 2 (wide 1, net 1)
Time: 11:41
SINGLES
1. Katie Vohnoutka (EP) beat Goly Yang 21-14, 21-6
2. Nicky Wade (EP) beat Belick Pha 21-5, 21-14
3. Zyue Chen (EP) beat Olamade Fudahunsi 21-18, 24-22
4. Pang Thao (J) beat Janet Stewart 21-10, 21-17
DOUBLES
1. Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer (EP) beat Kia Thao/Kou Nou Chang 21-16, 21-17
2. Sheng Thao/Pau Chu (J) beat Samantha Klemp/Heather Blake 21-15, 19-21, 21-19
3. Hlee Vang/Cha Lor (J) beat Morgan Woodrow/Laura Stone 21-15, 21-15
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Eden Prairie 3-1 .750
Games: Eden Prairie 6-2 .750
Points: Eden Prairie 156-106 .595
decided by 10+: Eden Prairie 2-1 .667
decided by 3-: Eden Prairie 2-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Johnson 2-1 .667
games: Johnson 4-3 .571
points: Johnson 136-127 .517
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: Johnson 1-1 .500
The individual state tournament starts tomorrow at 3:15 at St. Paul Harding. Favored in the singles is Katie Vohnoutka who has not lost this season.
next up: tomorrow after the first round of Individual State.
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 14/17-.824; Goly Yang 8/18 .444
RUNS OF 3+:
Katie Vohnoutka 5 Goly Yang 0
POINTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 42
Winners 28: Smashes 14, Clears 5, Drops 5, Drives 3, Soft drive 1
Goly Yang Errors 14: hitting 14 (Net 8, Wide 6)
Goly Yang 20
Winners: 11: Soft Drives 4, Smashes 3, Drops 2, Clears 1, Drives 1
Katie Vohnoutka Errors 9: hitting 7 (Net 4, Wide 3); Serving 2 (wide 1, net 1)
Time: 11:41
SINGLES
1. Katie Vohnoutka (EP) beat Goly Yang 21-14, 21-6
2. Nicky Wade (EP) beat Belick Pha 21-5, 21-14
3. Zyue Chen (EP) beat Olamade Fudahunsi 21-18, 24-22
4. Pang Thao (J) beat Janet Stewart 21-10, 21-17
DOUBLES
1. Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer (EP) beat Kia Thao/Kou Nou Chang 21-16, 21-17
2. Sheng Thao/Pau Chu (J) beat Samantha Klemp/Heather Blake 21-15, 19-21, 21-19
3. Hlee Vang/Cha Lor (J) beat Morgan Woodrow/Laura Stone 21-15, 21-15
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Eden Prairie 3-1 .750
Games: Eden Prairie 6-2 .750
Points: Eden Prairie 156-106 .595
decided by 10+: Eden Prairie 2-1 .667
decided by 3-: Eden Prairie 2-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Johnson 2-1 .667
games: Johnson 4-3 .571
points: Johnson 136-127 .517
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: Johnson 1-1 .500
The individual state tournament starts tomorrow at 3:15 at St. Paul Harding. Favored in the singles is Katie Vohnoutka who has not lost this season.
next up: tomorrow after the first round of Individual State.
State Tournament Results
#1 posting 5.14.2008
badminton news & information
STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS
TOP 4 MOVE ON
Yesterday the State tournament opened up. There were no surprises with the top seeded teams all advancing. I reported on the Central 4-3 win over Highland Park last night. Eden Prairie also had a 4-3 win over Como Park. Burnsville managed to get two wins over Harding. It was the first time Harding was scored on in the quarters since 2005.
Minneapolis teams finished 0-7. As a group they were 3-49 on the day. South had two wins, Edison one.
First Round
#1 Harding 7, Mpls. Roosevelt 0
#8 Burnsville 5, Mpls. South 2
#4 Central 7, Mpls. Henry 0
#5 Highland Park 7, Mpls. North 0
#3 Eden Prairie 7, Mpls. Southwest 0
#6 Como Park 5, Humboldt 2
#2 Johnson 7, Mpls. Washburn 0
#7 Arlington 6, Mpls. Edison 1
Quarterfinals
#1 Harding 5, Burnsville 2
#4 Central 4, Highland Park 3
#3 Eden Prairie 4, Como Park 3
#2 Johnson 6, Arlington 1
Next up: later today after the state tournament
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
State Quarters: Central Advances
#1 posting 5.13.2008
badminton news & information
STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS
CENTRAL ADVANCES
St. Paul Central beat St. Paul Highland Park 4-3 in the rubber match between the two schools at Central this afternoon. Both reached the quarterfinal round with sweeps over Minneapolis Henry and Minneapolis North respectively.
First off I will recap the Central/Henry game. I will also have the box on the Highland/North game too. After that it is the quarterfinals.
CENTRAL minutemen 7, HENRY patriots 0
Central swept Henry. The closest contest came at first singles with a difference of 7 points separating Yer Chang from Yer Yang. The Central doubles locomotive steamrolled the Henry doubles. The Henry second doubles team of Lakresha Williams and Sheng Xiong were the only doubles pair to crack double digits in one game.
FIRST SINGLES
Yer Yang put up a struggle with Yer Chang, but in the end it was Chang walking off with the victory.
Yang led early in game one 4-0, and held a 9-4 lead at the largest. The key factor in game one was the side out performance. Chang was able to score on serves 4-8 and that propelled her to the lead 16-13. Meanwhile Chang prevented Yang from scoring on six of her last seven serves. Chang also had three runs of 3+ in game one, while Yang only had her run at the start. For some reason I had one more point for Chang 22-16.
Yang again had a great start in game two. She led 7-1 after her first
serve. Chang rallied with her own run of six to cut the margin to 9-8. A pair of smashes helped get that run rolling. Yang maintained a slim lead until her 7th serve where she added four more points besides the side out to go up 19-13. She had her second ace in the run. Then things turned on a dime. Chang got the side out on a hitting error and never gave the bird back. She ended the match with a clear.
This match went 17+ minutes which is quite long for a two game match.
Yang played with more confidence and also cut way back on errors--especially serving errors that plagued her the past couple of weeks.
badminton news & information
STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS
CENTRAL ADVANCES
St. Paul Central beat St. Paul Highland Park 4-3 in the rubber match between the two schools at Central this afternoon. Both reached the quarterfinal round with sweeps over Minneapolis Henry and Minneapolis North respectively.
First off I will recap the Central/Henry game. I will also have the box on the Highland/North game too. After that it is the quarterfinals.
CENTRAL minutemen 7, HENRY patriots 0
Central swept Henry. The closest contest came at first singles with a difference of 7 points separating Yer Chang from Yer Yang. The Central doubles locomotive steamrolled the Henry doubles. The Henry second doubles team of Lakresha Williams and Sheng Xiong were the only doubles pair to crack double digits in one game.
FIRST SINGLES
Yer Yang put up a struggle with Yer Chang, but in the end it was Chang walking off with the victory.Yang led early in game one 4-0, and held a 9-4 lead at the largest. The key factor in game one was the side out performance. Chang was able to score on serves 4-8 and that propelled her to the lead 16-13. Meanwhile Chang prevented Yang from scoring on six of her last seven serves. Chang also had three runs of 3+ in game one, while Yang only had her run at the start. For some reason I had one more point for Chang 22-16.
Yang again had a great start in game two. She led 7-1 after her first
serve. Chang rallied with her own run of six to cut the margin to 9-8. A pair of smashes helped get that run rolling. Yang maintained a slim lead until her 7th serve where she added four more points besides the side out to go up 19-13. She had her second ace in the run. Then things turned on a dime. Chang got the side out on a hitting error and never gave the bird back. She ended the match with a clear.This match went 17+ minutes which is quite long for a two game match.
Yang played with more confidence and also cut way back on errors--especially serving errors that plagued her the past couple of weeks.
Photos: #1. Yer Yang aims high for a bird. #2. Yer Chang reaches for a drop shot. photos by kja.
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Yer Chang 9/17-.529; Yer Yang 7/18-.389
RUNS OF 3+:
Yer Chang 6; Yer Yang 3
POINTS:
Yer Chang 43
Winners 18: Drops 6, Soft Drive 5, Clears 4, Smashes 2, Drives 1
Yer Yang Errors 25: hitting 24 (Net 13, Wide 11); Serving 1 (Deep 1)
Yer Yang 35
Winners: 16: Drives 4, Soft Drives 4, Aces 3, Smashes 3, Drops 1, Clears 1
Yer Chang Errors 19: hitting 18 (Net 10, Wide 5, Drives 2, Fans 1); Serving 1 (wide 1)
Time: 17:23
SINGLES
1. Yer Chang (C) beat Yer Yang 21-16, 21-19
2. Kari Finseth (C) beat Nhia Yang 21-13, 21-13
3. Dawn Vang (C) beat Ma Pha 21-13, 21-7
4. Ka Yang (C) beat Gao Khoua Xiong 21-14, 21-16
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Neng Vang/See Thao 21-7, 21-8
2. Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong (C) beat Lakresha Williams/Sheng Xiong 21-9, 21-13
3. Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang (C) beat Shoua Yang/Tenisha Williams 21-8, 21-7
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Central 4-0 1.000
Games: Central 8-0 1.000
Points: Central 168-85 .664
decided by 10+: Central 1-0 1.000
decided by 3 or less: Central 1-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Central 3-0 1.000
games: Central 6-0 1.000
points: Central 126-52 .709
decided by 10+: Central 5-0 1.000
decided by 3: none
HIGHLAND PARK scots 7, NORTH polars 0
Highland Park swept North 7-0. The North 2nd doubles team of Jaime Lee and Amanda Seline did take the first game for the only North game win of the day.
SINGLES
1. Khoua Xiong (HP) beat Among Vang 21-6, 21-5
2. Micha Everts (HP) beat Foua Khang 21-14, 21-8
3. Elena Kronmiller (HP) beat Pa Kou Pha 21-5, 21-11
4. Nhu Richards (HP) beat Mee Khang 21-14, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Pa Kou Lor/Drew Thao (HP) beat Phoua Khang/Vang Khang 21-15, 21-19
2. Grace Moran/Alison Cole (HP) beat Jaime Lee/Amanda Seline 18-21, 21-13, 22-20
3. Seng Lee/Pa Ying Moua (HP) beat Xue Vang/See Lee 21-9, 21-11
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Highland Park 4-0 1.000
Games: Highland Park 8-0 1.000
Points: Highland Park 168-76 .689
decided by 10+: Highland Park 5-0
decided by 3 or less: none
DOUBLES
matches: Highland Park 3-0 1.000
games: Highland Park 6-1 .857
points: Highland Park 145-108 .573
decided by 10+: Highland Park 2-0 1.000
decided by 3: Highland Park 2-1 .667
CENTRAL minutemen 4, HIGHLAND PARK scots 3
Central won the rubber match with Highland by splitting the singles and taking the top two doubles. The deciding game came down to fourth singles as all other matches were finished. Game two went long with Nhu Richards rallying for a 26-24 win. Ka Yang led 24-23 before the Richards started her run. In game three it was tied at 7 all when Yang ran off 7 straight to go up 14-7. That was the difference maker in the game and the match.
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Yer Chang 9/17-.529; Yer Yang 7/18-.389
RUNS OF 3+:
Yer Chang 6; Yer Yang 3
POINTS:
Yer Chang 43
Winners 18: Drops 6, Soft Drive 5, Clears 4, Smashes 2, Drives 1
Yer Yang Errors 25: hitting 24 (Net 13, Wide 11); Serving 1 (Deep 1)
Yer Yang 35
Winners: 16: Drives 4, Soft Drives 4, Aces 3, Smashes 3, Drops 1, Clears 1
Yer Chang Errors 19: hitting 18 (Net 10, Wide 5, Drives 2, Fans 1); Serving 1 (wide 1)
Time: 17:23
SINGLES
1. Yer Chang (C) beat Yer Yang 21-16, 21-19
2. Kari Finseth (C) beat Nhia Yang 21-13, 21-13
3. Dawn Vang (C) beat Ma Pha 21-13, 21-7
4. Ka Yang (C) beat Gao Khoua Xiong 21-14, 21-16
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Neng Vang/See Thao 21-7, 21-8
2. Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong (C) beat Lakresha Williams/Sheng Xiong 21-9, 21-13
3. Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang (C) beat Shoua Yang/Tenisha Williams 21-8, 21-7
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Central 4-0 1.000
Games: Central 8-0 1.000
Points: Central 168-85 .664
decided by 10+: Central 1-0 1.000
decided by 3 or less: Central 1-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Central 3-0 1.000
games: Central 6-0 1.000
points: Central 126-52 .709
decided by 10+: Central 5-0 1.000
decided by 3: none
HIGHLAND PARK scots 7, NORTH polars 0
Highland Park swept North 7-0. The North 2nd doubles team of Jaime Lee and Amanda Seline did take the first game for the only North game win of the day.
SINGLES
1. Khoua Xiong (HP) beat Among Vang 21-6, 21-5
2. Micha Everts (HP) beat Foua Khang 21-14, 21-8
3. Elena Kronmiller (HP) beat Pa Kou Pha 21-5, 21-11
4. Nhu Richards (HP) beat Mee Khang 21-14, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Pa Kou Lor/Drew Thao (HP) beat Phoua Khang/Vang Khang 21-15, 21-19
2. Grace Moran/Alison Cole (HP) beat Jaime Lee/Amanda Seline 18-21, 21-13, 22-20
3. Seng Lee/Pa Ying Moua (HP) beat Xue Vang/See Lee 21-9, 21-11
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Highland Park 4-0 1.000
Games: Highland Park 8-0 1.000
Points: Highland Park 168-76 .689
decided by 10+: Highland Park 5-0
decided by 3 or less: none
DOUBLES
matches: Highland Park 3-0 1.000
games: Highland Park 6-1 .857
points: Highland Park 145-108 .573
decided by 10+: Highland Park 2-0 1.000
decided by 3: Highland Park 2-1 .667
CENTRAL minutemen 4, HIGHLAND PARK scots 3
Central won the rubber match with Highland by splitting the singles and taking the top two doubles. The deciding game came down to fourth singles as all other matches were finished. Game two went long with Nhu Richards rallying for a 26-24 win. Ka Yang led 24-23 before the Richards started her run. In game three it was tied at 7 all when Yang ran off 7 straight to go up 14-7. That was the difference maker in the game and the match. photo: Ka Yang reaches for a bird in the deciding game at 4th singles. photo by kja
FIRST SINGLES
This was a contrast of games---game one tight, game two not at all. Through it all one constant remained--Khoua Xiong had a strong side out game in both games.
In the first game the side out game ruled for the first five points. Yer Chang was the first to break free with a run of four. She scored on her serve with a clear then used a soft drive (what would be a change up in baseball). Khoua Xiong matched her run with three. Chang led throughout most of the first game. She stretched the margin to 16-12 after a smash. Xiong got a smash for a key side out. Xiong then was able to score off her serve the next three times. At the same time Xiong got the side out over
Chang the last three times. The game was tied 19 all when Chang had a fan/hitting error on her serve. Xiong ended it all with a clear.
Xiong ran off a 9-2 lead and got the side out on Chang's serve four straight times. On Xiong's fifth serve she ran off 8 more points to go on the verge 20-4. A late three point flurry kept the game going. The game ended on an anti-climatic note as Chang's serve sailed wide.
Xiong had another strong winner performance with .619. The soft drive/change up/cut shot is her signature shot and she used it for 9 points.
FIRST SINGLES
This was a contrast of games---game one tight, game two not at all. Through it all one constant remained--Khoua Xiong had a strong side out game in both games.In the first game the side out game ruled for the first five points. Yer Chang was the first to break free with a run of four. She scored on her serve with a clear then used a soft drive (what would be a change up in baseball). Khoua Xiong matched her run with three. Chang led throughout most of the first game. She stretched the margin to 16-12 after a smash. Xiong got a smash for a key side out. Xiong then was able to score off her serve the next three times. At the same time Xiong got the side out over
Chang the last three times. The game was tied 19 all when Chang had a fan/hitting error on her serve. Xiong ended it all with a clear.Xiong ran off a 9-2 lead and got the side out on Chang's serve four straight times. On Xiong's fifth serve she ran off 8 more points to go on the verge 20-4. A late three point flurry kept the game going. The game ended on an anti-climatic note as Chang's serve sailed wide.
Xiong had another strong winner performance with .619. The soft drive/change up/cut shot is her signature shot and she used it for 9 points.
Photos: #1 Khoua Xiong looks like she is in a box as she sends a bird over the net. #2 eyes the bird in game two. photos by kja
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Khoua Xiong 12/17-.706, Yer Chang 7/18-.389
RUNS OF 3+:
Khoua Xiong 5, Yer Chang 3
POINTS:
Khoua Xiong 42
Winners: 26: Soft drives 9, Smashes 5, Drops 5, Aces 3, Clears 3, Drives 1
Yer Chang Errors 16: hitting 14 (Net 8, Wide 6); Serving 2 (deep 1, wide 1)
Yer Chang 26
Winners 15: Soft Drives 5, Clears 3, Smashes 3, Drives 2, Drops 2
Khoua Xiong Errors 11: hitting 10 (Net 7, Wide 3); Serving 1 (Deep 1)
Time: 12:28
QUARTERFINALS
SINGLES
1. Khoua Xiong (HP) beat Yer Chang 21-19, 21-7
2. Kari Finseth (C) beat Micha Everts 21-14, 21-13
3. Elena Kronmiller (HP) beat Dawn Vang 21-11, 21-9
4. Ka Yang (C) beat Nhu Richards 21-12, 24-26, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Pa Kou Lor/Drew Thao 21-13, 21-13
2. Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong (C) beat Grace Moran/Alison Cole 19-21, 21-16, 21-12
3. Seng Lee/Pa Ying Moua (HP) beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang 18-21, 21-17, 21-17
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: tied 2-2 .500
Games: Highland Park 5-4 .556
Points: Highland Park 162-154 .513
decided by 10+: Highland Park 3-0 1.000
decided by 3 or less: Highland Park 2-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Central 2-1 .667
games: Central 5-3 .625
points: Central 158-136 .537
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: 1-1
next up: tomorrow with the State Team finals.
FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Khoua Xiong 12/17-.706, Yer Chang 7/18-.389
RUNS OF 3+:
Khoua Xiong 5, Yer Chang 3
POINTS:
Khoua Xiong 42
Winners: 26: Soft drives 9, Smashes 5, Drops 5, Aces 3, Clears 3, Drives 1
Yer Chang Errors 16: hitting 14 (Net 8, Wide 6); Serving 2 (deep 1, wide 1)
Yer Chang 26
Winners 15: Soft Drives 5, Clears 3, Smashes 3, Drives 2, Drops 2
Khoua Xiong Errors 11: hitting 10 (Net 7, Wide 3); Serving 1 (Deep 1)
Time: 12:28
QUARTERFINALS
SINGLES
1. Khoua Xiong (HP) beat Yer Chang 21-19, 21-7
2. Kari Finseth (C) beat Micha Everts 21-14, 21-13
3. Elena Kronmiller (HP) beat Dawn Vang 21-11, 21-9
4. Ka Yang (C) beat Nhu Richards 21-12, 24-26, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Pa Kou Lor/Drew Thao 21-13, 21-13
2. Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong (C) beat Grace Moran/Alison Cole 19-21, 21-16, 21-12
3. Seng Lee/Pa Ying Moua (HP) beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang 18-21, 21-17, 21-17
BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: tied 2-2 .500
Games: Highland Park 5-4 .556
Points: Highland Park 162-154 .513
decided by 10+: Highland Park 3-0 1.000
decided by 3 or less: Highland Park 2-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Central 2-1 .667
games: Central 5-3 .625
points: Central 158-136 .537
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: 1-1
next up: tomorrow with the State Team finals.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sweet 16 Indviduals
#1 posting 5.12.2008
badminton news & information
THIS WEEK
This is the final week of the year with the team tournament held Tuesday and Wednesday, and the individual titles on Thursday and Friday.
TEAM
The first round and quarterfinals will be held at the high seeds on Tuesday starting at 4 pm. The four seeds hosting: #1 St. Paul Harding, #2 St. Paul Johnson, #3 Eden Prairie, #4 St. Paul Central.
Everything moves to Burnsville on Wednesday for the semis and finals
INDIVIDUAL
The individual first round action starts Thursday at St. Paul Harding. After Thursday the final four move to the finals on Friday.
Here are my unofficial rankings of singles players. I only rate the players I have seen during the years.
1. Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie
2. Khoua Xiong, St. Paul Highland Park
3. Mee Xiong, St. Paul Harding
4. Goly Yang, St. Paul Johnson
5. Yer Chang, St. Paul Central
6. Stephanie King, St. Paul Harding
7. Chue Mai Thao, Mpls Edison
8. Yer Yang, St. Paul Como Park
9. Ciera Hogenson, Burnsville
10. Pang Thao, St. Paul Johnson
11. Der Xiong, St. Paul Como Park
12. Pa Hnia Xiong, Mpls Edison
13. Dani Sack, Mpls Washburn
14. Desirae Garcia, Mpls South
15. Crystal Yang, St. Paul Harding
16. Elena Kronmiller, St. Paul Highland Park
Next up: tomorrow
Friday, May 09, 2008
State Seeds
#1 posting 5.9.2008
badminton news & information
STATE TOURNAMENT
Next week the team and individual state tournaments take place.
Here are the sites and matches for Tuesday. Matches should start around 4 pm.
The top four seeds will host Tuesday with action shifting to Burnsville on Wednesday
At St. Paul Harding
#1 Harding vs. #16 Roosevelt
#8 Burnsville vs. #9 South
At St. Paul Central
#4 Central vs #13 Henry
#5 Highland Park vs #12 North
at Eden Prairie
#3 Eden Prairie vs #14 Southwest
#6 Como Park vs #11 Humboldt
at Johnson
#2 Johnson vs #15 Washburn
#7 Arlington vs #10 Edison
The two winning teams will play the quarterfinals on Tuesday right after the first round.
The final four teams move on to Burnsville Wednesday.
Individuals take place on Thursday and Friday at Harding
ATHENA WINNER
Chue Mai Thao of Minneapolis Edison is the only badminton player to be honored today in the Minneapolis area Athena banquet.
Next up: Probably Monday with a look at the state tournament
Thursday, May 08, 2008
St. Paul Champs: Khoua Xiong, Thao/Chang
#1 posting 5.8.2008
badminton news & information
ST. PAUL CHAMPIONS
KHOUA XIONG-SINGLES
DOUA THAO/DA CHANG-DOUBLES
The St. Paul City conference wrapped up their tournament today with #1 Khoua Xiong of Highland Park winning the singles and the St. Paul duo of Doua Thao and Da Chang taking the doubles titles. It was a battle of Xiongs for the singles title as Khoua Xiong beat Mee Xiong for the third time this year. The Central pair beat two Central doubles teams for the title.
Luckily I was able to make it just in time despite congestion on 694 due to construction in Fridley and also in the unweave the weave site.
SINGLES
SEMIFINALS: MEE XIONG vs GOLY YANG
#1 Khoua Xiong beat #4 Yer Chang of Central in the semis 21-14 and 21-10. I watched the other semifinal battle between #2 Mee Xiong of Harding and #3 Goly Yang of Johnson. Xiong started off the first game with three straight points and had a 10-2 lead after finishing her second service. Yang had one run good for three points to cut the margin to 12-6. The side out game was working for Xiong after that as she finished up with 3/4 side outs. Xiong also used the clear for two of her last four points.
Game two lasted linger and had a different flavor. Xiong led 3-0 early, but never had the 7 point run she had in game one. Goly Yang scraped and battled using the clear for four points, three on consecutive side outs. On Yang's sixth serve she had her own 7 point run to go up 14-9. Xiong had a rare four straight error string. Yang got her last point via the clear. Xiong got the side out with a soft drive and added four more to tie the game at 14. Yang added two more points to lead 16-14. With a deep hitting error Yang gave the bird up and didn't get another serve in the rest of the game. Xiong served out with six straight points, two of which were clears.
The key difference Xiong had a +13 advantage on hitting errors.
badminton news & information
ST. PAUL CHAMPIONS
KHOUA XIONG-SINGLES
DOUA THAO/DA CHANG-DOUBLES
The St. Paul City conference wrapped up their tournament today with #1 Khoua Xiong of Highland Park winning the singles and the St. Paul duo of Doua Thao and Da Chang taking the doubles titles. It was a battle of Xiongs for the singles title as Khoua Xiong beat Mee Xiong for the third time this year. The Central pair beat two Central doubles teams for the title.
Luckily I was able to make it just in time despite congestion on 694 due to construction in Fridley and also in the unweave the weave site.
SINGLES
SEMIFINALS: MEE XIONG vs GOLY YANG
#1 Khoua Xiong beat #4 Yer Chang of Central in the semis 21-14 and 21-10. I watched the other semifinal battle between #2 Mee Xiong of Harding and #3 Goly Yang of Johnson. Xiong started off the first game with three straight points and had a 10-2 lead after finishing her second service. Yang had one run good for three points to cut the margin to 12-6. The side out game was working for Xiong after that as she finished up with 3/4 side outs. Xiong also used the clear for two of her last four points.Game two lasted linger and had a different flavor. Xiong led 3-0 early, but never had the 7 point run she had in game one. Goly Yang scraped and battled using the clear for four points, three on consecutive side outs. On Yang's sixth serve she had her own 7 point run to go up 14-9. Xiong had a rare four straight error string. Yang got her last point via the clear. Xiong got the side out with a soft drive and added four more to tie the game at 14. Yang added two more points to lead 16-14. With a deep hitting error Yang gave the bird up and didn't get another serve in the rest of the game. Xiong served out with six straight points, two of which were clears.
The key difference Xiong had a +13 advantage on hitting errors.
photo: Goly Yang moves away from the net to make a back hand shot. photo by kja
SEMIFINALS SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Xiong 8/14-.571; Yang 6/15-.400
RUNS OF 3+:
Xiong 6, Yang 2
POINTS:
Xiong 42
Winners 17: Clears 5, Smashes 3, Drops 3, Drive 3, Soft Drives 3
Yang Errors 25: hitting 24 (Wide 12, Net 6, Fan 4, Deep 2), serving 1 (short 1)
Yang 27
Winners: 15: Smashes 6, Clears 6, Soft Drives 2, Aces 1
Xiong Errors 12: hitting 12 (Wide 6, Fans 3, Net 3)
Time: 14:35
CHAMPIONSHIP: KHOUA XIONG vs MEE XIONG
In the battle of the Xiongs it was Khoua over Mee in two games. Khoua used her soft drive cut shot to great effect. In fact she used it 17 times for points in the two games, which is one more than the winners for Mee Xiong in total. Khoua overall had 35 points on winners and only 7 points given too her. Khoua's winner advantage was 19 points. Mee had a +12 advantage on error points.
Khoua started off in the lead in game one with two straight soft drive shots. Mee tied it at 3 and 4. Khoua had two runs of three sandwiched around a hitting error to go up 10-5. Khoua pushed the lead out to 15-9. Mee used a clear to get the bird back and added three more points on her serve to close to 15-13. Khoua got a key side out on her soft drive cut and added two more to go up 19-14. A missed serve gave the bird back. Khoua sided out at 70% in game one and used her patented soft drive cut to get the bird again. Once again, for the 9th time in game one, the soft cut made the difference.
Game two lasted longer again. The total serves of each player went to 13 and 12.
Again Khoua 
took the early lead at 3-0 with two of the points coming via the soft drive. Six straight side outs later it was 6-3. Mee had a four point run to tie it up at 8. The game was tied again at 11. At some point around this stage of the game the count was off for Mee by -1. So when the score was stated 13-11 it really was 13-12. So from here on out I will state what the players considered to be the real score. Mee closed to 14-13. Two of the Khoua soft drives put her up 16-13. Mee had a three point run to tie the game at 17. All were hitting errors in the net from Khoua, the last on a smash attempt. Mee led 19-18 when Khoua got a clear for a side out. She smashed for point #20 and dropped for point #21 and the city championship.
Runs were few and far between in game two. The side out game was Khoua .583; and Mee .538 in the second game. In the third place contest Goly Yang beat Yer Chang.
SEMIFINALS SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Xiong 8/14-.571; Yang 6/15-.400
RUNS OF 3+:
Xiong 6, Yang 2
POINTS:
Xiong 42
Winners 17: Clears 5, Smashes 3, Drops 3, Drive 3, Soft Drives 3
Yang Errors 25: hitting 24 (Wide 12, Net 6, Fan 4, Deep 2), serving 1 (short 1)
Yang 27
Winners: 15: Smashes 6, Clears 6, Soft Drives 2, Aces 1
Xiong Errors 12: hitting 12 (Wide 6, Fans 3, Net 3)
Time: 14:35
CHAMPIONSHIP: KHOUA XIONG vs MEE XIONG
In the battle of the Xiongs it was Khoua over Mee in two games. Khoua used her soft drive cut shot to great effect. In fact she used it 17 times for points in the two games, which is one more than the winners for Mee Xiong in total. Khoua overall had 35 points on winners and only 7 points given too her. Khoua's winner advantage was 19 points. Mee had a +12 advantage on error points.Khoua started off in the lead in game one with two straight soft drive shots. Mee tied it at 3 and 4. Khoua had two runs of three sandwiched around a hitting error to go up 10-5. Khoua pushed the lead out to 15-9. Mee used a clear to get the bird back and added three more points on her serve to close to 15-13. Khoua got a key side out on her soft drive cut and added two more to go up 19-14. A missed serve gave the bird back. Khoua sided out at 70% in game one and used her patented soft drive cut to get the bird again. Once again, for the 9th time in game one, the soft cut made the difference.
Game two lasted longer again. The total serves of each player went to 13 and 12.
Again Khoua 
took the early lead at 3-0 with two of the points coming via the soft drive. Six straight side outs later it was 6-3. Mee had a four point run to tie it up at 8. The game was tied again at 11. At some point around this stage of the game the count was off for Mee by -1. So when the score was stated 13-11 it really was 13-12. So from here on out I will state what the players considered to be the real score. Mee closed to 14-13. Two of the Khoua soft drives put her up 16-13. Mee had a three point run to tie the game at 17. All were hitting errors in the net from Khoua, the last on a smash attempt. Mee led 19-18 when Khoua got a clear for a side out. She smashed for point #20 and dropped for point #21 and the city championship.Runs were few and far between in game two. The side out game was Khoua .583; and Mee .538 in the second game. In the third place contest Goly Yang beat Yer Chang.
photos: Khoua sends the ball back to Mee in game two. on the left St. Paul City Singles champ Khoua Xiong and her Highland Park coach Bobbi Fitzenberger. on the right Singles runner up Mee Xiong and her Harding coach Tracy Hrouda. photos by kja
CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Khoua Xiong 14/22-.636; Mee Xiong 11/24-.458
RUNS OF 3+:
Khoua Xiong 5, Mee Xiong 3
POINTS:
Khoua Xiong 42
Winners 35: Soft Drives 17, Smashes 8, Drops 5, Clears 3, Ace 1, Drive 1
Mee Xiong Errors 7: hitting 6 (Net 3, Wide 2, Deep 1), serving 1 (deep 1)
Mee Xiong 35
Winners: 16: Drops 7, Drives 3, Clears 2, Smashes 2, Soft Drives 2
Khoua Xiong Errors 19: hitting 17 (Net 11, Wide 5, Deep 1); Serving 2 (wide 2)
Time: 14:35
DOUBLES
You could say it was a D squared Double championship with the Central pair Doua Thao and Da Chang beating teammates for the title. It was all Central all the time.
SEMIFINALS
Doua Thao/Da Chang, Central beat Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong, Central 21-18, 21-13
Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang, Central beat PH/K, Arlington 21-15, 18-21, 21-15
CHAMPIONSHIP
Doua Thao/Da Chang, Central beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang, Central 21-15, 18-21, 21-15
All the matches were going on simultaneously so I
wasn't able to watch the doubles final until game three. D&D led early at 2-0. A three point run by P&MS put them in front 3-2. There were four ties up to seven. A D&D run of three put them in front 10-7. Another run of three made it 13-9. P&MS cut the margin to 13-12. It stayed a one point game until D&D ran off five points to lead 20-14. Two more P&MS points cut the lead to 20-16. A smash ended the day.
One of the key difference in this game was the side out %. D&D was at 50%; P&MS checked in with 33%. Also D&D had 10 winners in this game compared to 6 for P&SY.
CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Khoua Xiong 14/22-.636; Mee Xiong 11/24-.458
RUNS OF 3+:
Khoua Xiong 5, Mee Xiong 3
POINTS:
Khoua Xiong 42
Winners 35: Soft Drives 17, Smashes 8, Drops 5, Clears 3, Ace 1, Drive 1
Mee Xiong Errors 7: hitting 6 (Net 3, Wide 2, Deep 1), serving 1 (deep 1)
Mee Xiong 35
Winners: 16: Drops 7, Drives 3, Clears 2, Smashes 2, Soft Drives 2
Khoua Xiong Errors 19: hitting 17 (Net 11, Wide 5, Deep 1); Serving 2 (wide 2)
Time: 14:35
DOUBLES
You could say it was a D squared Double championship with the Central pair Doua Thao and Da Chang beating teammates for the title. It was all Central all the time.
SEMIFINALS Doua Thao/Da Chang, Central beat Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong, Central 21-18, 21-13
Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang, Central beat PH/K, Arlington 21-15, 18-21, 21-15
CHAMPIONSHIP
Doua Thao/Da Chang, Central beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang, Central 21-15, 18-21, 21-15
All the matches were going on simultaneously so I
wasn't able to watch the doubles final until game three. D&D led early at 2-0. A three point run by P&MS put them in front 3-2. There were four ties up to seven. A D&D run of three put them in front 10-7. Another run of three made it 13-9. P&MS cut the margin to 13-12. It stayed a one point game until D&D ran off five points to lead 20-14. Two more P&MS points cut the lead to 20-16. A smash ended the day.
One of the key difference in this game was the side out %. D&D was at 50%; P&MS checked in with 33%. Also D&D had 10 winners in this game compared to 6 for P&SY. A further note--Central had three doubles teams in action today plus two singles players for eight total players, the most of any school today. Host Arlington furnished a doubles team, Highland Park had two players in singles competition; Harding and Johnson each had one singles player.
Photos: #1 Phoua Xiong and Mai Sia Yang in the championship decisive third game. Doua Thao and Da Chang ready to serve in the third game. Central coach Brian Reinhardt and two of the Central doubles teams, second place finishers Phoua Xiong and Mai Sia Yang on the left and Doua Thao and Da Chang on the right. photos by kja
next up: tomorrow with the state seeds
Photos: #1 Phoua Xiong and Mai Sia Yang in the championship decisive third game. Doua Thao and Da Chang ready to serve in the third game. Central coach Brian Reinhardt and two of the Central doubles teams, second place finishers Phoua Xiong and Mai Sia Yang on the left and Doua Thao and Da Chang on the right. photos by kja
next up: tomorrow with the state seeds
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
St. Paul Final Four Set
#1 posting 5.7.2008
badminton news & information
ST. PAUL CITY FINAL FOUR SET
Top 4 Seeds Advance in Singles
Grand Central in Doubles
Today it was the east side of the river's turn to hold their conference tournament. St. Paul holds their event for two days and there are a few differences with Minneapolis.
1. All singles and doubles teams from each school participate.
2. There is play back, not one and done as in Minneapolis
3. There were almost triple the space available at Arlington for matches.
The big news was in the singles the top four seeds advanced. #1 seed Khoua Xiong of Highland Park received a scare in the quarters from Stephanie King of Harding. Xiong needed three games to advance. She took game one 21-10, lost the next set 21-15, before bouncing back to take game three 21-17
#4 Yer Chang of Central also went three games in her match with Der Xiong of Como Park.
#2 Mee Xiong of Harding beat Crystal Yang of Harding 21-12 and 21-4.
A pair of Johnson players faced each other in the other lower bracket quarterfinal with #3 Goly Yang upending Pang Thao 21-19, 21-13.
In the doubles division all three Central teams advanced to the final four. Joining them will be Arlington pair of Pa Hnia Yang and Kia Her. Oddly enough Co City champs Johnson and Harding failed to land a doubles team in the final four.
SINGLES RESULTS
FIRST ROUND
Olamade Fudahunsi, Johnson beat Kari Finseth, Central 21-11, 21-12
Stephanie King, Harding beat Nhu Richards, Highland Park 21-16, 21-3
Belick Pha, Johnson beat Shoua Moua, Humboldt 21-12, 21-14
Elena Kronmiller, Highland Park beat Dawn Vang, Central 21-8, 21-17
Der Xiong, Como Park beat Cha Her, Arlington 29-27, 21-12
Shide Vang, Humboldt beat KY, Central 21-14, 13-21, 21-17
Yer Yang, Como Park beat Micha Everts, Highland Park 21-10, 21-7
Crystal Yang, Harding beat LL, Arlington 21-17, 21-13
Nou Fang, Como Park beat MDY, Humboldt 21-15, 21-17
Ka Neng Vue, Como Park beat Tina Yang, Arlington 21-17, 21-18
Pang Thao, Johnson beat Novia Josiah, Arlington 23-21, 21-15
Alana Yang, Harding beat SV, Humboldt 21-14, 21-13
SWEET 16
Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Olamade Fudahunsi, Johnson 21-10, 21-12
Stephanie King, Harding beat Belick Pha, Johnson 21-10, 21-13
Yer Chang, Central beat Elena Kronmiller, Highland Park 21-19, 16-21, 21-11
Der Xiong, Como Park beat Shide Vang, Humboldt 21-17, 22-20
Mee Xiong, Harding beat Yer Yang, Como Park 21-11, 21-19
Crystal Yang, Harding beat Nou Fang, Como Park 21-10, 21-11
Goly Yang, Johnson beat Ka Neng Vue, Como Park 21-6, 24-22
Pang Thao, Johnson beat Alana Yang, Harding 21-17, 21-19
QUARTERFINALS
Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Stephanie King, Harding 21-10, 15-21, 21-17
Yer Chang, Central beat Der Xiong, Como Park 21-19, 16-21, 21-8
Mee Xiong, Harding beat Crystal Yang, Harding 21-12, 21-4
Goly Yang, Johnson beat Pang Thao, Johnson 21-19, 21-13
Doubles featured pool play and they had a point system where the winners advanced. I don't have those results, but the here are the quarterfinals:
DOUBLES QUARTERFINALS
Doua Thao/Da Chang, Central beat Sheng Thao/PC, Johnson 21-11, 21-12
Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong, Central beat D/M, Humboldt 21-18, 21-11
Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang, Central beat Kia Thao/Kou Nou Chang, Johnson 21-19, 14-21, 24-22
PH/K, Arlington beat MC/N, Humboldt 21-18, 15-21, 21-17
WHAT I SAW
I saw four full singles matches plus the last two games of the Khoua Xiong/Stephanie King match.
#1 KRONMILLER/VANG (FIRST ROUND)
In the first contest Elena Kronmiller of Highland Park beat Dawn Vang of Central 21-8, 21-17. Kronmiller jumped out to a commanding 12-1 lead. It was hard to come back from such a big hole. The odd fact in game one: Vang sided out at 62.5% (5/8). Kronmiller was even higher at 87.5%.
Game two was a bit more contested with no huge runs. Vang led at 7-6 and held the one point advantage up to 13-12. Kronmiller didn't take the lead for good until she reached 16-14. After that Kronmiller forced Vang to side out her last four serves. Meanwhile Kronmiller squeezed points off her last six serves.
badminton news & information
ST. PAUL CITY FINAL FOUR SET
Top 4 Seeds Advance in Singles
Grand Central in Doubles
Today it was the east side of the river's turn to hold their conference tournament. St. Paul holds their event for two days and there are a few differences with Minneapolis.
1. All singles and doubles teams from each school participate.
2. There is play back, not one and done as in Minneapolis
3. There were almost triple the space available at Arlington for matches.
The big news was in the singles the top four seeds advanced. #1 seed Khoua Xiong of Highland Park received a scare in the quarters from Stephanie King of Harding. Xiong needed three games to advance. She took game one 21-10, lost the next set 21-15, before bouncing back to take game three 21-17
#4 Yer Chang of Central also went three games in her match with Der Xiong of Como Park.
#2 Mee Xiong of Harding beat Crystal Yang of Harding 21-12 and 21-4.
A pair of Johnson players faced each other in the other lower bracket quarterfinal with #3 Goly Yang upending Pang Thao 21-19, 21-13.
In the doubles division all three Central teams advanced to the final four. Joining them will be Arlington pair of Pa Hnia Yang and Kia Her. Oddly enough Co City champs Johnson and Harding failed to land a doubles team in the final four.
SINGLES RESULTS
FIRST ROUND
Olamade Fudahunsi, Johnson beat Kari Finseth, Central 21-11, 21-12
Stephanie King, Harding beat Nhu Richards, Highland Park 21-16, 21-3
Belick Pha, Johnson beat Shoua Moua, Humboldt 21-12, 21-14
Elena Kronmiller, Highland Park beat Dawn Vang, Central 21-8, 21-17
Der Xiong, Como Park beat Cha Her, Arlington 29-27, 21-12
Shide Vang, Humboldt beat KY, Central 21-14, 13-21, 21-17
Yer Yang, Como Park beat Micha Everts, Highland Park 21-10, 21-7
Crystal Yang, Harding beat LL, Arlington 21-17, 21-13
Nou Fang, Como Park beat MDY, Humboldt 21-15, 21-17
Ka Neng Vue, Como Park beat Tina Yang, Arlington 21-17, 21-18
Pang Thao, Johnson beat Novia Josiah, Arlington 23-21, 21-15
Alana Yang, Harding beat SV, Humboldt 21-14, 21-13
SWEET 16
Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Olamade Fudahunsi, Johnson 21-10, 21-12
Stephanie King, Harding beat Belick Pha, Johnson 21-10, 21-13
Yer Chang, Central beat Elena Kronmiller, Highland Park 21-19, 16-21, 21-11
Der Xiong, Como Park beat Shide Vang, Humboldt 21-17, 22-20
Mee Xiong, Harding beat Yer Yang, Como Park 21-11, 21-19
Crystal Yang, Harding beat Nou Fang, Como Park 21-10, 21-11
Goly Yang, Johnson beat Ka Neng Vue, Como Park 21-6, 24-22
Pang Thao, Johnson beat Alana Yang, Harding 21-17, 21-19
QUARTERFINALS
Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Stephanie King, Harding 21-10, 15-21, 21-17
Yer Chang, Central beat Der Xiong, Como Park 21-19, 16-21, 21-8
Mee Xiong, Harding beat Crystal Yang, Harding 21-12, 21-4
Goly Yang, Johnson beat Pang Thao, Johnson 21-19, 21-13
Doubles featured pool play and they had a point system where the winners advanced. I don't have those results, but the here are the quarterfinals:
DOUBLES QUARTERFINALS
Doua Thao/Da Chang, Central beat Sheng Thao/PC, Johnson 21-11, 21-12
Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong, Central beat D/M, Humboldt 21-18, 21-11
Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang, Central beat Kia Thao/Kou Nou Chang, Johnson 21-19, 14-21, 24-22
PH/K, Arlington beat MC/N, Humboldt 21-18, 15-21, 21-17
WHAT I SAW
I saw four full singles matches plus the last two games of the Khoua Xiong/Stephanie King match.
#1 KRONMILLER/VANG (FIRST ROUND)In the first contest Elena Kronmiller of Highland Park beat Dawn Vang of Central 21-8, 21-17. Kronmiller jumped out to a commanding 12-1 lead. It was hard to come back from such a big hole. The odd fact in game one: Vang sided out at 62.5% (5/8). Kronmiller was even higher at 87.5%.
Game two was a bit more contested with no huge runs. Vang led at 7-6 and held the one point advantage up to 13-12. Kronmiller didn't take the lead for good until she reached 16-14. After that Kronmiller forced Vang to side out her last four serves. Meanwhile Kronmiller squeezed points off her last six serves.
Photo: Kronmiller reaches for a shot. photo by kja
#2 FUDAHUNSI/FINSETH (FIRST ROUND)
Fudahunsi of Johnson started the first game with five straight points and led 9-1. Finseth battled back to 14-9, but another run by Fudahunsi made it 18-9.
In game two Fudahunsi started out with a 3-0 lead. Finseth closed to 7-6. Fudahunsi used a three point run to go up 10-6. She stretched that lead out to 14-8. Finseth staged a comebacl to cut the margin to 15-12. A hitting error gave the bird back to Fudahunsi and she didn't share the rest of the game scoring five more points for the win. This contest lasted 16 minutes (7:22 for game one and 8:33 for game two).
#2 FUDAHUNSI/FINSETH (FIRST ROUND)
Fudahunsi of Johnson started the first game with five straight points and led 9-1. Finseth battled back to 14-9, but another run by Fudahunsi made it 18-9.
In game two Fudahunsi started out with a 3-0 lead. Finseth closed to 7-6. Fudahunsi used a three point run to go up 10-6. She stretched that lead out to 14-8. Finseth staged a comebacl to cut the margin to 15-12. A hitting error gave the bird back to Fudahunsi and she didn't share the rest of the game scoring five more points for the win. This contest lasted 16 minutes (7:22 for game one and 8:33 for game two).
photo: Finseth sends the bird back to Fudahunsi. photo by kja
#3 THAO/YANG (SWEET 16)
Pang Thao took the early advantage at 3-0. Alana Yang managed to tie it at 5. Thao reasserted herselft at 10-6 with another run of three. Thao continued to build on that lead to 19-13. But her fifth service error in this game gave the bird back. Yang used it for a three point run to close to 20-18. Thao ended round one with a drive.
Just as in the first game Thao led early, this time 4-0. Yang battled back and led at 9-8. Neither got any traction with four ties after that, the last coming at 14 all. Thao used a soft drive to start a three point run and she was back in the saddle. Now my cout had Thao winning at 21-16, but the pair kept playing. They finally stopped at 22-18.
#3 THAO/YANG (SWEET 16)Pang Thao took the early advantage at 3-0. Alana Yang managed to tie it at 5. Thao reasserted herselft at 10-6 with another run of three. Thao continued to build on that lead to 19-13. But her fifth service error in this game gave the bird back. Yang used it for a three point run to close to 20-18. Thao ended round one with a drive.
Just as in the first game Thao led early, this time 4-0. Yang battled back and led at 9-8. Neither got any traction with four ties after that, the last coming at 14 all. Thao used a soft drive to start a three point run and she was back in the saddle. Now my cout had Thao winning at 21-16, but the pair kept playing. They finally stopped at 22-18.
photo: Pang Thao on the far court reaches to her right. photo by kja
#4 YANG/THAO (QUARTERFINALS)
This was a civil war game with both #3 seed Goly Yang and Pang Th
ao Johnson Governors. Both have held the first position at Johnson this year. Thao has a knee injury which she aggravated in the Alana Yang Sweet 16 round. Her mobility isn't what it has been and Goly Yang was aggressive in bird placement.
Yang had an early three point run to lead 4-2. Thao surged back in front with a 4-1 run to lead 9-7. Thao maintained that two point lead until Yang added another three point run to lead 12-11. That was the start of a 7-2 run. Thao wasn't done quite yet and had a run of three to tie it up at 18. Yang closed out the win with three Thao hitting errors broken up by a drop shot.
Yang surged ahead in game two 5-2 after a run of six and then added another four point run to lead 10-4. Thao, like in game one, battled back to trail 11-9 after a four point run. This game featured six runs alone. Side outs were rare. And sometimes the server helped cut their own throat with service errors. Yang missed four serves in game two, while Thao cleaned up that part of her game. Yang was on the verge at 19-10 when she missed her 4th serve short. That started a four point run for Thao. A Yang drive got the bird back and she closed out the match on the next serve 21-14.
#4 YANG/THAO (QUARTERFINALS)
This was a civil war game with both #3 seed Goly Yang and Pang Th
ao Johnson Governors. Both have held the first position at Johnson this year. Thao has a knee injury which she aggravated in the Alana Yang Sweet 16 round. Her mobility isn't what it has been and Goly Yang was aggressive in bird placement.Yang had an early three point run to lead 4-2. Thao surged back in front with a 4-1 run to lead 9-7. Thao maintained that two point lead until Yang added another three point run to lead 12-11. That was the start of a 7-2 run. Thao wasn't done quite yet and had a run of three to tie it up at 18. Yang closed out the win with three Thao hitting errors broken up by a drop shot.
Yang surged ahead in game two 5-2 after a run of six and then added another four point run to lead 10-4. Thao, like in game one, battled back to trail 11-9 after a four point run. This game featured six runs alone. Side outs were rare. And sometimes the server helped cut their own throat with service errors. Yang missed four serves in game two, while Thao cleaned up that part of her game. Yang was on the verge at 19-10 when she missed her 4th serve short. That started a four point run for Thao. A Yang drive got the bird back and she closed out the match on the next serve 21-14.
Photo: Goly Yang about to drop shot to Pang Thao's left. phot by kja
#5 XIONG/KING QUARTERFINALS
I picked up on this game after game one was through. Khoua Xiong took that contest 21-10. In game two Stephanie King came out with three straight points and a 7-1 run to take command. King limited Xiong's run opportunities to only one three point run. That closed the margin to 13-12, but Xiong served deep on the next serve to give the bird back. Earlier the count was thrown off by two for Xiong so the final score which officially ended up to be 15 was actually 17. I don't know how they messed up, but it didn't factor into the outcome. To contrast this first game with the last Yang/Thao match this game Khoua Xiong served 13 times. Goly Yang served 7 times, so you can see their was more siding out, and less offensive runs in this game. King provided a drop for the deciding 21st point and forcing a third game.
Xiong was the one to establish her game early with a three point run. Later she added another three point run to lead 9-4. King turned the tables with a run of five of her own including a smash. This tied the score at 9. Xiong had two smashes in a three point run to retake the lead 12-9. The game then turned into a cat and mouse game with King knotting it up at 12, and then taking the lead at 15-14 on a handcuff drive. On the next bird Xiong made a save and King hit the bird in the net to tie it and get the side out back to Xiong. That was the beginning of a 7-2 run to finish the contest. Xiong used a smash to finish the last singles game 21-17.
#5 XIONG/KING QUARTERFINALS
I picked up on this game after game one was through. Khoua Xiong took that contest 21-10. In game two Stephanie King came out with three straight points and a 7-1 run to take command. King limited Xiong's run opportunities to only one three point run. That closed the margin to 13-12, but Xiong served deep on the next serve to give the bird back. Earlier the count was thrown off by two for Xiong so the final score which officially ended up to be 15 was actually 17. I don't know how they messed up, but it didn't factor into the outcome. To contrast this first game with the last Yang/Thao match this game Khoua Xiong served 13 times. Goly Yang served 7 times, so you can see their was more siding out, and less offensive runs in this game. King provided a drop for the deciding 21st point and forcing a third game.Xiong was the one to establish her game early with a three point run. Later she added another three point run to lead 9-4. King turned the tables with a run of five of her own including a smash. This tied the score at 9. Xiong had two smashes in a three point run to retake the lead 12-9. The game then turned into a cat and mouse game with King knotting it up at 12, and then taking the lead at 15-14 on a handcuff drive. On the next bird Xiong made a save and King hit the bird in the net to tie it and get the side out back to Xiong. That was the beginning of a 7-2 run to finish the contest. Xiong used a smash to finish the last singles game 21-17.
Photo: is it in or out? it is in and Khoua Xiong on the next blurry photo makes contact with a backhand. (blurry photo not included). photo by kja
Next up: tomorrow's results
Next up: tomorrow's results
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Two Champs for Edison
#1 posting 5.6.2008
badminton news & information
EDISON DOUBLES UP CITY TITLES 
Minneapolis Edison took both the Minneapolis city singles and doubles titles . Chu Mai Thao, the number one seed in the event beat her teammate Pa Nhia Xiong for the title. In the doubles event it was the Edison's Xiong sisters Xia and Kabao beating Martha Streng and Alba Bilani of Southwest.
The odd thing about the events today only one singles match went three games. Washburn's Dani Sack outlasted Desirae Garcia of South.
In the doubles there were two matches that went the distance, both in the first round.
Photos: #1 junior Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison #2 and second place finisher in the City tournament with senior teammate Chu Mai Thao, Edison #1 and City Champ 2008. #2 2008 city Doubles champs Edison's #1 team junior Xia Xiong and senior sister Kabao Xiong. photos by kja
Normally I breakdown each and every game I see. Today I will digest the championships and give a thumbnail of the other events.
First off the breakdown of matches
SINGLES
FIRST ROUND
Madeline Hunsicker, Southwest#1 beat North#2 21-17, 21-15
Dani Sack, Washburn#1 beat Yer Yang, Henry#1 21-9, 21-10
Brett Smith, South#2 beat Roosevelt's#2 21-10, 21-19
Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison#2 beat Hnia Yang, Henry#2 21-11, 21-14
North#1 beat Roosevelt#1 21-8, 21-8
Southwest#2 beat Washburn#2 21-15, 21-6
QUARTERFINALS
Chu Mai Thao, Edison#1 beat Madeline Hunsicker, Southwest#1 21-4, 21-12
Dani Sack, Washburn#1 beat Brett Smith, South#2 21-7, 21-15
Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison#2 beat North#1 21-15, 21-14
Desirae Garcia, South #1 beat Southwest#2 21-9, 21-7
SEMIFINALS
Chu Mai Thao, Edison#1 beat Dani Sack, Washburn#1 21-9, 21-9
Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison#2 beat Desirae Garcia, South#1 21-11, 21-14
THIRD PLACE
Dani Sack, Washburn#1 beat Desirae Garcia, South#1 (three games W-S-W)
CHAMPIONSHIP
Chu Mai Thao, Edison#1 beat Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison#2 21-16, 21-13
DOUBLES
FIRST ROUND
Washburn#1 beat Southwest#2 21-19, 21-12
North#2 beat Roosevelt#1 21-12, 21-10
Xia Xiong/Kabao Xiong, Edison#1 beat Henry#2 19-21, 21-17. 21-9
Martha Streng/Alba Bilani, Southwest#1 beat South#2 21-13, 21-19
Washburn#2 beat Roosevelt#2 21-19, 20-22, 21-15
Edison#2 beat Henry#1 21-16, 21-11
QUARTERFINALS
South#1 beat Washburn#1 21-6, 21-14
Xia Xiong/Kabao Xiong, Edison#1 beat North#2 21-13, 21-11
Martha Streng/Alba Bilani, Southwest#1 beat Washburn#2 21-18, 21-5
North#1 beat Edison#2 21-17, 21-4
SEMIFINALS
Xia Xiong/Kabao Xiong, Edison#1 beat South#1 21-19, 21-17
Martha Streng/Alba Bilani, Southwest#1 beat North#1 21-15, 21-15
THIRD PLACE
South#1 beat North#1 21-19, 21-13
CHAMPIONSHIP
Xia Xiong/Kabao Xiong, Edison#1 beat Martha Streng/Alba Bilani, Southwest#1 21-11, 21-17
SINGLES
OPENING ROUND
I opened watching the two #1s facing each other in the opening round of the singles: Dani Sack of Washburn jumped out to a 6-0 lead over Henry's Yer Yang and pushed it out to an 11-1 lead. Those two big runs put Yang in the hole and Sack finished up with a 22-8 win.
Game two started a bit tighter, but Sack had two runs of four and three on a 7-1 burst to go up 10-4. Another 7 point run put the game out of reach at 19-6. Yang had a three point run, but it was a matter of too little too late. Sack won 21-10.
Last year Yang was part of the city doubles championship for Henry
QUARTERFINALS #1
Chu Mai Thao had a bye in the first round and faced Madeline Hunsicker of Southwest. The first game opened with five straight side outs. Thao burst open the game with a run of six followed by a four followed by the final push of nine. Thao sided out five straight times against Hunsicker.
Game two was tighter. Hunsicker led 6-4 and held Thao's runs down to a minimum. Still Thao had runs of 3, 4 and 3. In fact for the series Thao had a 6-0 advantage in runs of 3+.
QUARTERFINALS #2
Dani Sack used a 11 point run in the first game to accelerate past South's Brett Smith. Sack rushed the net for five punch/dunks. Sack had Smith covering the entire court. Sack won 21-7
In game two Sack opened with a 9-2 run. Smith rallied with her own run of seven points to tie the game at 13. It was the side out game that put Sack over the top. Sack was 7/12 at .583 while Smith was 4/14 for .286. Sack finished with two consecutive four point runs in the 21-15 win.
SEMIFINALS
The side out game that worked well for Dani Sack in the quarterfinals disappeared in the semis. Sack was 4/15 in this game for .267. Chu Mai Thao held a 10/13 side out advantage good for .769. In game one Thao used a 7 point run to finish the game in a 21-9 win.
In game two Thao opened with five straight points. She added two more runs of five in the second game. Tabulating the total runs Thao had the advantage 5-2. Thao ended the second game with a smash, her fourth in that game and fifth for the series.
CHAMPIONSHIP
In an all Edison battle it was Chu Mai Thao over her team
mate Pa Nhia Xiong. I had different scores that were given 21-15, and 20-13. With both familiar with each other's game their was a intensity not seen in the other games. Xiong had a four point run to go up 7-5. Thao didn't break free until a 8 point run to go up 16-9. Thao had two aces in that mix. Thao sided out at .600 (6/10) while Xiong checked in at .444 (4/9). Runs were few and far between with one each, but Thao had the huge 8 point run to propell her to victory.
In game two Thao held steady in the side out game at .667 (6/9) while Xiong was .400 (4/10). Xiong led early at 4-3. Thao didn't break free until she came up with a six point run to go up 17-10. The match ended on a Xiong hit that went wide.
CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Thao 12/19-.632; Xiong 8/19-.421
RUNS OF 3+:
Thao 1, Xiong 1
POINTS:
Thao 41
Winners 20: Drops 6, Aces 5, Clears 4, Soft Drives 3, Smashes 2
Xiong Errors 21: hitting 19 (Net 12, Wide 3, Deep 2, Fan 2), serving 2 (Deep 2)
Xiong 28
Winners: 16: Drives 8, Soft Drives 3, Smashes 2, Drops 2, Clears 1
Thao Errors 12: hitting 8 (Deep 4, Net 3, Wide 1); Serving 4 (Wide 2, Deep 2)
Time: 12:27
Photos: #1 The Minneapolis city champ Chu Mai Thao, #2: Pa Nhia Xiong goes so high her racket isn't in the shot. #3. The celebration between the two teammates after the match. photos by kja
DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP
It was Edison's duo of Xia and Kabao Xiong winning the first game 21-11, and then rallying in game two for the championship. The Tommie pair had an advantage in the side out game and in the run department. The Xiongs had a side out % of .611 (11/18) to 5/19 (.263) and a 6-2 run advantage.
The Edison pair started off with a 2-0 advantage on their serve and built it up to 7-2 after a three point run. T
hey pushed the lead out to a 14-7 advantage with another run of three. But it was the six point run that put them on the verge at 20-9. The Laker tandem scored two more points before Edison got the win at 21-11.
Martha Streng and Alba Bilani bounced back to take a 6-2 lead in game two. The SW pair had a four point run to get the lead. It was the side out advantage that kept SW from extending that lead. Edison got the side out in four of the next five SW serves. The Xiongs had a run of three to take their first lead at 13-12 since the opening point. Streng and Bilani regained the lead with three more points to go in front 15-13. Southwest's last lead came at 16-15 after Edison tied it up. The key at the end: Edison got two straight side outs, and SW didn't. Edison finished with a 6-1 to win the title 21-17.
photos: #1 Edison's #1 double team of Xia Xiong and Kabao Xiong city 2008 champs. #2. Southwest's Alba Bilani and Martha Streng. photos by kja
CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Edison 11/18-.611; Southwest 5/19 -.263
RUNS OF 3+:
Edison 6, Southwest 2
POINTS:
Edison 42
Winners 21: Drives 9, Smashes 6, Soft Drives 3, Clears 3
Southwest Errors 21: hitting 20 (Net 12, Wide 4, Fan 3, Deep 1), serving 1 (short)
Southwest 28
Winners 11: Drives 5, Clears 3, Soft Drives 2, Aces 1
Edison Errors 17: hitting 15 (Net 7, Wide 6, Fan 1, Drives 1); Serving 2 (net 2)
Time: 13:07
Next up: tomorrow
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