Soaring into CIF championship
BADMINTON The team made a comeback against Arcadia in the finals to capture its 8th title.
The CIF championships were not looking too promising when the Arcadia Apaches took an early 4-1 lead over Diamond Bar High School badminton team. It was the first time the Brahma’s had trailed in a CIF championship game in eight years.
Yet the tables turned as soon as the DB badminton team went on an eight-point run, capturing its eighth straight championship, 14-7.
Leading the Brahmas was freshmen Ashley Huang and Kodi Lee, who swept up all four points for women’s singles. Lee also scored a third point when competing in mixed doubles with junior Brandon Zhou.
Although senior Daniel Huang and junior Owen Che were paired for men’s doubles for the first time, they were able to win two points.
Finally senior Mirabelle Huang paired up with sophomore Claire Wang to score two points in the women’s doubles division. She paired with freshman Cody Ma to earn a point in mixed doubles. Ma also competed in men’s singles and won two points.
Kemp Wells, head badminton coach, mentioned Mirabelle Huang’s leadership and playing skills. Naming her as one of this season’s most influential players, Wells also mentioned that she had been on varsity all four years of her high school career.
“Mirabelle Huang is definitely stronger on the women’s side,” Wells said.
CIF individuals took place May 14 and May 15 with Ashley Huang placing first in women’s singles and Mirabelle Huang and Ma placing first in mixed doubles. This has been Mirabelle Huang’s fourth consecutive title in mixed doubles.
Wang and Kodi from women’s doubles finished second while Daniel and Senior Josh Lee finished fifth in men’s doubles.
Last Saturday, the team played competed in the Southern California Regional Tournament where Mirabelle Huang and Ma place first in mixed doubles and Wang and Lee took first in the women’s doubles.
As the season wraps up, Wells has a main goal in mind for the badminton team next season.
“Next year will be just like this year,” Wells said. “We’ll try to win as many games as we can and do it the right way.”
This story corrects some facts and names from the print version.
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