Progress

Varsity: Central 4, Como Park 3

JV: Central 7, Como Park 0

This was a great testament to the progress we have made since the last time we (cough, cough) played them. Doubles: Melissa and Nitsan took the "no drama" route and posted an quick 2 game victory. Doua and Da were as serious looking as I have think I have seen them while facing the other top doubles team in the state. They won the last 2 games in what was a wonderful chess-like badminton match. Kelly and Mai Tong first game was as good as it gets and it looks like they are beginning to embrace the closer role winning the match for us in game three. Of course all the doubles wins in the world won't win you a match... Singles: Kudos to Mai Kou who stepped it up big-time with a great singles victory. Kia had a tough 3 game match as well.

We also need to recognize Mee, Chai, Hannah and Amie as they all earned their first victory on JV. Well done! Hannah, whose game was over so fast her Dad caught only 1 point, is undefeated this season.

Now, let's look to Friday.

Springtime brings a lot of activities and fun. However, I need you ready on Friday afternoon. We lost to Harding 4-3 last time. We can do this.

EVERYONE IS GOING! They have lots of courts and they are organized. This is the last game for many C-Sqauders.

Finally - the way-cool Central Badminton water bottles are in: only $5 - Buy one for yourself and your favorite teacher. Progress marks are due next Tuesday?

Today and the next week

Varsity: Central 5, Arlington 2

JV: Central 6, Arlington 1

Good win. We showed some more energy in the second half of the meet. Doubles looked in control and able to adapt to the game. Singles looked good but we need to play more aggressively. All 4 of you had flashes of confident rallies - we just need to make sure it is more often than not.

We have a busy end of the season:

• Tuesday - Practice for JV/Varsity - Begin C-Squad Tournament on west side of Central's gym.
• Wednesday - Como comes over to Central. Forget last time, but remember that we can beat this team. It is also an early release day. Let's plan on a movie somewhere in the building. Remember the Titans?
• Thursday - Final large group practice - completion of the C-Squad Tournament.
• Friday - To Harding. Everyone is going. It is after the Multi-cultural fair. Light on the greasy food please!
• Monday - Final regular season game at Humboldt. Attending are: Varsity, Junior Varsity and the members of the All-C-Squad Team. (Determined at the tournament)
• Tuesday - Practice for JV/Varsity (some JV challenges today)
• Wed-Thur: City Tournaments - Varsity @ Harding, JV @ Johnson

500

Varsity: Central 4, HIghland Park 3

JV: Central 4, Highland Park 3

All three doubles won today and Captain extraordinaire Dawn sealed the deal with a convincing 3 game win (She won the last 2 games 21-9, 21-9). We now have a record of 4 wins and 4 losses in the conference. We still are relying heavily on our doubles to produce many of the wins, but our singles players are making impressive progress. Dawn has won 2 of her last 3 matches, Kia posted a great win against a tough Johnson team, when Mai Kou hits as well (and hard) as anyone in the conference and Aranya can have pinpoint control. Anyone can win on any given day. Truly believing that is half the battle.

As the school year winds down, I know that many of you are very busy. Do your best to stay focused on the tasks at hand at practices and games.

Thursday is another challenge day. It is the last practice dedicated to primarily challenges.

Due to lack of communication from the coach, I cancelled the game against the Hmong Academy on Friday.

Who we play for

Varsity: Johnson 4, Central 3

JV: Central 4, Johnson 3

So many things to mention:

• a convincing win by Kia at 4 singles
• Doua and Da-manation in full force
• Melissa and Nitsan played a second game that was one of their best
• and of course Kelly & Mai Tong were showing us all how to stay cool under pressure

Needless to say that this was a considerable improvement over the first Johnson game (1-6). Being at home certainly helps, but it was something else that seemed more important as I looked over our Varsity today during line-ups. I am seeing group of girls developing into a confident and a united group. Girls ready to pick each other up, but also a group willing to push one another to work their hardest. This is how a team wins.

I know we lost the game today. But when I see people wanting to do their best not because of what they desire individually, but what they want for their team, it is very exciting.

Next game: Highland Park - Wednesday at home.

Good win

Varsity: Central 7, Humboldt 0

JV: Central 7, Humboldt 0

Everyone won in 2 games and only 2 of the 14 games were close. Dawn's first game was a nail biter but she made some adjustments and won the second game easily. Kelly and Mai Tong also had a close first game, settled down and took the second game easily.

We are starting to show some real progress. I am seeing some genuine intensity from the top down. Play with intensity but don't forget that your are "playing" - have fun.

We have 2 home games this week. Tomorrow we play Johnson. It is a Monday, so start focusing as early as you can . Wednesday we play Highland Park and Friday I scheduled a game with the Hmong Academy - more details on this later.

See you Monday.

So close...

Varsity: Harding 4, Central 3

JV: Harding 4, Central 3

It was right there. Our heads were in each match, each game and most points. The difference between the Harding match and the Como match was night and day. Hopefully you realize a bit better what an important asset your mind can be. You simply chose to be more aware, and you were.

Now what? Being close to a win is still a loss. This is not pessimistic, but the reality of what happened. Harding is going to get better. In fact, everybody well be better the next time we play them. It is up to you to work that much harder to make up the difference. Singles, you were anticipating shots better, but your court coverage needs to improve. Doubles teams, you were very mindful of your shot locations, but you still need to move with more purpose when you are not the one hitting the bird. Technique on short shots and quick slams/drives is something you all need to work on. Then, when the game starts, convince yourself that winning is as more about your mental awareness then your skill. None of this is easy. If it were, badminton would not be as rewarding.

Thursday, we have challenges.

Friday, we have Humboldt at home. Reminder, it is also picture day.

One last thing - Melissa, the hair ribbons were great.

Ouch

Varsity: Central 0, Como 7

Don't make excuses. Few people played well on varsity. Own it, learn from it and use it to help motivate you for the next match.

J.V. Central 6, Como 1

JV is a perfect 3-0 in the conference. Keep it up!!

If you are keeping score at home, all 4 Xiong sisters won their JV matches.

Nice win - next week

Varsity: Central 6, Arlington 1

J.V. Central 6, Arlington 1

Nice work everyone. Sorry I had to miss it - I was at home sleeping off a cold. Mr. Brigger said everyone played with purpose and was aggressive. Sue is now undefeated on Varsity, Mai Kou made short work of her opponent in the three-hole, Aranya started her winning streak, and all the doubles won. Every match we won was in 2 games - nice. For JV, I need to mention Ia and Ong Xiong. They played in their first JV match and lost a tough one in 3 games. They have been working hard in practice and they are starting to show some significant gains. We had 4 Xiong sisters playing on JV Thursday. That has to be a record.

We have 3 games next week so get your rest this weekend. We go to Como on Monday, Harding comes to Central on Wednesday and Humboldt on Friday. I am not sure how many people Como has but I know that they have a small gym. We can't take everyone, so check the list sometime on Monday.

Next challenge day is Thursday.

Tough loss

Eden Prairie 4, Central 3

For some reason we seem to hit more traffic on the drive home from Eden Prairie when we lose. It was a shame, because there was a lot to like about the trip out west. Mai Kou Lor played a very smart game to win in three. Melissa and Nitsan kept their cool and won in a very tense match. (not just because the scores were close). Doua and Da did not play their best but made some strategy adjustments to remain undefeated. Junior Varsity won 6 to 1 even though Sue Lee lost her first badminton match EVER. (She is still undefeated in conference).

So what happened?

As a coach you are never sure. Especially when a match is so close. There are many things I can't possibly see with 7 matches going on at once. Here are a couple of items I noticed:

• a good short serve in doubles ALWAYS gives your team an advantage
• playing aggressively will counteract shots not falling
• if you have time to set-up for a shot - do something with it

Finally, you need to use the shots you work on in practice in matches. If you are worried about using a particular shot during a game, it better be your focus at practice every day. Your mind can do wonders for you - at practice convince yourself you are in a close game while you work on the shot that "worries" you. And finally, Eden Prairie scored the point that won the meet on a missed serve. Ouch!

Challenges on Wednesday - Arlington at home on Thursday.

First week in April

Do not let the snow fool you. It is spring and badminton is in full swing. We need a good practice on Monday to get ready for the trip to Eden Prairie on Tuesday. It takes a little while to get out there and (probably) a little longer to get home. Plan on getting back to Central a little later than a usual away match. They have a large gym so it should go quickly once we are there. That said, this is actually one of the most fun away matches. The longer bus ride can be some relaxing downtime or gives you a chance to get to know some teammates a little better. Plus it is interesting to see the difference in our schools. Don't forget, however, that we are going there to win, not just play.

We beat the Eagles 4 to 3 last time so on would have to expect another close match. Of course, your coach would take a 7-0 anytime. Everyone could have won last time.

Wednesday we will do some challenges and Thursday we are at home vs Arlington. See you at practice.