Jr. Badminton Action
By Larry Moko
So much for the theory that twins are inseparable.
During the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic junior high school badminton championships Wednesday, twin brothers Lincoln and Damon Major of the St. John Henry Newman Cardinals played against each other in the boys' doubles category.
Lincoln and his partner, Robert Nguyen, edged Damon Major and Dennis Quintanilla, in a closely-contested all-Newman final at the Cathedral High School gym.
The two-day double-knockout tournament was scheduled to conclude with the final three divisions on May 14.
"People were saying I should play with my brother," Lincoln said. "But I would rather have more fun playing with my buddy, you know?"
Grade 10 students, Lincoln and Nguyen were teammates in junior doubles last year, too.
"I'm really happy," Nguyen said. "Last year we didn't play well. I think it was just our nerves. This year we told ourselves we were going to finish first. It was fun."
According to Lincoln, another member of his family who watched was key to the victory.
"My older brother Keiran is the main reason we won," Lincoln said. "He's been practising with us a lot. He qualified for GHAC in senior doubles this year (along with fellow St. Thomas More student Jaxon Marshall). He was a big help for us."
Major/Nguyen lost a semifinal match to Major/Quintanilla before bouncing back.
"They're a very good team," Lincoln said. "It was amazing to play our friend and brother."
Said Newman coach Tom Campanella: "Lincoln and Robert have improved a lot. The older brother plays quite a bit and is teaching them, as well. They play at rec centres and in their back yard."
Third place went to Joshua Verghese and Reuben Joseph of the Bishop Ryan Celtics.
Fourth-place finishers were Peter Eshiett and Keegan Green of the Bishop Tonnos Titans.
In boys' singles, top honours went to Josh Madelo. He out-lasted Alpha Ngoga in the final game, 21-19. Both are in Grade 9 and members of the Cathedral Gaels.
"It was a close match," Madelo said. "We both made it through as great friends. We play and practice every day.
"It came down to determination."
Cathedral coach Jay Stokl said Madelo and Ngoga were so evenly matched in terms of talent throughout the season that he referred to them as "I-A and 1-B".
"I told them that you guys would most likely be meeting in this tournament," Stokl said, "and whoever wanted it more would take it."
The Gaels coach said Madelo is very focused on strategy, serves well and has a solid court presence. Stokl refers to Ngoga as a "hard nosed" player who the seniors on the team praise for his rapid development.
Third-place in boys' singles went to David Nguyen of the St. Jean de Brebeuf Braves. Fourth was Ali Harb of the St. Thomas More Knights.
Day 2 of the tournament at Cathedral will determine the team champion and individual winners in girls' singles, girls' doubles and mixed doubles.
Photos by R.F. (Bob) Butrym, RFB Sport Photography
More photos on HWCDSB Athletics Facebook page
