It was the spring of 2019 when Cornerstone Christian School’s Kenzie Behrns put together a Moose Jaw high school badminton season for the ages, going undefeated throughout the campaign before eventually settling for a silver medal at provincials.
Now, Behrns is back to defend her city title and take another run at an SHSAA title.
Three years later.
Then a Grade 9 with the Falcons badminton team, Behrns is now in Grade 12 and remains one of the few high school athletes with a city championship to her name and still in the hunt for another.
On Mar. 29, Behrns began her quest, taking top spot in girls singles and joining Kiana Hrechka to also land first place in girls doubles on the first night of senior badminton competition.
It was a good night in general for Cornerstone, who are also looking to repeat as city team champions -- Cole Breitkreuz finished second in boys singles, while Sarah Buhler and Malayna Gramlich were second in girls doubles to go along with a third-place finish for Jenna Benalick and Kiara Smith in the same division, giving the Falcons the solid start to the campaign they were looking for.
Peacock’s Kylee Copper was second and Central’s Mickayle Carle third in girls singles.
Central’s Harry Lin took top spot in boys singles, Peacock’s John Luo was third.
In boys doubles, Ashton Glova and Jayden Watterson from Vanier won opening night, with Peacock’s Luo and Allen Lu second, Central’s Curtis Smith and Tayvin Wong third.
Central’s Jaylon Salido-Porter and Ember Dusomme took top spot in mixed doubles, Vanier’s Brue Nguyen and Jerielle Manalo finished second and Vanier’s Darryl Manalo and Ynah Ombawa third.
The Falcons are also off to a fast start in high school junior badminton, taking first place in three of the five divisions on opening night.
Cornerstone’s Nolan Novak took first place in boys singles ahead of Central’s Cole Wilson and Vanier’s Josh Abanes,
In mixed doubles, Hrechka partnered with Tanner Behrns to take first place, with Riverview’s Tyrell Philipenko and Jack Hadley second ahead of Central’s Pan Pan Pan and Enush John.
The Falcons also won girls doubles, as Gabriella Thomas and Kenna Chamberlain beat out Central’s Kawthar Al Mostafa and Aamina Rizvi for top spot. Hrechka continued her busy run, joining Annika Wonnick to finish third.
Vanier’s Leah Crossland was first in girls singles, Peacock’s Devlynn McClung second and Vanier’s Arlyn Dequina third.
Yassier Adam and Micah Klippenstein from Central won boys doubles, Cornerstone’s Cole Benalick and Matt Artavia landed second, Peacock’s Casson Silbernagel and Trehvan McMorris third.
High school badminton action continues on Saturday, Apr. 2 with the Moose Jaw Senior Invitational Tournament running all day at Peacock.
Next senior league action is Tuesday, Apr. 5, followed by the next junior league night on Wednesday, Apr. 6.
