A new season of Moore League Badminton is kicking off, with several teams set to compete in one of the most competitive league races across all Long Beach sports.
Long Beach Poly
The Jackrabbits were co-Moore League Champions last season with Lakewood, and they’re hungry for more this year as they strive for consistency and competitiveness at the highest level.
“We are committed to player development, building strong teamwork, and developing confidence throughout the season,” head coach Rob Shock said. “With a strong core of experienced leaders and an exciting group of emerging players, we look forward to a competitive season.”
While Shock is still evaluating various singles and doubles combinations, Poly will have plenty of experienced returners to choose from. These include seniors Peter You, Danny Lam and Danika Hour, along with juniors Joshua Louie and Channy Roeun.
While Shock expects these upperclassmen to carry a significant load this season, several new varsity players will also be mixed in. Shock highlights seniors Marely Garcia, Diana Perez-Ramirez, and Landon Morales as the leaders of the pack. Juniors Emily Grace Perez, Colette Rousseau and Zaheen Chowdhury are all new to the varsity lineup, while sophomore Jerome Burney enters as the squad’s youngest member.
“(They) have shown tremendous improvement and are expected to make meaningful contributions this season,” Shock said.
Cabrillo
The Jaguars have three primary goals this season as they make their push to reclaim the Moore League title–Cabrillo has won multiple titles in the sport, which is historically the most successful on campus in the Moore League.
“We want to build our players’ skills, cultivate their love for the sport and represent Cabrillo through good sportsmanship and competitive play,” head coach Russian Joe Galima said.
Headlining Cabrillo’s squad is senior co-captain Jomari Pidenis. He’s the reigning Moore League boys doubles champion and has improved as a player and leader within the program. Sophomore Tony Luna plans to shift from doubles to singles this year, with Galima excited to see his growth in this new role. On the girls side, co-captain Jula Rapada returns alongside juniors Michelle Chau and Ameyali Gonzalez, who all plan to serve as varsity starters this season in doubles and mixed doubles.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them compete with intensity and continue improving their level of play,” Galima said.
Varsity newcomers include Jaykub Fukushima, Erin Gawaran, Daniela Gudino, Luis Gudino, Rupert Habon, Hana Pelea, and Kevin Quirino. Galima is excited to see each of them develop into the next generation of Cabrillo badminton stars.
Wilson
The Bruins are zoned in on one goal this season: winning the Moore League title.
“We have an experienced senior team with a lot of potential and we have been training rigorously to make sure we are ready to take the title this year,” head coach Adrian Marquez said.
In doubles, sophomores Atlas Tang and Esteban Harle return for the boys, while junior Natalie Bejarno and sophomore Diana Vazquez make up the girls’ top duo. Marquez notes that for the first time in a few years, his doubles teams will serve more as aggressors and attackers on offense, rather than retreating to a more defensive game plan. Marquez expects that shift to make games more exciting.
“They have been consistently training since July and working on their rotation and front and back court effectiveness,” Marquez said.
Wilson returns one singles player, senior Cristiano Marquez. He’ll bring a wealth of experience and training as a leader this season, having built up his fitness and endurance to pose a challenge to any opponent he faces.
On the women’s side, senior Saba Mahbu will make her debut in singles.
“She has an impressive smash and net kill that is rare to see in the women’s category,” Marquez said. “ We are excited to see what she can do and how far she can go as a newcomer in the singles scene.”
Among the doubles newcomers, Marquez touts junior Lindsey Orozco for her smash and ability to read plays and find counter measures during more difficult rallies. Sophomore Jenny Thach uses her hard work and a daily training regime to influence her calm and composed play.
“These two are the future of this team once the seniors move on after this season,” Marquez said. “They are definitely must-watches for this season.”
Jordan
The Panthers strive to compete, have fun and continue player development this season. They’ll have plenty of seniors returning, including Denise Saravia in girls singles and Wichka Thach in doubles.
Head coach Thanh Vo praised the boys’ doubles pairing of Tap-Keo and Kevin Sibayan as a duo to watch this season.
“They have dedicated their whole high school years to playing badminton,” Vo said.
Vo also highlighted several up-and-coming players, including the doubles team of Vanessa Cabrera and Damaris Mancia-Perez. Lizzy Mendoza in girls’ singles was labelled a “rising star” in girls singles, who will contribute to a strong core of freshmen that indicate a bright future for Jordan.
