Ironwood takes home Division II Badminton Championship

October 28, 2023 by Ben Stapley, AZPreps365


Ironwood Badminton players celebrate their state title Saturday. From left to right : Mariyah Peru-Ray, Sasha Tijore, Melanie Flores, Madison Nguyen, Alyssa Ridgley, Angie Medel, Coach Brett Stafford. Photo by Ben Stapley

The Ironwood Badminton program has elevated to dynasty status, and Saturday’s performance punctuated a dominant season. 

Facing Prescott in the Division II championship match, the Eagles made quick work, clinching the match and championship in just under 30 minutes, with five straight set victories to capture the title at Desert Vista High School. 

The championship is Ironwood’s third in four seasons. The Eagles also finished with a perfect 14-0 record on the season. 

“What can I say I’m just really proud of these girls,” Ironwood coach Brett Safford said. 

“I wasn’t sure things would move that quick, but everything seemed to fall into place right away.”

After junior Mariyah Peru-Ray beat Ashlynn Reed 21-3, 21-7, her teammates quickly followed. Angie Medel finished a flawless senior season with a 21-9, 21-12 victory over Maryn Schmitt. The matches fell like dominoes after that, as Ironwood reached its fifth win before No. 1’s Madison Nguyen (Ironwood) and Riley Crockett (Prescott) could finish their match. 
 

Prescott finished runner-up last season, and despite losing five starting seniors, the Badgers finished 13-2, with both losses coming to Ironwood. 

“I have to give credit to Prescott,” coach Stanford added. 

“They really lost everyone but (Crockett), so for them to accomplish what they did is a testament to coach Bobbi Yoder and those kids.”