Photo Gallery: Magdalena Steers reach state finals for third-straight year

Magdalena to play for third-straight state basketball title Saturday — Kael Stephens (center) beats a Clovis player to the ball. Stephens had 13 points, five boards and three steals in the state semifinals.

CE2P7866-DeNoiseAI-low-light — Magdalena’s dynamic sophomore duo Jeff Stuteville (left) and Joseph Zamora (right) go for a rebound during the Steers’ 50-23 semifinal win over Clovis Christian.

Russell Huffman Russell Huffman Russell Huffman Assistant Editor

Published March 9, 2023 - 10:24 p.m. Modified March 9, 2023 - 10:24 p.m.

The two-time defending state champion Magdalena Steers are headed back to the Class A title game on Saturday after defeating Clovis Christian 50-23 at the Rio Rancho Event Center on March 9. The No. 1 ranked Steers will face No. 2 Fort Sumner House in a matchup predicted since the beginning of the basketball season. Fort Sumner advanced to the title tilt with a 29-25 against No. 3 Melrose.

Saturday’s championship is set for noon at The Pit on the University of New Mexico campus.

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