For the Mountain Mail
MAGDALENA -- The second-ranked and undefeated Magdalena Lady Steers clinched the District 6-1A regular season basketball championsship and finished the regular season with a 24-0 record.
The Lady Steers defeated two more district opponents this week, including district runner-up Gallup Catholic High School.
This was Coach Wally Sanchez's first undefeated team in his seven years of coaching at Magdalena.
Magdalena was awarded a top seednd earned a bye in this week's district tournament for their accomplishments. They played their first tournament game at home on Wednesday, Feb 24. If they win, they will host the district championship game on Friday at 6 pm.
Magdalena first played Menaul High School at Albuquerque on Thursday, Feb. 18. They easily defeated Menaul by the score of 77-45. Magdalena had four players score in double-figures---Nicole Hardy (27 points), Kameron Armstrong and Keanda Chavez (10 points), and Camille Mansell (10 points).
The final season game and “Senior Day” was played at home against the 2nd place district challenger the Gallup Catholic Lady Panthers (20-6, 10-2). Magdalena defeated them by the score of 64-24. This was their second win this season against the #8-state ranked Panthers.
Six Magdalena Seniors and their parents were honored before the game---Deanna Sue Apachito, Karly Chavez, Nicole Hardy, Jennifer Matai, DeShawna Monte, and Leona Monte.
Magdalena began the game with a fast-breaking 14-5 lead at the end of the 1st quarter with six different players scoring. The balanced scoring continued in the 2nd quarter.
The Magdalena full-court press also contributed and again led to an identical 14-5 scoring spread. Magdalena led at halftime 28-10.
Captain Nicole Hardy took over in the 3rd quarter scoring 8 points. This helped Magdalena keep the 18-point lead going into the final quarter.
Gallup Catholic tried to stop Magdalena's offense with a man-to-man defense and a variety of zone defenses. But they all proved ineffective against the quick and fast-thinking Magdalena players.
Magdalena than blew open the game in the 4th quarter. Again, six different players scored points. Captain Keanda Chavez opened the quarter by bombing a 3-point shot and another midway thru the quarter.
The other captain Camille Mansell scored 6 points inside. Magdalena outscored Gallup-Catholic 26-4 and continued on their winning streak.
After the game, Sanchez said, “Gallup Catholic is a good team and has some quality wins. It wouldn't surprise me if we see them again on Friday. Than we'll have to go back to work.”
“Bottom line is, if our girls continue to work, people know what they are going to face defensively. After awhile, our defense wears on other teams.”
Nicole Hardy finished with a game high 18 points. Kameron Armstrong had 13 points and Camille Mansell had 12 points.
The high scorer for Gallup Catholic was Robbie Loretto with seven points.
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