NMAA GIRLS STATE BASKETBALL: 3A CHAMPIONSHIP #1 NAVAJO PREP VS #2 SANTA FE INIDIAN

LADY bRAVES TAKE 3A TITLE

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#1 NAVAJO PREP (35) #2 SANTA FE INDIAN (43)
March 13, 2026 – UNM’s The Pit, Albuquerque, NM

ALBUQUERQUE — The No. 2 Santa Fe Indian Braves knocked off defending champion No. 1 Navajo Prep 43–35 in the NMAA Class 3A girls state championship, using balanced scoring and strong fourth-quarter execution to secure the program’s title.

The contest remained tight throughout the first half, with both teams trading scoring runs and defensive stops. Santa Fe Indian took a narrow 17–15 lead into halftime, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and disciplined half-court offense to stay in front.

The Braves maintained their composure in the third quarter, extending their advantage slightly as both defenses limited clean looks. Santa Fe Indian entered the final period holding a small cushion before delivering the decisive push in the fourth. The Braves outscored Navajo Prep 18–14 in the closing minutes, converting key possessions and controlling the tempo to close out the championship victory.

Santa Fe Indian’s win was fueled by a collective effort. Kaydence Riley led the Braves with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Brittany Whitney added 9 points and Toni Riley contributed 8. Navajo Prep was paced by Kameron Dale, who finished with 12 points in the loss.

With the victory, Santa Fe Indian dethrones the defending champions and caps a resilient postseason run with a state title. The Braves’ balanced scoring and steady defense proved decisive in a championship matchup that remained within reach until the final moments.