Darlington's Jazz Green can do nothing to stop LR's Dayshaun Richbow from an easy lay up. Photo by Morgen Orr Lower Richland used tough defense, strong guard play, and Morgan Stroman's usual inside toughness to earn its first 3A state title on March 7 over Darlington 66- 42 at the Colonial Life Arena. Having won three- consecutive 4A titles, the Diamond Hornets dropped into the 3A level this season and completely dominated.

Stroman was just one of three players scoring in double figures for the Diamonds with 17. Jasmine Harrison finished with 17 also, and Stephanie Hayes poured in 15 points. Stephanie Wilson got seven points, Dayshaun Richbow added six, and Justice Nathan and Tykeria Capers each added a bucket for Lower Richland.

If the first quarter had been the whole game, however, the Diamond Hornets would have been in trouble. Jazz Green scored six early points, and the Lady Falcons held the Diamonds to a single free throw through the first 5:35 of the game. Stroman finally scored the first LR basket, starting a wave of points over the final two minutes. Hayes scored five, and Wilson added a bucket, giving LR a 12- 8 first quarter lead.

Photos by Morgen Orr Lower Richland Lady Diamond Hornets 2008- 2009 Class 3A State Champions, their fourth straight championship! #3 Tykeria Capers, Sr; #4 Stephanie Wilson, Sr; #5 Quaniehsa Rice, Jr; #20 Jasmine Harrison, Jr; #21 Staci Harris, So; #22 Stephanie Hayes, Sr; #24 Dayshaun Richbow, Sr; #25 Antionette Montgomery, So; #30 Justice Nathan, Fr; #31 Jonita McClary, Sr; #32 Morgan Stroman, Sr; #40 Ashley Edmond, Jr; and #52 Beatrice Williams, So.; and #53 Lauren Jones, Jr. Head Coach Debbie Stroman; Assistants Lisa Diaz, Sheila Mayzck, and Romania Myers. Lower Richland won the game in the second quarter. With Hayes shooting three- pointers and Harrison running the break, the Diamonds more than doubled their score with a 21- 4 run to end the half. Harrison repeatedly stole the ball from the Falcon guards, tearing down court and converting lay ups. Meanwhile, Hayes spotted up from deep twice in the quarter.

Richbow was an offensive catalyst for the Diamonds, using slashing drives to find open teammates. She also recorded her share of steals in the all- important second quarter. With Harrison's 13 points, Hayes's seven and a bucket by Capes, LR went into halftime leading 34- 16.

(Top Right) Darlington's Kierra Patterson watches as LR's Jasmine Harrison drives baseline. Harrison scored 17 points. Darlington came out firing in the third quarter, adding a quick 5- 0 run to start the half. The Falcons spread their scoring around with six different players scoring in the quarter. At the same time, Darlington's defense came back to life, holding the Diamonds to just seven points in the quarter.

But LR's Ashley Edmond played a pivotal role in the third with several blocked shots. Her inside presence, along with Stroman, forced Darlington to shoot jumpers instead of getting to the rim, as Green had done so well in the first quarter. Richbow continued to be the driving force behind the LR effort, tirelessly leading the offense and harassing Darlington's guards. Despite the difficult

(Right) Darlington's Shebria Jett cannot slow down LR's Stephanie Hayes in the open floor. Hayes scored 15 points for the Diamonds. quarter in terms of scoring, LR led 41- 29 after three.

Stroman, the Mc- Donald's All- American and Miami commitment, finally got going offensively in the fourth quarter. Darlington clearly planned on shutting her down and executed that plan well through the first three quarters. As a result, Harrison and Hayes poured in points earlier in the game. But in the fourth, Stroman exploded for ten points and dominated the end of the game. Whether it was posting up and using an array of head fakes and up- and- under moves or being the recipient of one of Harrison's fantastic behind the back passes on the break, Stroman scored nearly every time she touched the ball.

Darlington continued to play hard but was simply too far behind to make a substantial dent in the LR lead. The LR starters came out to a rousing ovation with 90 seconds left with the fourth- consecutive state title assured.

2008- 2009 Lower Richland Lady Diamond Hornet Basketball

(Right) Darlington's Jazz Green can do nothing to stop LR's Dayshaun Richbow from an easy lay up.

Lower Richland's McDonald's All-American Morgan Stroman makes a wide open lay up. Stroman scored 17 points including 10 in the fourth quarter.