Every point mattered in a contest that was both close and up-tempo. That also applied to the eight points that were placed on the scoreboard by the veteran star from 4A Lower Richland. Her career as a Diamond Hornet is in the rear-view mirror and Sumter is transitioning to college life at Lander. She has played at the high school level since the seventh grade. Her rebounding and overall defensive development over the years has firmly earned her a place in the conversation of the Palmetto State’s premier players. She played in 22 games in what was coach Morgan Stroman’s first year at the helm in the Diamond Mine and averaged 16.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, three steals and 2.8 assists per contest. 

The Diamond Hornets of 4A Lower Richland have continued its familiar winning ways under first-year head coach Morgan Stroman – and Sumter has once again been at the center of those efforts. Back in early December, Sumter announced she will stay put in the Palmetto State as she takes her talents to Lander. Sumter has averaged a double-double through 11 games – 18 points and 12.2 rebounds in addition to 3.5 steals and 3.5 assists. The result? Lower Richland is 11-3 with its only defeats occurring against 5A Division 1 powers Lexington and Wando – as well as region rival Darlington. Sumter’s play has earned the Diamond Hornets a top 10 ranking (eight) in the most recent 4A coaches’ poll. 

Sumter encountered a few first-half struggles as 4A Lower Richland matched up against 5A Division 1 Wando. Her emerging in the second half against the Warriors enabled her to conclude her Friday with 12 points and nearly pull off a Diamond Hornets win. Sumter, who has played at the varsity level since she was a middle schooler, fully understands the art of getting downhill with the ball, limiting turnovers and converting on high-percentage shot attempts. Once the 2025-26 season concludes, Sumter’s many basketball talents will be on display at Lander University. Rebounding and collecting steals are two other strong points to her well-developed game that is ready for the collegiate level. 

Sumter has played several sports throughout her career, but it appears she will keep her primary athletic focus on hoops following her final season at 4A Lower Richland. She played in 27 games for a Diamond Hornets team that finished 25-2 and did not drop a contest against an in-state opponent until the 4A Lower State final against North Augusta. Sumter had one of her better seasons statistically last season at The Creek – she averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 steals. After years of being coached by Aaron Lucas, her final season at the Diamond Mine will be under the tutelage of Morgan Stroman as Lucas assumes the reins at 5A Division 1 Ridge View. 

At the beginning of last week, the talented standout from 4A Lower Richland added another in-state offer to her portfolio. Lander and its coach – Nicole Shelwick – has Sumter on its radar. This is in addition to previous offers she had from Shorter, Coker, Allen and Claflin. The Diamond Hornets finished last season with a record of 25-2 and advanced to the 4A Lower State championship game. Sumter helped greatly in the Diamond Hornets’ efforts as she averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 steals per contest. The Morgan Stroman era has commenced for the Diamond Hornets and he hopes to continue the team’s robust success with Sumter entering her senior season. 

Nai is ready to play. As a senior, Sumter has one more season left at the high school level before she enters the college ranks. The veteran standout from 4A Lower Richland added another offer as Shorter has her on its radar. Sumter adds the Shorter to previous looks she already received from a pair of in-state schools in Claflin and Allen. She recently concluded her final AAU schedule with Palmetto 76ers/A’ja Wilson Elite at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Chicago. Sumter averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 steals for a Diamond Hornets team that finished last year with a 25-2 record. 

Last month, Sumter landed offers from a pair of in-state schools. One was from Claflin and the other was from Allen. Sumter already had an offer from Coker she picked up back in April. Lower Richland moved up from 3A to 4A starting this past season and the Diamond Hornets compiled a robust 25-2 record. Sumter was a key reason why Lower Richland qualified for last year’s 4A Lower State championship game. She was second in scoring on last season’s team with 13.2 points per game. She also averaged 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 steals per contest in 2024-25. The 2025-26 season will be an interesting one at The Creek as Morgan Stroman assumes the reins at the Diamond Mine with Aaron Lucas taking the job at 5A Division 1 Ridge View. 

It was recently announced that Morgan Stroman will be at the helm at 4A Lower Richland, the replacement for Aaron Lucas who took the job at 5A Ridge View. Sumter will have one season under Stroman before she heads to the collegiate ranks. She recently landed an offer from Allen University. Sumter is a multi-sport athlete who also thrives in the track and field realm. She played a major role in ensuring the Diamond Hornets’ transition from 3A to 4A was nearly seamless. Lower Richland concluded last season with a 25-2 record and the 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 steals she averaged helped greatly in those efforts.