Every good basketball team needs a defensive specialist – the player that can be counted on to guard the opponent’s best player and if not shut them down, at least slow them down.

For the Richmond Senior women’s basketball team, that player is 5-foot-9 junior post I’Teionna McLaughlin.

In her third year on the Lady Raider varsity, McLaughlin has grown into the role of a team leader. Interim Lady Raiders coach Nellie Harrington expects big things from her.

And McLaughlin delivers. Consistently.

“I want her to rebound, box out, play tough defense, and stop the other team’s bigs,” Harrington said during a recent practice.

With forward LaShey Brown, McLaughlin is part of the Lady Raiders’ tough front line. She helps out on defense, and can also help draw some of the offensive attention away from Brown, who is often the team’s leading scorer.

Tuesday night at home against Pinecrest, McLaughlin had a career night, leading the Lady Raiders with 17 points.

On a night when starting guard Shaquitta Covington went down early with a knee injury, it was understood in the Richmond huddle that the rest of the team was going to have to step it up to pick up the slack.

McLaughlin answered the call big-time.

It’s just part of a renewed focus on team basketball that began last year under former coach David Laton and continues this year under Harrington.

“We have our roles, and we fulfill them,” McLaughlin said during a break from practice earlier this week. “In the past, there was a lot of drama, and too much playing as individuals.”

McLaughlin approaches each game differently, depending on the offensive skills of the player she’s assigned to guard.

“If the player I’m guarding is quicker than me and can take me to the basket, then I’ll back off a little bit,” McLaughlin said. “But I’m always going to be looking for a steal.”

And when she gets the ball?

“I’m going to score,” McLaughlin said with a smile.

The Lady Raiders are on the cusp of their first Southeast Conference title. They enter tonight’s Senior Night regular-season finale at home against Scotland tied with Lumberton for first place in the conference.

Along with Lumberton, Richmond has also earned a first-round bye in next week’s SEC Tournament. They’ll enjoy a brief break from competition, and won’t have to play until next Thursday.

For now, McLaughlin and her teammates are focusing on one goal at a time.

“If we keep playing like we have been, the sky’s the limit,” McLaughlin said.

Contact sports editor David Vantress at 997-3111, ext. 14, or via email at dvantress@yourdailyjournal.com.