Digital Harbor Defeats Easton 64-46

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- Kevin Smith scored 17 points to lead a balanced Digital Harbor offense, and the Rams defeated Easton, 64-46, in the Class 2A state title game Saturday night.

It was Digital Harbor's second state title in school history, and its second in three years. The Rams also won the championship in 2009. Digital Harbor finished with a 16-7 record.

This was Easton's first trip to a championship game since 1965.

Smith was one of four Rams who scored in double figures. Nyme Manns (16 points), Daquan Cook (15) and Antonio Manns (14) combined with Smith for 62 of the team's 64 points.

Digital Harbor constantly drove to basket and got to the line, making 24 of 34 free throws overall as it pulled away from Easton (24-4) late.

In addition, the Rams forced 21 turnovers and scored 31 of their points off the Easton mistakes.

The balanced scoring of Digital Harbor trumped the Easton offense, which featured Jah'Sheme Ringgold's 24-point performance.

Ringgold, who played a big role in the semifinal victory over South Carroll on Friday, was 9 of 17 from the floor with eight rebounds.

Gordon Jeter helped the Warriors with eight points and nine rebounds.

Ringgold's performance allowed Easton to stay within reach of Digital Harbor for much of the game. The Rams held a 41-38 lead at the end of the third quarter.

But Easton went cold in the fourth quarter, and Digital Harbor pulled away. The Rams got some easy baskets in transition, made it to the free-throw line and outscored the Warriors 23-8 in the final period.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)