When you've got a name like Ivory Latta, you're bound to stand out from the crowd. But when you factor in outstanding hoops talent, you're all but guaranteed to become a household name.

The 5-6 Latta led York (S.C.) Comprehensive High School to the state Class AAA championship last season, racking up some mind-blowing stats in the process. She averaged 36.3 points, 4.9 steals, and 4.8 assists per game, and she set state records for most 30-point games (23), most 40-point games (9), most free throws made (229) and most 3-point baskets (121). She also was named Class AAA's Miss Basketball, becoming the first junior to win the award, and Class AAA's Player of the Year.

Heading into this season, Latta's 3,073 career points rank second behind former Chester standout and Charlotte Sting star Allison Feaster, who holds the state record with 3,427. But while that mark seems within reach, what Latta would really like is to cap her high school career with another title.

York head coach Arsonia Stroud emphasizes that Latta hasn't just piled up impressive stats. "She sets an example for our younger players,'' Stroud said in the Rock Hill (S.C.) Herald. "I just hope a little piece of her competitiveness and leadership rubs off on someone else who can continue it in our program."

Latta excels off the court, earning all-region honors in cross country and softball, and in the classroom. She is a member of the National Honor Society and recently was named York's homecoming queen.

After weighing interest from Connecticut and Notre Dame, Latta verbally committed to attend the University of North Carolina earlier this fall saying it was her dream to play in the ACC for the TarHeels. Last week, she signed her National Letter of Intent. "I chose Carolina because the team has great chemistry and they also have a wonderful coaching staff," she said.

UNC Head Coach Sylvia Hatchell was equally complimentary of Latta. "Ivory is going to be one of the most exciting players we've had here," Hatchell said. "She's extremely quick and hard to guard and an outstanding three-point shooter." She expects Latta to challenge for the starting point guard position as a freshman next year.

Having a strong measure of success in high school hoops has given Latta the confidence that she's ready for college ball. "I don't feel any pressure about playing at the next level," she told the Rock Hill Herald. "I've dealt with pressure situations, and I've learned how to handle them. Playing with other players during the summer on a national level has helped. I've played with the best players in the country. That will help me as far as knowing what to expect when I get to college."

Article written by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.

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