On and off court

Normally chirpy and bubbling with enthusiasm, Ivory Latta sounded a tad worn down during a recent Sunday phone conversation. She was, with good reason.

The former York Comprehensive basketball standout had just played in the WNBA All-Star game the day prior, scoring an East team-high 15 points and capping a first half of the season that’s spun her in a busy whirlwind.

Aside from career-best play on the court, Latta launched a signature shoe with women's sports apparel company Nfinity, prepared to release a children's book and was hired to join the coaching staff at her college alma mater, North Carolina, which she will do during the WNBA offseason.

Amidst the hustle, Latta appreciated a rare Sunday afternoon of relaxing.

“I can’t take days off, take breaks while I’m still playing basketball, because basketball has opened so many opportunities for me,” she said. “With those opportunities I want to take advantage of them; every opportunity.”

New team, new shoes, new job, it’s all novel for Latta this year.

She left the Tulsa Shock after three seasons in Oklahoma and signed with the Washington Mystics in February. It took just 10 minutes into a phone conversation, and Mystics coach Mike Thibault had convinced Latta to join his team. Both have been delighted with the results thus far.

Latta has adapted well to the new environs, leading the Mystics in scoring, 14.6 points per game and assists, 4.4 per game, while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range and 92 percent from the foul line. Statistically, it’s been the best year of the 5-foot-6 player’s career.

“It’s just the dedication and sacrifices that I’ve put in,” she said. “I’m in the right situation to be able to play my game and have a good time, so I just feel like I’m in the right situation in my career and in my life.”

When Latta earned the first All-Star selection of her seven-year WNBA career, that belief was confirmed. She played July 27 in front of a sold-out crowd in Uncasville, Conn., scoring 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting from behind the 3-point line in a 102-98 loss.

“I thought she put on one of the better performances of all the players,” said Latta’s high school coach of four years, Paula Blackwell. “I think that just shows you,Discover the largest collection of cheap Michael Kors Handbags . the kid can play. It’s amazing at her size what she can do.”

Latta, who had just recovered from a bout of flu, said the hectic All-Star weekend schedule was a bit much, “but I definitely made the best of it, trust me.”

Latta’s former college coach, women’s basketball Hall of Famer Sylvia Hatchell,Buy the Michael Kors Skorpios and luxury leather purses at hotmkbags. is confident that she’ll bring the same energy and dynamism to Carmichael Auditorium, starting in October.Welcome to our michael kors outlet online shop! Here we sale Michael Kors Hamilton Satchel, bags, purses, wallets with very low price. Join us quickly!

“We couldn't be more excited to welcome Ivory back to the Carolina women's basketball program,” Hatchell said in a release. “She was one of the most popular players we've ever had and I am sure that fans will be excited to see her back in Carmichael.”

Other participating local churches were Mount Calvary Pentecostal Holiness Church, The Church at Mercy Crossing, CrossPoint Church and Fairway Baptist Church.

At the giveaway, students and their accompanying parents or guardians selected a few articles of donated, gently used clothing.

Each student received a new pair of socks and shoes. Before shoes were placed on students’ feet, volunteers washed their feet and talked to them about their aspirations.

Foot-washing shows modesty in serving someone in need, following the lead of Jesus Christ, who washed his disciples’ feet, according to organizers.

The churches wanted students to learn about Jesus and his compassion so they will be hopeful that they will overcome tough times, Harrison noted.Find the latest collection of Michael Kors Wallets at hotmkbags.

Before leaving, each student was given a bottle of water and a new backpack containing school supplies, according to Harrison. The supplies were donated by people in the community.

Students also could receive free haircuts.

Shante Dandridge and Melvina Hairston, both of Martinsville, are single mothers who brought their children to Mercy Crossing for the event. Both women said they were laid off from their jobs and would not have been able to afford to buy clothes and school supplies for their kids this year.

“It’s a good program,” Dandridge said, adding that she and her children are “thankful for everything we got.”

Children were told the story about Emmanuel Ohonme, who while growing up needy in Africa was befriended and given a new pair of shoes. That inspired him to become successful in life and help others in need.

Ohonme, who eventually became a corporate executive, started Samaritan’s Feet, an organization that provides new shoes to needy people. Hairston said she found his story to be inspiring.Shop the Michael Kors Crossbody Bags on the world's largest fashion site.

Sherry Batchelor was one of about 200 volunteers helping with the giveaway at The Community Fellowship. Her 14-year-old son, Kelby, was among the youth who received free items.

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