Mya Latta didn’t feel comfortable calling for the basketball earlier this season, and the junior forward played a limited role with the Lady Hubs varsity team over its first several games. But everything changed when one of Latta’s teammates and closest role models went down during Rochelle’s game against LaSalle-Peru on Jan. 18.

Despite beating the Lady Cavaliers 61-41, the Rochelle girls lost depth in the frontcourt when senior forward Allysa Harding was helped off the court with an ankle injury. Latta was the first player tasked with taking Harding’s place on the floor, and since helping the Lady Hubs record their 20-point win over LaSalle-Peru, Latta’s confidence has increased tremendously.

“I’ve looked up to Allysa since my freshman year,” Latta said. “I knew I had to step up… I didn’t think I was ready at first, but when I was out there I had to put myself in the mindset of starting on varsity and having a big role… I’m glad that coach [Tony] Rowan trusts me and he knows that I’m going to get the job done when he puts me out there.”

Latta has started Rochelle’s last seven varsity games, and the first-year varsity player has given the Lady Hubs an added presence in the post. Latta was Rochelle second-most efficient player with nine points on 4-of-4 shooting and four rebounds in a victory over Dixon this past weekend, and the junior totaled six points and five rebounds in Rochelle’s regional quarterfinal win against Stillman Valley.

“I didn’t want the ball at all but I feel more comfortable shooting the ball now,” Latta said. “My teammates have been looking for me a lot and I’ve taken more time to think before I shoot. My defense has really improved and I think I can improve my offense and my endurance… When I put myself in the mindset, my defense is strong and I think I’m a good rebounder.”

Latta began playing basketball in fifth grade when she lived in Sterling. Now in her third year with the Rochelle Township High School girls basketball program, Latta said the family atmosphere of the program and the game itself have helped her overcome some personal struggles throughout the years.

“I was really depressed for a while and basketball has been an outlet for me to be myself,” Latta said. “People are equal around me and I’m not having to compare myself to others. The team is almost like a second family to me. Winning is nice, but I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a program where we’re such a family… What I say matters and what everybody else says around me matters.”

There are 10 senior members of the Lady Hubs varsity team this year, and Latta said that seniors like Jacie Wyatt, Sarena Abdallah and Faith Roush have not only shown great leadership, but they’ve allowed her to develop confidence and leadership skills of her own. Latta is part of Rochelle’s Big Sister Program, which pairs varsity athletes with underclassmen in order to strengthen bonds and build camaraderie between older and younger players.

“Jacie is a really good example of a strong leader,” Latta said. “When she’s gone I look forward to taking on her legacy of being someone that everybody looks up to... Being a family is important and I want the younger girls to know that they always have someone they can talk to.”

Latta remained in Rochelle’s starting lineup even when Harding returned from her injury, and the junior said she’s looking to continue improving her game into her senior season and beyond. She said she plans to take classes at Kishwaukee College next year to earn her CNA and pursue an education in psychiatric nursing.

“I like the way the mind works,” Latta said. “It interests me and I want to help people who don’t always have somebody there for them.”