ROCHELLE — Consistency and improved shooting were areas Rochelle senior basketball player Landan Martin wanted to grow this season. Martin’s efforts over the offseason resulted in leading the team in three statistical categories as well as earning All-Conference First Team recognition for the first time in his high school career.

Martin was the only Rochelle player to receive All-Conference First Team recognition from the Interstate 8 this season. The senior guard led the Hubs in points per game (16.7), rebounds per game (6.6) and steals per game (2.4). Senior Austin Brown was named an All-Conference Honorable Mention. Junior Sofia Lenkaitis also took home an All-Conference Honorable Mention from the Interstate 8 in girls basketball this season.

“I think it’s awesome that I won All-Conference,” Martin said. “I put a lot of work in over the offseason and I’m always trying to improve my game. It also feels great that I was a unanimous decision… I feel that I improved the most in my 3-point shooting, since my shot was really inconsistent last season, and I also improved in my overall consistency.”

Martin opened his season with a 27-point performance against Belvidere in the Strombom Thanksgiving Tournament. The senior and former Pekin transfer dropped a career-best 34 points in Rochelle’s home shootout against Morris, with the Hubs emerging victorious 83-71. Martin will be one of four senior players departing from the basketball program this year.

“The thing I’m going to miss most about playing for RTHS was all the bonds I built with my teammates,” Martin said. “I came to Rochelle not knowing anybody and basketball helped me make new friendships that will last for a lifetime. I will also miss the coaching staff, as they have all been there for me since my sophomore year. All of the coaches helped me a lot.”