LATYAH BARBER
Walker County Girls’ Co-player of the Year
Her high school basketball career just ended a couple of months ago, but it’s not too early to say that Latyah Barber has already cemented her place as one of the greatest players to ever lace them up for the Lafayette Lady Ramblers.
A three-time All-region first team selection (twice in 7-AAAA and this past season in 6-AAA), Barber is now a four-time Catoosa-walker County Dream Team first team pick and, today, she shares one half of a third consecutive Walker County Girls’ Player of the Year award.
And with good reason. In a career that saw her finish with a double-figure scoring average all four seasons, Barber closed in out with a career-high 16.7 points a game, adding 6.8 rebounds, 4.8 steals and 3.1 assists per night.
“It feels good,” she said. “I’m glad I can represent my county for the third time. It’s really nice.”
Included in this past season was a memorable performance in a regular season overtime loss at Rockmart.
Going head-to-head against Indiana University signee and Region Player of the Year Keyerah Berry, the two put on a battle reminiscent of a Larry Bird-dominique
Wilkins playoff clash from 35 years ago. Barber scored 34 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out five assists and collected four steals, while Berry poured in 46 points in a 78-74 Lady Jacket win.
After 11.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.6 steals as a freshman, Barber improved her to game to the tune of 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.9 steals and 3.8 assists as a sophomore before 16.5 points, 7.6 boards, 4.5 steals and 4.6 assists as a junior.
But it wasn’t just the numbers alone that will make Barber one of the all-time greats. She has also been a key piece of the puzzle that has helped turn around the fortunes for the Orangeand-black.
After a 4-18 campaign her first season, Lafayette improved to 13 wins the next season and 15 after that as the Lady Ramblers qualified for the GHSA state tournament for the first time in the 75-year history of the event and nearly upset playoff stalwart St. Pius X on the road before losing by just
five points.
This past season, hampered by COVID-19, Lafayette finished with another winning record (12-9) and came within a game of a return trip to state.
“This past year wasn’t what I wanted, because we didn’t make it to state or anything, but it was still a good season,” she explained. “We still grew as a team and I know they’re going to do well next year, so I’m hoping for the best for them. I definitely feel like I helped to leave the program in better shape.”
Barber will be headed to play in college next season after signing late last week with Chattanooga State, where she plans to study exercise science. However, she said she wouldn’t forget her time as a Lady Rambler.
“I’ll definitely miss the friendships I’ve made over the years,” she added. “Just all the games and practices and just playing basketball here, generally.”