Paris, Latta first-team repeaters to lead AP's All-America team

Ohio State's Jessica Davenport became the school's first three-time selection.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Courtney Paris has been the model of consistency in her college career. It's something she learned growing up.
"Ever since eighth grade, I was always annoyed when a girl would score five points one game and then 20 the next," Paris said. "I always wanted to be consistent, so when I got to Oklahoma, I considered it my job."
The Oklahoma center has done just that, racking up 61 straight games with double-figure scoring and rebounding and becoming the first player selected her first two years for The Associated Press All-America team in women's basketball.
"It's a big honor to me," said Paris, the 6-foot-4 daughter of former NFL lineman Bubba Paris. "I'm really excited. When you're younger you dream of getting to college and becoming an All-American. To know people voted you in is really special."
North Carolina senior Ivory Latta also was a first-team repeater from last year.
"It's definitely a tremendous honor to be a part of the All-America team again this season," Latta said. "To be considered among the best players in the nation is an exciting privilege, and I'm glad I have been able represent my team and my school well."
Also chosen were Tennessee sophomore Candace Parker, who was a second-team selection last season; Duke senior Lindsey Harding, who helped lead the Blue Devils to a perfect 29-0 record in the regular season, and Ohio State senior Jessica Davenport.
"I wouldn't want to play against them," Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale said. "Across the spectrum you got your guards, a swing, your posts, that team would be fantastic."
Dominated Big Ten
Davenport is Ohio State's first three-time All-American in women's basketball. She won her third Big Ten player of the year award this season, averaging a league-best 20 points. She also is the first player in conference history to amass 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 300 blocks in her career.
Parker was a first-team pick on 49 of the 50 ballots from the national media panel that votes in the weekly Top 25, receiving 248 points. The voting was done before the start of the NCAA tournament.
"It's a huge honor," Parker said. "I wouldn't be where I am right now without my tremendous teammates."
Paris had 46 first-team votes and 242 points, while Harding had 44 and 234, Latta 38 and 218 and Davenport 20 and 188.
"It's a goal I've always had from day one, of being an All-American and making that team," Harding said. "I've worked so hard to get there."
Maryland's Crystal Langhorne led a trio of juniors on the second team, along with Stanford's Candice Wiggins and LSU's Sylvia Fowles. Middle Tennessee senior Chrissy Givens and Louisville sophomore Angel McCoughtry rounded out the second team.
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