RATHDRUM - Over the past two years, Lakeland High senior Jenna Davis has never stopped learning.

Whether on or off the court, or battling injuries, Davis has gone from a reserve to key member of the Hawks girls basketball team.

"I've really started to love science," said Davis, a 5-foot-9 post. "I really love learning how things work relating to the human body."

Davis has a 3.96 GPA entering the spring semester.

"I love my sciences," Davis said. "I love biology classes and can't wait to take anatomy and psychology at some point."

During her senior year, Davis has suffered a pulled left quad muscle as well as a concussion, which sidelined her for a couple games earlier in the season. She also dislocated her thumb in her sophomore season.

"I've been toying with the thought of entering sports medicine," Davis said. "Either that or physical therapy. Those things have always been interesting to me."

Lakeland (10-10) will host Sandpoint (7-13) in the opening round of the 4A Region 1 tournament tonight at 7 p.m.

"I wasn't really sure if she'd be a really big contributor for us this year," Lakeland coach Steve Seymour said of Davis. "But somewhere between last season and this year, she made up her mind to get the most out of her senior year. She's been a great player for us and outside of some nagging injuries, she's been real impressive on the court."

WHILE SHE had to sit out a couple games earlier this season, Davis never lost focus on the ultimate goal - getting back in the lineup to help her team.

"Jenna is what you really hope for as a coach," Seymour said. "She's continued to develop each year as a player, and when it matters most as a senior, she's continued to work a little harder and get something more out of this season. We couldn't be happier as a coaching staff with her."

"I didn't enjoy having to sit on the bench when I was hurt," Davis said. "Not being able to play earlier this year started to bother me. I really just want to be out on the court with the rest of my teammates giving it my all."

Davis was the team's manager as a freshman.

"I've enjoyed playing with the girls team," Davis said. "We've got great chemistry within the team and have a unique way of doing this. I've really enjoyed the atmosphere of it."

Davis also received some advice on playing the post from former Hawk Megan Ranberg, advice she's carried over to this year.

"She'd help me with my post moves," Davis said. "It's kind of my responsibility to keep it going this year."

Davis is trying to pass along that knowledge to junior Christie Wendle, a reserve post for Lakeland.

"She got pulled up to varsity last year like I had the year before," Davis said. "We've discovered we're a lot alike. She comes in for my spot when I go out and we help each other on and off the court."

IF THE Hawks want to advance to the state 4A tournament, they'll likely need to defeat the top-seeded Moscow Bears twice in Moscow.

"I think we're more excited to face them again," Davis said. "I know we can do it. We know what it feels like not to go to the state tournament. We're ready to go show our potential."

Both Lakeland and Moscow finished the season with identical 3-1 records, with both winning on the other team's home court. Moscow won a tiebreaker with Lakeland because the Bears played more games against 5A Inland Empire League teams this year than the Hawks did.

Last season, Lakeland fell to Moscow in the Region 1 championship game, ending a streak of 10 straight state tournament appearances.

"We've learned each other's strengths this year," Davis said. "We've spent most of the season building a good bond with each other. Everyone is working toward a common goal this season."

That goal - to start another state streak.

"It would mean a ton to us as seniors," Davis said. "I've seen some really great players come through here since I've been here. It was a terrible feeling not getting back there last year. As a team, we want to get back to where we as a team know we can get."

WHEN HER playing days come to an end, Davis has big goals in mind.

"I've always wanted to open my own orthodontic practice," Davis said. "I really enjoy biology, but I don't like all the blood. I had braces when I was younger and really enjoyed that experience. Since then, that's what I've wanted to do."

Davis entertained the idea of attending Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, next year, but will likely remain closer to home.

"She's the type of student that always had her work done and always did an excellent job," said Seymour, who teaches honors English courses at Lakeland. "She was always a quiet kid in the classroom. As a coach, it concerned me because she wasn't very aggressive. What I've learned that Jenna as a student and player are always learning. She's being more aggressive and more vocal on the court this year. I really hope for the best for her, because she's earned it."