Believe it or not, the 4A IEL Regional Tournament is around the corner.

In preparation for the Bulldogs’ biggest games of the year, the Bee will highlight one (or two) Sandpoint girls basketball players every issue in the first-ever SHS Basketball Player-a-Day series.

The countdown continues with sophomore guard Kaylee Banks.

One could make an argument that few players have had a better month than Sandpoint sophomore Kaylee Banks had this past January.

Banks’s breakout month has elevated the Bulldogs to a new level during the most important part of the season.

Ever since her 12-point, three-steal outing against Moscow — in which she made her first three shots in a crucial second-quarter push — Banks has set a new Sandpoint career-high in points (14 against Priest River), was the Bulldogs few bright spots at the Battle for the Paddle (9 points) and has filled the box score on numerous occasions.

Even in games where she doesn’t score in bunches — like her three-point, five rebound and three-steal stat-line against St. Maries, or her defensive effort against Lakeland — Banks has shown her versatility.

In the latter game against Lakeland, Banks set the tone early by making three deflections (two of which turned into turnovers) against Lakeland’s guards. The 5’9 Banks used her athleticism to slip through passing lanes and disrupt the Hawks’ offense.

Pairing the former Clark Fork Lady Cats starter with Dawson Driggs, Maddie Morgan and Izzo Edwards has given Sandpoint a back court capable of making plays on both ends of the floor. Whether it’s providing instant offense off the bench, or a perimeter defense in a pinch, Banks has the Bulldog back court poised for an exciting future.

Game of note: vs. Moscow

In Will Love’s words: “Kaylee has improved so much this season, especially the last couple of weeks. She provides us with another ball-handler and scorer, but I think she is starting to realize abilities as a defensive player.”