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 begins with senior forward Natalie Petit.

Of all my on-the-job memories I’ve had so far, few have brought as much joy as seeing senior Natialie Petit celebrate Sandpoint’s 48-37 home win over Moscow on Jan. 12.

Anyone who has watched Petit play this year could see how that would be a fitting memory. Petit plays with her heart on her sleeve, which is — in this writer’s opinion — a refreshing and entertaining thing to witness every game.

As one of two seniors on the roster, Petit is the emotional heartbeat of a very young Sandpoint team. On any given night, her voice is the loudest on the court on both ends of the floor — in a sport that revolves around cohesion and communication, this is vital.

Yet in an alternate timeline, Petit maybe wouldn’t have worn white and red. The senior transferred from Priest River after her sophomore season. Naturally, her best game of the season came against her former team.

Although it wasn’t her best from a box-score standpoint, she found her rhythm by scoring all four of her points in the third quarter, which helped Sandpoint seal the deal. That night, she ended up being the rising tide that lifted her teammates.

“It’s weird seeing her in red instead of orange and black,” Priest River head coach Morgan Douglas said afterwards. “But we miss her. It sounds like she’s having fun, and it’s still fun to watch her play.”

Game of note: vs. Priest River

In Will Love’s words: “Natalie has been solid inside presence, especially as a rebounder, since she joined the program at the beginning of last season. She has really grown as a player and person this season.”