When Da’Naysia Banks graduates from Sci-Tech, she is going to stroll away with her identify hanging from a banner, perpetually etched in Cybercats’ historical past.
As Sci-Tech’s first women basketball participant to reach 1,000 profession points in program historical past, the milestone symbolizes the brand new normal that Banks has set for the subsequent era.
“Honestly, I just feel really thankful and grateful,” Banks stated on reaching the milestone, doing so in her 29-point efficiency on Dec. 16 in the Cybercats’ win over Monson.
Banks joined the Cybercats as a junior, transferring from Hampden Charter – West. She earned All-Western Mass. Honorable Mention honors as a freshman earlier than incomes a First Team choice final yr as a sophomore.
Having coached in opposition to Banks throughout her time at Baystate Academy, present Sci-Tech women basketball coach Jasmine Lovejoy had some familiarity with the star guard.
“I was fortunate to coach against Da’Naysia and (now) coach her,” Lovejoy stated. “Seeing her ability on the court offensively and how athletic she is, what she brings to the table as a coach.
“She is tough to guard because she has such a high motor and you try to switch up defense, do some different looks, but she’s just so active and creative (with the) ball… it’s tough to coach against her. So when we were finally notified she was coming in, for us that’s exciting, understanding what type of caliber player she is.”
Banks dominated for the Cybercats final season, incomes herself one other All-Western Mass First Team choice and main Sci-Tech to an 18-3 file, its first successful season since 2017-2018.
“(Last season) was great because I had teammates that knew what they were doing, even when I wasn’t playing well,” Banks stated. “I felt like my coach knew how to use me and where to put me on the court at all times.”
Sci-Tech is presently 4-5 on the season, with Banks already sitting at 230 points on the season, placing her presently at 1,170 profession points.
“It’s fun to watch… she’s a great kid on and off the court but I’m just glad to be (witnessing) her journey and be part of it,” Lovejoy stated.
As one of many staff’s three seniors, Banks helps lead the youthful gamers verbally and by instance.
“Don’t be afraid… never get in your head,” Banks stated on recommendation to youthful gamers. “When you get in your head, you lose already. The game is a mental thing.”
The Cybercats will go to Amherst for his or her subsequent sport on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 12 p.m.