When Da’Naysia Banks graduates from Sci-Tech, she will walk away with her name hanging from a banner, forever etched in Cybercats’ history.
As Sci-Tech’s first girls basketball player to reach 1,000 career points in program history, the milestone symbolizes the new standard that Banks has set for the next generation.
“Honestly, I just feel really thankful and grateful,” Banks said on reaching the milestone, doing so in her 29-point performance 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 before earning a First Team selection last year as a sophomore.
Having coached against Banks during her time at Baystate Academy, current Sci-Tech girls basketball coach Jasmine Lovejoy had some familiarity with the star guard.
“I was fortunate to coach against Da’Naysia and (now) coach her,” Lovejoy said. “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 last season, earning herself another All-Western Mass First Team selection and leading Sci-Tech to an 18-3 record, its first winning 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 said. “I felt like my coach knew how to use me and where to put me on the court at all times.”
Sci-Tech is currently 4-5 on the season, with Banks already sitting at 230 points on the season, putting her currently at 1,170 career 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 said.
As one of the team’s three seniors, Banks helps lead the younger players verbally and by example.
“Don’t be afraid… never get in your head,” Banks said on advice to younger players. “When you get in your head, you lose already. The game is a mental thing.”
The Cybercats will visit Amherst for their next game on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 12 p.m.
