PREP ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sydney Banks

Sydney Banks put an exclamation point on her season last week as she batted in the last two runs of Genesee’s second consecutive Idaho Class 1A state softball title run.

Just in case she didn’t have enough reason to celebrate, the sophomore third baseman was also voted the Tribune’s Prep Athlete of the Week.

“She’s the third batter in my lineup,” Genesee coach Brian Malcom said. “She started hitting so well, I had to move her up. She made some really nice dives at third base, too, and then threw the runner out at first base.”

Banks posted a season batting average of .507 with 38 hits and 60 runs. She tallied 25 stolen bases and logged a fielding percentage of .855.

“She’s the kind of girl you want on your team,” Genesee coach Brian Malcolm said. “She’s got a great attitude. She’s a great teammate. She listens and understands stuff really well. I’d have a whole team of her.”

A three-sport athlete, Banks also competes for the Bulldogs in basketball and volleyball. With the graduation of a substantial senior class this spring, Malcom anticipates that Banks will take an even greater role at the forefront of the softball program, calling her “the type of person who leads by example.”