ITG Next’s February 2026 Georgia Female Athlete of the Month is Tri-Cities High School basketball player Alyssia Bandele.
The senior point guard is actually a two-sport star at Tri-Cities, with volleyball being the other sport she plays.
But it’s her performance on the basketball court that got our attention, as Bandele led her Lady Bulldogs to 18 wins throughout the regular season, including a 12-2 record in Region 4-5A.
Bandele has been a force for Tri-Cities, scoring an average of 15.2 points per game, grabbing 7.8 rebounds per game, averaging 3.6 steals per game, and notching six double-doubles in the regular season.
Now she’ll be leading her team into the Class 5A GHSA girls basketball state tournament with a first-round game against Seckinger.
Tri-Cities will be leaning heavily on the senior guard and forward in the playoffs, just as the team has been doing over her career, according to Tri-Cities girls basketball head coach Nikia Grooms.
“Alyssia has earned the trust to be on the floor during the most important moments for this team,” Grooms said. “She is a key part of our playoff game plan. Her versatility, poise, and reliability make her someone we will count on heavily, especially in tight games. She’s proven she can handle the stage, and we’re confident she will rise to the moment.”
Grooms said her expectations for Bandele include being active all over the floor, just as she has been throughout the season. That includes being a calming presence for her teammates, especially in must-win situations.
“I expect Alyssia to set an example by maintaining her composure in high-pressure moments,” Grooms said.
Grooms will look to her senior leader to do what she does best in both the backcourt and frontcourt.
“Offensively, Alyssia has a high court IQ,” Grooms said. “She understands spacing, timing, and how to read the defense at a high level. She doesn’t force bad shots; she looks for the highest-percentage opportunities.”
Grooms said she loves what she refers to as the “attack mentality” from Bandele.
“She can score at all three levels: finishing strong at the rim, with a reliable midrange shot, and improving her 3-point presence,” Grooms said.
That also includes unselfish play from Bandele.
“Alyssia moves the ball, keeps the offense flowing, and elevates her teammates,” Grooms said. “I’ll expect Alyssia to continue being a two-way impact player out there for us, knocking down open shots and creating scoring opportunities on the offensive end, as well as setting the tone with her defensive intensity and providing the leadership we need from her on the floor, both verbally and by example with her actions.”
Grooms said Bandele is also one of the team’s anchors on defense.
“From a discipline standpoint, she rarely gets out of position and understands team defensive principles,” Grooms said. “With active hands, she creates turnovers without gambling, and with her communication skills, Alyssia talks on defense, helping others rotate, and keeps everyone locked in.”
Bandele said she was grateful for being recognized as ITG Next’s Female Athlete of the Month.
“I feel truly honored and grateful to be named Athlete of the Month,” Bandele said. “I’m proud to represent my school, and this motivates me to stay disciplined, keep improving, and continue contributing to my team’s success.”
The Tri-Cities senior is now focused on leading her team on a deep run into the playoffs.
“We’re going to keep pushing, staying focused, and trusting the work we’ve put in, and before we know it, we look up, and we’re in the Elite 8,” Bandele said.
Congratulations to Tri-Cities High School basketball player Alyssia Bandele, ITG Next’s February 2026 Georgia Female Athlete of the Month.
