SUPER SOPHOMORE- Entering the week, Jenna Bandy led the Thousand Oaks High girls' basketball team with 14.7 points per game. Only a sophomore, Thousand Oaks High girls' basketball player Jenna Bandy has already established herself as a premier athlete in the Marmonte League.

Prior to Wednesday night's matchup with Moorpark, Bandy, the Lancers' starting point guard, led TOHS in points per game (14.7), total rebounds (106) and assists (32) and was tied for the team lead in steals (44).

Following Thousand Oaks' 61-53 victory over Newbury Park last Friday at home, a contest in which she scored a gamehigh 25 points and hauled in four rebounds, the Thousand Oaks Acorn spent a few minutes with the rising hoops star.

Q: Winning is always nice, but when you beat a crosstown rival, isn't that just so much better?

Bandy: It is. It feels like so much more than just a win. It feels like we've achieved a goal. A win is a win, but beating Newbury Park is so much better than almost any other win of the year.

Q: What's your most important job as the Lancers' point guard?

Bandy: To get the offense flowing so that everyone can participate. It's all about helping us start strong and build momentum.

Q: Why do you wear No. 21?

Bandy: Honestly, I don't know, but I like the number. Sometimes when I played club ball I'd see a No. 21 and she would stand out to me. Normally it's a post player with that number. I've never really seen a guard wearing it, so I wanted to try it out.

Q: You've scored in double figures in seven of the team's last eight games. Do you feel like you're playing your best ball of the season right now?

Bandy: Yes. I honestly feel that way. It comes from everyone on the team and their ability to move the ball around. That triggers me playing a good game.

Q: How is it competing at the varsity level as a sophomore?

Bandy: It feels really good. I've earned it by working really hard. It feels like a very big accomplishment for me.

Q: Who's the best player you've seen in the Marmonte League?

Bandy: I'd have to say Doris Park-Sherman (Newbury Park) is a really good player. Erica Ward (Royal) is good, too, and so is Karina Alofaituli on our team. There are a lot of good players out there. I can't pinpoint just one of them.

Q: Your older brother, Jett, is a sought-after baseball player for the Lancers. Who's the better athlete?

Bandy: Well, he only plays baseball. But honestly, I'd have to say him. He's the one who taught me how to play softball, how to play basketball. He taught me everything, so I'd have to say he's a little better.

Q: Is your favorite color T.O. green?

Bandy: No . . . actually, lime green. I also like orange and periwinkle- it's like blue and purple mixed together.

Q: You're shooting 81 percent from the free-throw line. What's your secret to success?

Bandy: My technique is I get there, relax, and then my first dribble is strong. On my second dribble the ball is slightly in my hand and I just put it up. I have the same stroke every time and always follow through.

Q: If you could only play one sport, basketball or softball, which one would it be?

Bandy: Everyone asks me that, and I don't know. I made both varsity teams as a freshman and play my favorite position on each team. I love both sports, although I have different feelings toward them. I honestly can't say right now. Maybe I can answer that question during my junior year.

As told to Stephen Dorman.