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Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete Of Month: Marquette Catholic's Davis Excels On Court and In Class

Marquette Catholic athlete highlights impact of coach Whitney Sykes-Rogers and supportive mother on her career.

Dan Brannan, Content Director

Dec 17, 2025 10:16 AM Jan 5, 2026 2:09 PM

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ALTON - Laila Davis, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her achievements in basketball and her leadership with the 2025-2026 girls' group.

Davis is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers.

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Over the course of her high school career, Davis has earned several accolades, including the Gallatin Awards 110%, Defensive Player of the Year Award, and the Coach’s Award. She has also been named Athlete of the Month previously on Riverbender.com.

Davis has played basketball for about eight years, including all four years of high school. She said she enjoys the competitiveness of the sport and values being a great teammate.

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“I also enjoy learning more about the game each time I practice and play,” she said.

Her coach, Whitney Sykes-Rogers, has been a part of her journey, along with past and current teammates. Davis expressed gratitude toward her mother for her unwavering support and dedication throughout her basketball career.

In addition to sports, Davis is an accomplished student, maintaining a place on the High Honor Roll all four years and taking Honors and Advanced Placement courses. She has received positive feedback from her teachers and plans to pursue a major in Art and Design with an emphasis in Illustration at Webster University in St. Louis. Although she does not plan to continue playing basketball in college, she hopes to build a career as an artist.

Reflecting on her high school experience, Davis said, “My high school career has helped me learn discipline and time management skills. Also, being a part of a team has pushed me to be a better communicator and also to rely on other people.”