Edit "categories" sidebox

I want to edit my "categories" box on the side of my page because it looks very messy. Since my categories are shown across the top of the site under banner, is there a way to only display the subcategories and not the original categories or sub sub categories. example- "equipment" is a main category on the top of the page. this is displayed again in the side category box. I only want the subcategories displayed in this box (hockey, baseball, basketball, etc.) and no sub sub categories (balls, bats, shoes, etc.) Hopefully someone understands my question and can help me out. Thanks.

If I understand your post correctly;

You have the categories at the top under the header and DO NOT want them repeated in the sidebox.

If I am correct; In your admin > Tools > Layout Boxes Controller set the Categories Sidebox to 'OFF"...This will disable that sidebox from displaying.

Yes you understand it correctly but I still want that box showing ONLY THE SUBCATEGORIES and no sub sub categories so that when you click on the subcategory it will go directly there instead of dropping down more options. So basically Im asking how to delete the categories and sub sub categories so that only the sub categories show. I know that confusing but if anyone understands, please help. Thanks.