ADAMSTWP— People were in the dark about Ellen Kenitz before the basketball season started.

The senior forward on the Mars girls basketball team is forcing herself into the spotlight now, however.

Off the court, Kenitz is engaging. Her blue eyes widen when she talks about her teammates and her smile blossoms when she speaks of her return to the basketball court after a one-year hiatus.

Even outside the locker room in the dim underbelly of Mars High, she can't keep her enthusiasm in the shadows.

"I decided, 'What the heck,'" Kenitz said of her return. "It was one of the best decisions I have ever made."

It was a good decision for both Kenitz and Mars, but not so good for the Planets' opponents.

Despite not playing for almost 20 months, Kenitz earned a spot in the starting lineup and has never left it, averaging 12.9 points per game.

In her debut against Quad-A NorthAllegheny, she scored 13 points. She followed that up with a 22-point performance against another Quad-A program, Woodland Hills.

At 6-foot-1, Kenitz gives Mars another inside presence to go with Lily Grenci. She also gives the team a spark of athleticism and moxie.

"Of course, she has great post moves. We knew that," said Mars coach Tony Howard. "I think everyone learned about her after that NA, Woodland Hills tournament."

Kenitz said she had no idea what to expect out of her return. She had played basketball all her life, but by the time she reached her junior year atMars, she had lost some of the desire to play.

Volleyball had captivated her and she committed herself completely to that sport, earning a starting spot at outside hitter for the Planets.

"I needed a break," Kenitz said. "Volleyball — I just loved it so much. It was a big thing for me. Basketball was a love-hate kind of thing for me."

Between her sophomore and junior years, Kenitz played AAU basketball. It was then that she made her biggest strides as a player.

That experience helped her on the comeback trail.

"That's where I got so much better," Kenitz said. "If I didn't play AAU basketball then, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Kenitz realized she was coming in at the bottom of the food chain. There were players on the roster who played the year before and were competing for a starting spot.

Instead of dwelling too much on her spot on the depth chart, Kenitz dedicated herself and focused on the one thing she could control.

"I worked hard," Kenitz said. "There were a lot of times when I had to pick myself up."

Now, after a shaky first half of the season, Mars has fought its way back into the WPIAL playoff race.

Following a 42-28 win over rival Knoch Monday, Mars is 7-7 overall and 3-4 in the section.

The resurgence was spawned by familiarity, Kenitz said.

"We're getting used to each other," Kenitz said. "Ifeel like this is the best we have ever played together as a team."