Lily Grenci became the third Mars girls basketball player to record 1,000 career points during Monday's win over Highlands.

ADAMS TWP — Mars coach Tony Howard was concerned Lily Grenci could get lost in the moment.

He didn't have to worry.

A junior guard, Grenci converted 12-of-18 free throws in Monday's game against Highlands and finished with 22 points, giving her 1,000 in her varsity career.

She made 5-of-6 free throws in the final minute of play to help the Planets to a 48-35 triumph.

"Even when we had a big lead, I was hoping she wouldn't force it," Howard said. "I know I would have missed the basket. I give her a lot of credit."

"I'm glad she was able to get it at home,"Howard added.

Grenci, who leads the Butler County area with a 16.7 points per game average, is just the third female player in school history to reach 1,000 points.

Grenci had known she was closing in, but didn't want to dwell on it.

"The athletic director (Scott Heinauer) and I have been adding it up the past couple of week," said Grenci.

"In warm-ups, I was not shooting as well. I was overcompensating my shots. Once the seniors started the game off well, I wasn't thinking about how many points I needed when I went in. I just wanted to get into the flow of the game," she added.

As a freshman, Grenci averaged 7.5 points per game, then had a breakout season the following year, when she averaged 15.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and shot 43 percent from the field. Grenci's efforts put her on the Butler Eagle first team.

"She shows a lot of maturity and keeps us poised," said Howard. "With Lily, if the game is close and the shot is up or a free throw is missed, she will surge to the basketball, whether it's offense or defense. She comes out of nowhere," Howard added.

Grenci, however, didn't come out of nowhere, having played a key role on Mars' WPIAL and PIAA playoff runs the past two seasons.

This year, the experience had graduated and the Planets are starting to round off into form in the latter half of the season.

"When I came in, it was a very experienced team," said Grenci. "We've had to learn and adapt this year. We're a young team."

Grenci, though, credits the team's seniors. as well as her younger teammates. in helping her grow as a player.

"I think they've helped me and they pick me up in practice," said Grenci. "They push me to become a better player."