ADAMS TWP — Lily Grenci's potential was displayed during her freshman season.

Since then, the Mars junior keeps raising the bar.

Playing both guard and forward this season, Grenci averaged a double-double with 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.

She scored in double figures in all 24 of the Planets' games and averaged 2.4 steals.

Those efforts garnered Grenci the Butler Eagle Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award

In voting by the Eagle sports staff, she earned 13 points, edging out Karns City's Allyson Kepple (10 points).

Others receiving votes included Butler's Olivia Bresnahan (6), Slippery Rock's Karly Rhoads (1) and Union's Torri Smith (1).

Grenci was a first-team selection in 2007-07.

"I took over in June and could see right away what kind of talent she had," said first-year Planets coach Tony Howard. "She understands the game and brings a certain savvy to the floor."

Grenci scored in double figures in seven games of her freshman year, including a season-high of 20 in a playoff win over Keystone Oaks.

"I think that game showed the team that we had some younger girls who could score," said Grenci. "Since that time, I've improved my scoring and have really tried to lead by example."

That leadership came in handy at the beginning of this season.

Because some players decided not to remain with the team, the Planets starting lineup was shuffled around during the first few games.

Grenci, who stands 6-foot-1, played the first handful of games at point guard.

"She did fine at point guard," said Howard. "But after several games, we became more balanced and we moved her off the point, though she did run it for us when we played high-pressure teams."

Mars found itself at the bottom of the Section 1-AAA standings with an 0-4 record.

"It was hard on us," said Grenci. "But it also gave us the drive to work harder in practice and in games."

Grenci responded with a career-high 29 points in a section win over Valley Dec. 20.

That victory was the start of a four-game section winning streak that got the Planets back into the thick of the WPIAL playoff hunt.

Due in large part to Grenci's 12 games of at least 20 points, Mars finished 7-7 and did make the postseason.

In the process, she scored her 1,000th career point.

"I like being the go-to girl," said Grenci. "But I also like dishing it off for a big assist."

She also must like rebounding, for her 1,000th career board is within reach next year.

But the intangibles Grenci brings to the floor also are important.

"Lily became more of a vocal leader this year," said Howard. "It was all positive, things like patting the girls on the back and supporting them."

Grenci is looking to cap an already solid career with a senior season to remember in 2008-09.

"Other teams are always looking for me to drive, so I'd like to work on my 3-point shooting.

"I think it's just a matter of taking more shots from out there."

Here is how voting for the Butler Eagle Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award, which was conducted by the Eagle sports staff, broke down:<B>Player, Team................Points</B>Lily Grenci, Mars....................13Allyson Kepple, KC................10Olivia Bresnahan, Butler.........6Karly Rhoads, SR....................1Torri Smith, Union....................1