Mars senior Lily Grenci recently signed to play basketball at Siena College in upstate New York.

ADAMS TWP — Lily Grenci's development into a complete basketball player over the last few years has been key for the Mars girls team.

Siena College was paying attention.

The 6-feet-1 senior guard-forward recently signed a letter of intent to play at the school, located in upstate New York.

Grenci displayed scoring ability during her freshman season, netting 20 points in a WPIAL Class AAA playoff win over Keystone Oaks in February 2006.

She averaged 15.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore before winning the Butler Eagle's Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award last season after putting up 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per contest.

It's that rebounding ability that has vaulted Grenci's game to another level.

"She just explodes to the ball when rebounding," said Mars coach Tony Howard. "She wants those rebounds and goes after them."

So far this season, Grenci managed 19 rebounds in a win over Woodland Hills and 10 more in beating Kittanning last week.

"Last year, I was the tallest girl on the floor for us," said Grenci. "I knew I had to go after the rebounds and it's just carried over into this year."

And the scoring is there as well. Grenci became the program's all-time leading scorer in that win over Kittanning.

Her choice to attend Siena, where she will receive a full scholarship, was an easy decision.

"I visited the campus in May and just fell in love with the school. I could really see myself going there."

"She has a good knack for the ball and is a great rebounder," said Siena head coach Gina Castelli. "She's also a versatile player, able to play inside and outside."

The Saints, who are currently 1-1 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play, will be losing key frontcourt players to graduation next spring.

That's where Grenci comes in.

"We're looking at her as a forward," Castelli added. "She is definitely a good enough player who can give us some minutes next season. Physically, if she gets a bit stronger, she could be a huge factor for us."

Castelli is in her 19th season at Siena. The Saints have managed seven 20-win seasons during her tenure and made the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history in 2001.

The stability within Siena's program is something not all colleges have.

"Basketball is Coach Castelli's passion," said Grenci. "And nobody wants to go to a program where the coaches are moving around all the time."

"Stability is an important piece for a lot of recruits," said Castelli. "Having a good staff of assistants is key and I have one."