Living in a household with two older brothers, Marian girls basketball standout Carly Minchhoff had to battle to hold her own on the court growing up.

There’s no doubt that her battles on the asphalt throughout her childhood with her brothers Matt and Michael not only helped Minchhoff develop her game, but it also inspired her to continue to work and hone her craft.

The result of Minchhoff’s dedication has now cemented her in the Marian record books forever, as the Fillies’ most recent 1,000-point scorer, and the 22nd player in program history to surpass that mark.

Minchhoff accomplished the milestone on Jan. 22 in a 58-46 victory over Schuylkill Haven.

“I started playing basketball in the third grade and I always loved it,” said Minchhoff. “There is this court right by Heisler’s Dairy Bar, it’s a blue court that I have always played on. It was always hard going up against my brothers. I mean they’re 6-5 and 6-3, so you can imagine it wasn’t easy.

“But I have always loved the game. What I really like is that there are four quarters. You could be cold and not hitting shots in one quarter, but then you get to collect yourself and start over and you could get hot in another quarter.”

Minchhoff was a genuine blue-collar player for the blue and gold in her career. She brought a “lunch pail” type effort day-in and day-out, which was made apparent by her improvements each season.

Minchhoff was able to increase both her points per game (ppg,) and rebounds per game (rpg.) each year. She averaged 8.8 points and around four rebounds per game in her freshman season and upped those totals to 9.5 ppg. and 6.5 rpg. in her sophomore season and 12.4 ppg. and 6.7 rpg. in her junior campaign. This season, Minchhoff has put together career highs in multiple categories. She’s averaging 14.9 ppg,, 6.9 rpg, and has hit 38 three-pointers.

Minchhoff’s 1,000-point moment also had a little style and flare mixed into it. In the second quarter - with Minchhoff needing three points to hit the 1,000-point mark - the Marian defense was able to come away with a steal. Marian head coach Damian Fritz called a quick 30-second timeout to draw up a play for Minchhoff to get a good look from beyond the arc. The Fillies executed the play to perfection, with Minchhoff receiving the ball just to the left of the top of the key, and knocking down the triple to create the special moment.

“That was really an awesome feeling when everyone ran out on the floor to celebrate that moment. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but it was definitely awesome,” said Minchhoff. “Also, with it happening after coach drew up that play. I had to knock that one down.”

“I’m very proud of Carly and what she has accomplished. She works so hard in the offseason on her game, and she’s been a great leader for us on and off the floor,” said Fritz. “The moment she scored that 1,000th point was very special. I’m just so happy she could enjoy that moment with her family, teammates and friends.

“She’s just a very unselfish player. I actually wish she would take more shots. But she is just a true team player. She knows when one of her teammates needs to get going offensively and she will get them the ball. That’s also the true mark of a leader.”

Minchhoff is certainly proud of her individual success, but it’s the team’s success that has been the most rewarding. Marian is a combined 65-12 over the past three seasons. The Fillies have won both back-to-back Schuylkill League Division 3 and District 11 championships. This year’s Marian squad is trying to win three consecutive district titles – a feat that was accomplished just one other time in Fillies’ storied history – that coming during the 1979, 1980 and 1981 seasons.

“Scoring 1,000 points was something I was never really worried about, it kind of just came. But it feels great,” said Minchhoff. “Scoring that many points is great, but winning two district championships means way more to me. To accomplish that with my teammates has been the most fun and rewarding part of it.”