Draper produced her 500th career rebound last Saturday, eagerly attacking the goal, so all eyes could focus on Anstadt going for 1,000 points against visiting Mount Carmel. That story reveals a lot about two hard-working, unselfish players who both have reached rare air within a three-night span.

Anstadt became the first Hughesville girls’ player since Chelsey Holmes in 2008 to reach 1,000 career points, reaching that milestone 25 seconds into a 58-24 win against Mount Carmel. Anstadt, a four-year starting forward, is the first Hughesville player, period, to reach 1,000 points since Brian Gerney 15 years ago, so there was no avoiding the limelight this time.

“It’s good, I guess. I’m proud of myself, but it’s not about me. It’s about the team,” Anstadt said after taking a series of photos following the win, while holding balloons which counted out 1,000 alongside an army of friends and family. “She (Draper) didn’t want to have it on the same day. It doesn’t matter to me. We can celebrate whoever and whatever.”

That is quintessential Anstadt. It has never been about herself or individual achievements. It’s always been about winning and her stellar all-around performance the past four years has helped Hughesville win a lot. A year ago, the Spartans captured their first District 4 Class AAA championship and reached the state quarterfinals for the first time.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Alli Anstadt shoots over the head of Mt. Carmel's Hannah Fourspring (5) to reach her 1000th career point during their game on Tuesday.

This year, Anstadt is again excelling in all areas and Hughesville (19-2) is headed to its second straight Heartland Conference Tournament, securing the wildcard entry with Tuesday’s win. Like Draper, Anstadt produced 500 career rebounds as a junior and she continues setting an example which has helped all the underclassmen flourish this season.

Just look at last night’s performance as proof. Sophomore Maddie Smith scored a game-high 19 points, Draper grabbed seven rebounds, sophomore Kendall Hamm dealt five assists, and all the reserves played well. On a night Anstadt earned a permanent spot on Hughesville’s Wall of Fame, she still made sure it was a team effort.

“Alli is such a good leader on and off the court. Being one of our captains, she is a great role model for everybody,” Draper said. “It’s so amazing and so deserved. She worked so hard and deserves it so much.”

“Alli has worked her butt off. She’s always been one of the hardest working kids in the gym and she always has a great attitude,” Hughesville coach Dustin King said. “She’s well-respected by the kids. She’s a true leader.”

Also an excellent soccer player who helped Hughesville reach states last fall, Anstadt drew a large crowd to Tuesday night’s game. And she did not make them wait long to celebrate. Senior teammate and long-time friend Ava Snyder made the first of her five assists especially memorable, spotting Anstadt on the left elbow while lobbing an inbounds pass her way.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Kylie Temple (1) chases a loose ball during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.

Anstadt was covered well, but made a good move, turned and hit a left-handed, fadeaway jumper. Fans on both sides of the court erupted as jubilant teammates rushed toward midcourt and embraced Anstadt. Students held up signs, Anstadt received a hearty ovation … and then it was back to action. That is exactly how Anstadt wanted it, too. Celebrations can wait when there is a game to win.

“I didn’t honestly look around when it happened. I just smiled and got ready to play again,” Anstadt said. “I wanted to get it done and out of the way, so I could just relax.”

“It doesn’t happen too often, so it’s pretty special,” King said. “And hers is two points at a time because she’s not a 3-point shooter. That makes it even more impressive.”

Anstadt has helped Draper become an outstanding player over the past three seasons. It is a reciprocal relationship, too, because Draper has helped Anstadt elevate her game. Both are fierce competitors and often match up at practice. Nothing comes easy there and that not only makes both players better, but the Spartans better.

The results, especially, the past two seasons, going 42-7, drive home how important that is.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Alli Anstadt reaches her 1000th career point during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.

“We go pretty hard,” Anstadt said. “It’s a battle for sure.”

That makes it a seamless transition come game night and has benefited all the Spartans while they have navigated a challenging schedule all season. Watch Anstadt play and one sees a lot of Draper. Or vice-versa. Either way, one gets the point.

Both attack the game the same way and that competitive drive helped Draper reach 500 career rebounds in less than three seasons. The determined forward often can be seen fiercely hitting the glass and/or the floor while diving for loose balls. Her non-stop energy boosts the team, and it was evident again Tuesday as Draper pulled down five offensive boards, extending possessions, helping Hughesville score second and third-chance baskets which played a massive role in turning a close game into a rout.

“I don’t know if it’s something inside me that switches, but I get the grit that I just want to get the ball,” Draper said after also scoring nine points and dealing two assists. “That’s just kind of the way it is.”

“She is just so aggressive. A lot of times when we get fired up and go on runs, it’s Vivian who starts it,” King said. “She is a tough kid, and she has a great nose for the ball, and she works hard, so it was really cool to see her get her 500th rebound.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Alli Anstadt looks to the net around Mt Carmel's Hannah Fourspring during their home game on Tuesday.

Draper pulled down five of her seven rebounds in the third quarter and helped Hughesville land the knockout blow as it imposed the mercy rule with less than two minutes remaining there. Mount Carmel hung tough early and trailed just 18-15 early in the second quarter before Hughesville heated up and built an 18-point halftime lead.

Smith scored 10 of her 19 points in that game-changing quarter and was 4 of 5 from the field there, also finishing with seven rebounds and three steals. Point guard Kendall Hamm brilliantly ran the offense and had a hand in 10 of 12 points at one point in the second quarter, dealing three of her five assists and adding a 3-pointer.

Three nights after Draper reached an impressive milestone and on the same night Anstadt joined an exclusive club, the Spartans as a whole honored those, too, by playing with similar intensity. Hamm, Kylie Temple and Allyssa King all joined Draper and Smith as Spartans who collected at least five rebounds.

Hughesville also shared the basketball well, produced 16 assists on 21 field goals, and played tough defense, allowing just 11 points over the final three quarters. The Spartans also received strong contributions throughout the roster.

Ultimately, this was Anstadt’s night but, beyond the hugs, the way Hughesville played was the best way they could celebrate that moment. For a consummate team player, Hughesville delivered a super team performance.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's student section cheers as Alli Anstadt reaches her 1000th career point during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.

“It (1,000 points) was never a goal. I got thrown in the first game of my freshman year and it was sink or swim, basically,” Anstadt said. “After my first year one coach put a bug in my hear that I could get it. I’m glad it’s over now and we can just concentrate on winning.”

MOUNT CARMEL (24)

Anna Grace Renno 1 1-2 3, Hannah Fourspring 5 3-4 13, Tessa Fourspring 1 0-0 2, Lilly Mowery 0 0-0 0, Abby Klokis 0 1-2 1, Aubrianna Bush 2 1-1 5. Totals 9 6-9 24.

HUGHESVILLE (58)

Alli Anstadt 3 2-2 8, Maddie Smith 6 5-5 19, Ava Snyder 3 0-0 6, Vivian Draper 3 2-5 9, Kendall Hamm 1 0-0 3, Kylie Temple 3 1-1 7, Allyssa King 1 2-2 4, Anna Easton 1 0-1 2, Tori Morgan 0 0-0 0, Georgia Randall 0 0-0 0. Totals 21 12-15 58.

Mount Carmel 13 4 7 0–24

Hughesville 16 19 21 2–58

3-pointers: Hughesville 4 (Smith 2, Draper, Hamm).

Records: Hughesville 19-2.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Maddie Smith lines up a shot during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Ava Snyder (3) lines up a shot during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Vivian Draper comes up with a rebound during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Maddie Smith reaches for a shot during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Ava Snyder moves the ball under the net during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville head coach Dustin King reacts from the sidelines during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Tori Morgan (11) reaches for a rebound during their game against Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.