Medford High hoops star Holmes headed for the 1,000 point club

By Kathy McCabe, Globe Staff

Tania Holmes, the star point guard on Medford High's girls basketball team, tonight could join the school's elite 1,000-point club.

The senior captain needs 17 points to become the sixth player in school history -- boys and girls -- to hit the magic number.

"We're pretty sure she'll get it tonight," said Bobby Maloney, the school's athletic director. "She averages 26 points per game."

The Lady Mustangs play at home tonight at 7 against Georgetown High School. Holmes last night scored 30 points, leading her team to a 58-42 victory over arch-rival Somerville. Last week, Holmes scored a career high 37 points as the Medford girls' stunned then-unbeaten Lynn English, 52-50.

"She put on a show that night" Maloney said. "She makes everyone around her better."

And tonight, Mustang pride will be on full display at Cooper Gymnasium. Vocational high students have made a countdown sign, starting at 983, her current point total. For every point she scores, a piece of paper will be torn off, to reveal each number as she climbs toward 1,000. Classmates have also made signs, a dee-jay will be on hand to fire up the fans, and her parents plan to bring a cake.

"It's going to be a really special night," Maloney said.

If she reaches the milestone, Holmes will be the first Medford High player since Andrew White hit the mark two years ago. Others who have scored 1,000 points are Gene Bane, and Lady Mustangs Alyssa Sluz, Kristen McCormack and Denise Pachan.

The 5' 5", Holmes has drawn the interest of Division 2 colleges who hope to add her to their lineup. "A bunch of schools are interested," Maloney said. "Aside from being a great player, Tania is a super kid."

Kathy McCabe can be reached at kmccabe@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @GlobeKMcCabe.