Todd Rose | Daily Press Gladstone’s Megan Crow (42) shoots between Manistique defenders Brooke St. John (32) and Emma Swanson (10) Thursday at Gladstone.

GLADSTONE — Senior Night for the Gladstone Braves girls’ basketball team (7-3) was a success as they defeated the Manistique Emeralds (3-7) 59-36 Thursday night in Gladstone.

However, the biggest story coming out of the night was Gladstone’s Megan Crow hitting the 1,000-point mark for her basketball career.

“I feel very fortunate and very blessed because not a lot of girls have this opportunity,” said Crow. “I’m very happy I had this opportunity and to be a part of Gladstone’s history.”

Crow’s teammates kept a countdown of her progress toward 1,000 from the beginning of the season. Coming into the night, Crow was aware she was 22 points away from hitting the mark. She finished the game with 26.

“…(My teammates) were like, ‘Meg you’re going to get it today,'” she said. “It was awesome because I had a lot of friend support, family support and support from the community which was awesome.”

Despite this knowledge, Crow stayed focussed on each shot instead of how close she was to 1,000.

“I was just shooting,” she said. “I knew if I focussed on that, I’d definitely choke.

“I want to thank my coaches and all my friends and all the community members who have helped me get to where I am today. I couldn’t be here without all of the support and love I’ve gotten from (them).”

Braves coach Andy Cretens couldn’t think of a more deserving player than Crow to achieve the accolade.

“I couldn’t be more proud of her,” Cretens said. “She’s earned every single point. I don’t think there’s anyone that has ever earned it more than she has because of the way they double and triple-team her … For her to get 1,000 points with the way she’s covered in a game is pretty incredible.

“In my book, it’s her scoring 2,000 points because she’s double and triple-teamed, and she’s still scoring those points. It’s pretty crazy.”

While Cretens had eight rebounds tallied for Crow, he said he would not be shocked if she had more than 10 to earn a double-double.

Alaina Trudeau and Claire Van Ginhoven also had solid outings for the Braves, each scoring 14 points. After a few games in a shooting slump and now down several players, the performances came at the right time, said Cretens.

“Every girl stepped up in a big way today … it changes everything when our guards knock down shots,” he said. “Alaina and Claire are going to have to really step up for us with a couple of our girls quarantined for the next 10 days.

“It was a big step forward for us today. So, we’re pretty excited for that.”

Heading into the game, Manistique knew they were in for a challenge, said Emeralds coach Jenna Bradshaw.

“We knew Gladstone was going to come out strong,” Bradshaw said. “Megan (Crow) is an amazing player. I think she’s one of those players that makes her teammates better … She moves the ball really well, and Gladstone shot really well tonight.”

Defensively, Madison Zellar made some great plays for Manistique.

“I think this year being her senior year and third year her experience has given her a little more confidence,” said Bradshaw. “She’s consistently stolen the ball … She’s great with her hands, moves her feet and her tinyness can fool you, for sure.”

Bailey Allor (15) and Brooke St. John (12) each put up double digits for the Emeralds. Bradshaw said their performances stem from putting in extra time at practice and growing self-confidence.

The game was the third in four days for Manistique.

“It’s been a long week for us,” said Bradshaw. “I’m proud of my girls for sticking through it … We’re just happy to be able to play.”

The Braves host the Escanaba Eskymos Saturday, while the Emerald — who won the JV game 38-26 — host Gwinn on Monday.

Manistique 5 7 14 10 — 36

Gladstone 12 24 18 5 — 59

Manistique — Allor 15, St. John 12, Swanson 5, Santi 2, Lund 2; F: 9; FT: 3-7; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Allor 4, St. John.

Gladstone — Crow 26, Van Ginhoven 14, Trudeau 14, Hauswirth 5; F: 12; FT: 6-5; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Trudeau 4, Van Ginhoven 2.