She knew it a foregone conclusion.

But Gabby DeVita just needed a little bit more time for her number one fan to get there to see it.

Last month, just a week before Christmas, the Emmaus senior celebrated the upcoming holiday by netting career point 1,000.

She achieved the milestone in the second quarter of a 63-44 victory over Dieruff in Eastern Pennsylvania Conference action inside Emmaus’ home gym.

She is one of just 12 players to reach the plateau.

“It felt amazing,” said DeVita. “All of the time, sweat and tears put into this sport had finally felt like it had paid off. And to be able to do it under great coaches like [head coach] Avon Mack and his staff had truly never been more of a blessing.”

She was within three points of 1,000 in the second quarter, but she didn’t want to score too quickly. That’s because her mom hadn’t gotten into the gym yet. But when she got there, DeVita received word from her coach to go for it. A pass from Sierra Stevens led to the 3-pointer.

“I was actually waiting to get my three points because my mom hadn’t been there yet,” DeVita said. “She was racing back from my sister’s track event. And she was one person who 100 percent needed to be there so when I heard Avon yell ‘she’s back, you can get it now.’ I knew I was good to go.”

Emmaus, the defending East Penn Conference champions, are off to another good start as they sit 12-3 overall and 10-1 in the conference.

“Coming off the great season we had last year was definitely a motivator,” said DeVita. “Not just for us upperclassmen, but for the younger players who are able to see the roles they need to step into and what hard work does for a team and individual.

“Coming into this year we knew we wanted to go further than we had last year so taking it step by step and coming in with a clear mindset every day no matter what has contributed to this year’s success.”

With the 1,000-point milestone now behind her, DeVita is looking to lead her group for one last run at District 11 and PIAA state championships.

“I would say being a senior leader this year has come naturally for me, not just on the court but also off it,” DeVita said. “As a person, that’s who I am. I like to take charge and be a positive light in people’s lives and it is always my goal to be the best role model for younger players.”

DeVita and Emmaus has five more regular season games left before the postseason begins.