Kyley Gary-Grayson’s Clutch Performance Leads Team Lightning Melious Gold NE2K to Victory Over Cheetahs

It was a game for the ages, as Team Melious Lightning Gold NE2K took the Vanier Cheetahs to overtime at The Splash Basketball Tournament after Kyley Gary-Grayson (West Orange High School/N.J.) nailed a mid-court shot to force the extra period.

In overtime, the Lightning put away the Cheetahs for the thrilling victory in Pool D action today at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.  

Lightning head coach Dan Melious credited the win to their toughness and determination, not to mention Gary-Grasson’s clutch performance during crunch time.

“They showed resilience at the end, down 11 (points) with 1:33 left. We got key stops and timely baskets,” Melious said. “Gary-Grayson had about seven of her points during that stretch.”  

Gary-Grayson posted a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds while making five steals in the dramatic win.

Additionally, Claire Fitzpatrick, who attends St. Mary’s High School (N.Y.) and holds offers from Division II Pace University and National Assocation Intercollegiate Assocation (NAIA) Coastal Georgia, drained 17 points, collected 10 boards and dished out three assists. 

“Fitzpatrick was huge all game, keeping us in the game with the three-ball, getting to the line and (her) toughness,” he said.   

The dynamic Stella Ziogas contributed 11 points, eight helpers, five steals and six rebounds, while Skye Cameron-Pressley scored five points and grabbed 11 boards.

“Once again, Skye Pressley came off the bench and had another strong performance,” Melious added.

But a victory does not happen without some solid defense, he noted, which came in the form of two gifted players.

“Emma Sollenne (St. Luke’s High School in N.Y.) played great defense, and was all over the court,” Melious explained. “Once again, Ziogas had about two-three steals, plus key rebounds in that last run.”

— Jerry Del Priore