Kyley Gary-Grayson, Emma Sollenne Lead Team Melious Lightning 17U Gold to Victory

With standout player Stella Ziogas out due to feeling under the weather, Kyley Gary-Grayson (West Orange High School/N.J.) stepped up in her absence.

The rising senior enjoyed another impressive game, scoring 16 points in Team Melious Lightning 17U Gold’s 61-49 victory over ISS JUS USS NE2K in the first round of the Splash National Championship today at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Gary-Grayson added 11 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks in the 12-point win.

“Kyley definitely stepped up with Stella being under the weather,” Lightning head coach Dan Melious said. “She handled the ball well, facilitated and played remarkable defense.

Rising senior Emma Sollenne (St. Luke’s High School/N.Y.) contributed a huge 19-point, three-rebound, two-assist performance.  

“Emma came out hitting shots and put some space between us and them,” Melious said.

Class of 2025 Claire Fitzpatrick (St. Mary’s High School/N.Y.), improving at every turn, posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three rejections.

Melious gushed over Fitpatrick’s latest performance and dedication to getting better and helping the team not miss a beat without key players in the lineup.

“Right before the half, Claire Fitzpatrick made three straight threes,” he explained. “Plus, the work she had to put in since we lost Iva (Corluka) to FIBA Croatia team. Claire is a warrior, period.”  

Team Lightning Melious faces Midwest Wildcats in the next round today at 5:00 p.m.

— Jerry Del Priore

Photo: Courtesy of Team Lightning Melious/Emma Sollene taking shot in another game.