Team Lightning Melious 17U Gold Secures Quarters Berth with Claire Fitzpatrick and Kyley Gary-Grayson’s Leading Performances

In its second game of the day, with Claire Fitzpatrick and Kyley Gary-Grayson each registering double-doubles, Team Lightning Melious 17U Gold edged the Midwest Wildcats, 65-62, in the second round of the Splash National Championship at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Fitzpatrick drained 19 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and made three blocks, while Gary-Grayson poured in 23 points, collected 11 boards, dished out five assists, made six steals and rejected three shots. Both were individual awesome performances worthy of praise and accolades, their head coach Dan Melious said.

Sara Landry contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, three helpers, and took two crucial charges.

Melious said that he was fortunate to able to find a player the likes of Gary-Grayson.

“Kyley Gary-Grayson is special,” Melious said. “It’s amazing the life she (has) put into this team. She has that it factor.”

As for Fitzpatrick, he said, “Claire, there is nothing left to say. I often say how many kids on my current team would play on my team with nine D-I players (which included his daughter Nicole, who will play for Seton Hall this coming season). Claire could have. She cares more about winning then herself. I love that kid.”

Stella Ziogas continues to defy her small 5-foot-6 stature and help Team Lightning through sheer effort and determination, even after feeling ill earlier in the day.

“Stella battled in that game,” Melious commented. “She came back to play. She’s gritty and played her heart out.”

But contests are not won without stellar defensive performances, provided by two key players, he noted.

“Sara Landry and Skye Pressley changed the game with serious defensive presence,” Melious said. “Skye was rebounding and containing their big, while Sara rebounded and took charges, and charges changed the game.”

With the victory, Team Lighting will square off against Team Huddle Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the quarterfinals at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

— Jerry Del Priore

Photo: Courtesy of Team Lighting Melious.