Emma Sollenne Leads Lightning to Victory Over Team Huddle with 19 Points in Splash Hoops Quarters

Emma Sollenne (St. Luke’s High School/N.Y.) came up big with 19 points to help Team Melious Lightning 17U Gold crush Team Huddle, 58-31, the Splash National Championship NE2K League in the quarterfinal early Sunday at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Sollenne, a rising senior, added seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Team Lightning head coach Dan Melious said that Sollenne’s play helped the team gain momentum early in the game, and never looked back.

“Emma came out and carried us in the first half,” Melious explained. “She made shots, got to the basket, diving on the floor. She set the tone.”

Just like she has so many times in the tournament, Stella Ziogas (St. Luke’s High School/N.Y.), recovering from an illness, made her mark with her hardwood leadership skills and playing abilities. She poured in 13 points, dished out eight helpers, grabbed six boards and made three steals in the victory.

“Stella was back quarterbacking the team and setting them (teammates) up,” he said. “She had spring to her step again.”

Claire Fitzpatrick (St. Mary’s High School/N.Y.) contributed nine points and 14 vital rebounds.

“Claire Fitzpatrick has done what she has done all season,” Melious said.”

Not to go unnoticed, Angelika “Jelly” Quadrino (Warwick Valley High School/N.Y.) was the linchpin to the Lightning’s success, Melious noted, utilizing her high hoops acumen to get the job done, and playing for the squad, first and foremost.

“The X factory was Jelly Quadrino today,” he said. “(She) stabilized the team on both ends. She plays calm, and she always plays the right way; smart kid – plays for the team.”

Team Lightning faces FBC Bounce Nation in the semifinals today at 1:40 p.m.

— Jerry Del Priore

Photo: Courtesy of Team Lightning Melious — Emma Sollenne shooting the ball.