Stella Ziogas Propels Squad to Team Lightning’s AAU Victory Over IGB

Earlier today in Game One action, Team Lightning Melious took on IGB, and Stella Ziogas (New Rochelle/N.Y.), in one of her last AAU tilts of her career, took upon herself, like she has so many times before, to make a difference.

To that end, Ziogas drained an impressive 33 points in the team’s 71-63 triumph at the Under Armour Girl’s Final in Lancaster, Pa.

Additionally, a pair of 2027s — Zoey Henry (West York High School/Pa.) and Emily Salafia (St Joseph by-the-Sea/Staten Island, N.Y.)  — chipped in with 15 points apiece, while rising sophomore Hope Ziogas added her ball handling skills, superb court vision, and top-notch defensive skills to help lock down the win.

Lightning head coach Dan Melious gave his star player her due, deservedly so. He went on to say that she will be a top rookie in Siena University Women’s conference in the 2026-27 season.

“As a team, we go as Stella Ziogas goes, and it’s been that way,” Melious explained of Stella’s hoop’s abilities. “She’s the heart of the team. I adore her and her effort every game all season. She’s been the leader of the program (the) last two years. She doesn’t run from competition; she’s a warrior. I coached Stella for four years, and she has gotten better every year. She will be an all-rookie player in the MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference).”

As for the Lightning’s future, Melious said it is in good, capable hands.

“I’m so proud of Zoey (Henry), Lauren Leon, Hope Ziogas, and Emily Salafia, (they) are the future,” he said.

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Photo: Dan Melious.