Lightning strike with WNBA talent

The Adelaide Lightning have announced the signature of WNBA talent Shay Ciezki, pending League approval.

The 22-year-old steps into the vacancy left by Dallas Loughridge, who is headed to college, and will play a key role in the Lightning's roster rebuild.

Ciezki will make her international debut Down Under after an impressive college campaign for Indiana University. In her final season, the dynamic guard averaged 22.8 points per game and shot 50 per cent from the field, 90 per cent from the charity stripe and 40 per cent from three.

Adelaide Lightning General Manager of Basketball Tess Madgen explained just how impactful Ciezki could be in WNBL27.

“Shay has had an incredibly impressive college career and the statistics speak for themselves and highlight the level of player she is,” Madgen said.

“Achieving a 50–40–90 season is an incredibly difficult feat and reflects not only her scoring ability, but also her efficiency and overall skill set.”

Coach Aja Parham-Ammar welcomed the signing, explaining the role the 22-year-old is expected to fill.

“She’s a gritty three-level scorer, a clever and creative guard, and a relentless competitor who refuses to take a play off,” she said.

“Shay impacts the game on both ends of the floor and brings a genuine love for the game that perfectly matches the Adelaide Lightning personality.”

Ciezki joins Zitina Aokuso, Tayla Brazel, Coco Hodges, Jessica McDowell-White, Gemma Potter, Steph Talbot and Elisa Brett on the roster.