Adelaide star Shay Ciezki has warned the Lightning is only just getting started after Sunday’s breakthrough win over the Flyers in Melbourne.
The import guard came alive in the clutch, scoring 11 of her game high 25 points in the fourth quarter, and shooting a perfect 11/11 from the free throw line.
Ciezki repeatedly repelled every one of the Flyers’ attempts at a comeback, icing all four of her free throws in the final thirty seconds, having earlier converted a number of tough finishes at the rim to continually extend Adelaide’s lead.
“I think anytime the ball’s going through the hoop and you’re making good decisions, confidence comes with that. Getting in the gym everyday, staying together as a team, doing the things we need to do… This is going to raise my confidence.”
Ciezki isn’t the only player walking taller after the big win: Opal Zitina Aokuso finished with another double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds), Tayla Brazel continued making a number of timely buckets, while Maddy Westbeld shook off a tough start to make key contributions with the game in the balance.
Reserve Kiara Waite had her most impactful performance, with 8 points in 7 minutes, while teenager Aspen Crase scored her first WNBL points.
Post-game, Ciezki revealed the club’s tough start had only motivated team-mates to work harder across the season’s opening month, declaring the win is already a turning point for what lies ahead.
“We just had an increase of hunger for us. Starting 0-3 lit a fire under us. I think confidence comes with reps, I don't think it comes with wins and losses, it comes with the daily work we put in every day. This is only the beginning for us.”
Ciezki quickly credited the club for her success, praising team-mates and staff for a culture and professional standard that strives to be the best in the WNBL.
“I think it's the community I’m surrounded with. Coming to Adelaide, Aja and Tess have been such a backbone for this team, making sure we’re settled in, making sure we’re finding our places in Adelaide. It’s like a family.”
With momentum building, Adelaide’s focus now shifts to securing the club’s first home win of the season this Saturday against Tasmania, who handed Sydney its first loss of the season over the weekend in Launceston.
Fans can see the team back in action this Saturday, hosting the Jewels for the first time on November 7 at the State Basketball Centre.
Tip-off is 2:30pm, with tickets available through Ticketek, and available to stream through 9Now and ESPN via Disney+.
Get behind the Lightning and be a part of another exciting afternoon of basketball as the team looks to build momentum in front of its home crowd!
Photo: Clarissa Veneziani | @top_spot_sports_media
