Massapequa's Nicole Scicutella has had a memorable summer as a key member of the Long Island Lightning 11-under girls basketball team. Nicole helped her team to a third-place finish at the recent AAU nationals in Springfield, MO.

The Lightning took third place in the nation out of 60-plus teams. All teams competing in the tournament had to be qualified by winning a state or regional championship. It was the highest finish ever for a Lightning girls team. The Lightning finished ahead of last year's champion (GBL Lady Rebels from Los Angeles) and last year's third-place finisher (San Gabriel Valley).

"The amount of talent at this tournament was amazing. I've never seen teams go on runs like this," said Lightning coach Dennis Nuss. "In a matter of minutes, one team could score 10 straight points and then the other team would answer with 15 of their own. The game could change on a dime.

"I was extremely pleased with how the team played all week. They battled against 6-2 girls and some of the fastest girls in the country. They never quit, when it would have been easy to do so. The team played hard and unselfish basketball and fought to the very end. I am proud to be part of this, coaching the Long Island Lightning 11U girls team."

By placing third in the country, the Lightning automatically qualifies for next year's AAU nationals in Rochester, Minnesota.

Nicole has been a charter member of the Lightning, which finished its third season this spring with a 37-5 record, playing a large percentage of their games against older competition.

Nicole's sharp shooting, strong passing and all-out hustle have been instrumental in helping the Lightning become a successful team.