The inaugural Upshot League season culminated in a thrilling finale as the Charlotte Crown clinched the championship, edging the Jacksonville Waves 81-76 in a tightly contested game.
Lele Grissett, a former South Carolina standout, came off the bench to deliver five points and seven rebounds, a performance that helped the Crown erase a late deficit and secure the victory.
A Bench Spark that Changed the Game
Grissett’s energy from the second unit proved pivotal, providing the spark that shifted momentum in Charlotte’s favor during the fourth quarter.
The Crown finished the regular season with a 23-5 record, placing second in the league standings but earning the top seed for the playoffs, a testament to their resilience and depth.
MVP Honors for Deja Kelly
Deja Kelly was crowned MVP after exploding for 29 points, underscoring the league’s growing talent pool and the competitive balance among teams.
Grissett’s collegiate career at South Carolina spanned 2017 to 2022, during which she was part of a national championship squad in 2022 and amassed 9.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in the Upshot League.
Acknowledged as the Gamecocks’ all‑time leader in games played, she now ranks third in career appearances, a milestone that highlights her durability and consistency.
The Upshot League, designed as a developmental platform for aspiring WNBA players, continues to expand its footprint, with plans to add Baltimore and Nashville for the upcoming season, signaling a bright future for women’s professional basketball in the Southeast.