it's about what's under the surface

All I can say is that even from watching one quarter of the Career Magnet-Bulkeley Class LL semifinal game, there was more talent on that court than in any game played at the high school level this year. Both teams were loaded at just about every position on the court: players with very good offensive moves and even role players who can make exceptional plays.
I will say I think Career which, by the score at least, rolled pretty well over the Bulldogs, has more pure talent than New Britain, who it will face on Saturday at 5 p.m. at CCSU. But before everybody starts handing the title to the New Haven squad, keep in mind that every time somebody, or many somebodys, has counted the Hurricanes out over the last two years, they have had just enough fortitude in clutch moments to win the game.
There is certainly more to Symone Roberts than meets the eye. Her size can make you look past how lethal her speed can be on the court. And what is so often overlooked in her scoring outbursts is the fact that her defense is the best part of her game.
Same goes for Sarah Sideranko, who is streaky from the outside and doesn't have off-the-dribble scoring potential against great defenders. But she has a knack for finding the open player, and her defense, particularly combined with Roberts, can take over a game.
Add in Tyler Kimball down low, and you could make the argument that the three best defensive players on the court Saturday will all be in maroon and gold.
Furthermore, there is more to Cassandra Bell, Monika Malec and Heather O'Bright than meets the eye for sure. Malec made a very athletic play, storming downcourt and catching a rocket pass in stride for a layup, that caught my attention against Westhill. I simply didn't know she had that in her. Bell is starting to show some range from outside, which the 'Canes desperately need. (I'll say if New Britain had even one elite shooter, they'd be unstoppable. Teams simply can't focus on anybody else on the perimeter with Roberts getting into the lane. This was the role Dominique Stellmacher controlled for two years, and Bell needs to play like her as best she can.) If Bell hits like she can, the team jumps to an even higher level.
I don't know what to think for this game. Career looks awesome. New Britain has done next to nothing but win for three years. I can't begin to predict what I think will happen in this game. That depends on which team shows up and plays its best at the right time.
All I'm saying is don't believe talent alone wins games. There's far more than meets the eye, and these 'Canes have "it".