Please raise your hand if you thought Career would be the best team in New Haven this year.
I know I didn't think so. After a 10-12 season a year ago, I thought Career would be better, even a contender in the SCC Oronoque. But I never would have predicted this, an 18-1 season with West Haven left.
The top seed in the SCC tournament. The top seed in the Class M state tournament.
The nucleus of Kevin Hoff, Earl Hassel and Brandyn Benson is still there, but along with Kenny Armstead and Treyvon Moore, they have a deadly team that doesn't quit - as seen when trailing by 10 to Hillhouse on Friday.
Sweeping Hillhouse? Yes, the Panthers did, shocking the Academics right from the get-go with a sizable halftime lead back on Dec. 15, then hanging onto win.
On Friday night, Career got the lead back in the fourth quarter. It was close throughout the final quarter, coming down to the final shot - which belonged to Hassel, a running bank shot with 1.9 seconds left. Game over.
Chances are, we will see one more city matchup in the SCC final on March 2 at Quinnipiac University. But for now, Career owns the Elm City.
Now, the Panthers have to get something to show for their success. A banner, or two, is out there for the taking.
It will not be easy. That's the beauty of March Madness.