Career's quest for a fourth straight title-game berth finally begins Friday night.

When the No. 4 Panthers host No. 13 Hamden Friday night in the second round of the Class LL state tournament, it will be the first time the Panthers played in 13 days.

Career last played Feb. 20, losing to Branford in the SCC quarterfinals.

"It's tough," said Panthers coach Kevin Walton of the long layoff. "We had to wait almost two weeks. We just have to bring them back and get focused. We're excited to play Friday."

Friday's game will be the first time the two SCC teams played each other this season. There are some interesting sub plots when the Panthers host the Green Dragons.

Hamden senior Lianna Carrero played her freshman year at Career. Career junior guards Trinity Barnes and Nicole Bentley, along with sophomore Morgan Rams, are all transfers from Hamden.

The Green Dragons knocked off No. 20 New Britain Tuesday night with a 56-42 win. Cara Deroy led Hamden with 25 points.

The Panthers are one of nine Class LL teams that received a first-round bye.

For state tournament brackets, click here.