Kennedy Smith is the ideal blend of skill and will at USC

If USC women's basketball is going to make the Final Four, Kennedy Smith will be a central part of the formula for the Trojans. In a new piece at her new Substack website, USC women's basketball analyst Cece Clay offers a deeper look at the freshman who has been a source of fresh air -- and fresh energy -- for the Women of Troy this season:

"Basketball is a game of heart, hustle, and grit—qualities that define Kennedy Smith. Before she was making a name for herself as a freshman force at USC, before she was locking down opponents and putting up numbers worthy of national recognition, she was just a kid from Chino, California—a town where, at any time of day, you can step outside and take in the fresh scent of cow manure wafting through the air.

"Growing up in a place better known for dairy farms than Division I talent, Smith developed a toughness that would serve her well on the court. Maybe it was those early morning workouts infused with the unmistakable aroma of livestock that built her resilience. Or maybe it was simply in her nature—relentless, fearless, and destined for something bigger. No matter the reason, Kennedy Smith deserves her flowers. She’s dominated at every level, and if her freshman season at USC is any indication, she’s only getting started."

There is no question that Kennedy Smith's toughness is what makes her so important to this USC team. Is she immensely skilled? Yes, and the Trojans wouldn't get that far based solely on her grit. The talent Smith brings to the court is substantial. However, the essence of Kennedy Smith is that she represents a blend of skill and will. The two together make her such a potent force for this team.

USC will need that marriage of quality and ruggedness, production and passion, in the coming weeks.