Basketball Recap: Maysa Bilal's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Patriot over Freedom

Patriot was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their seventh straight defeat. They lost 61-36 to the Freedom Eagles. The Pioneers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Eagles apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in December of 2019.

Several Pioneers players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Maysa Bilal, who went 6 of 12 en route to 15 points and four steals. What's more, Bilal also racked up four boards, the most she's had since back in December of 2023. Cheyenne Sweeney was another key player, putting up nine points.

Freedom's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Savannah Price led the charge by going 9 for 19 on her way to 23 points along with six rebounds and five steals. Price continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Keilana Johnson, who went 6 of 13 en route to 17 points and four steals.

Patriot's defeat dropped their record down to 2-9. As for Freedom, they now have a winning record of 7-6.

Patriot wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 64-40 loss against Gainesville on the 14th. Freedom has also already played their next contest, a 65-19 win against Gar-Field on the 16th.