Basketball Recap: Freedom Comes Up Short

Freedom lost against Watauga back in February of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Wednesday. The Freedom Patriots came up short against the Watauga Pioneers, falling 83-63. While losing is never fun, the Patriots can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 112th, while the Pioneers are ranked 19th).

It was another big night for Kate Sears, who shot 5-for-8 from long range and dropped a triple-double on 43 points, 21 boards, and 15 assists for Watauga. Sears' evening made it three games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Blair Haines, who went 7 for 13 from beyond the arc on her way to 23 points.

Patriots

Previous 5 Games

01/22/25 @ Watauga	63-83
01/17/25 vs Ashe County	51-46
01/14/25 vs South Caldwell	55-49
01/09/25 @ Hibriten	47-45
12/28/24 vs North Wilkes	45-59

With the defeat, Freedom broke their three-game winning streak and moved their record to 10-7. As for Watauga, they pushed their record up to 11-4 with the victory, which was their third straight at home.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Freedom will head out to challenge Alexander Central at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Alexander Central is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 52.8 points per game this season. As for Watauga, they are taking a road trip to take on Ashe County at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Watauga has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.