Many seniors were looking forward to their final basketball season. After COVID-19 pushed the season back, many lost hope, but they kept their heads up. Luckily, after the Pennsylvania COVID-19 restrictions were lifted on Jan. 4, the team started practicing for their first game on Jan. 12.

On Jan. 12, the Bulldogs faced off against the Aliquippa Quips. Freedom was unable to defeat the Quips, causing them to start the season off with a 0-1. They ended up scoring 47 points, while Aliquippa scored 65. Senior Paul Thompson scored the most points for Freedom with a total of 23. The Bulldogs weren’t satisfied with the game’s result and planned on working harder in their next game.

On Jan. 13, the Bulldogs faced Carlynton. Freedom lost with a score of 63-43, bringing the record to 0-2. Zane Metzger scored 16 points, and Junior Carter Slowinski followed closely behind him with 11 points. 

The Bulldogs then headed to Avonworth to play the Antelopes on Jan. 15.  Freedom ended up with a loss but still scored 32 points, whereas Avonworth scored 72. Junior Carter Huggins got nine of the points for Freedom. Their record as of Jan. 17 is 0-3. 

The next game was supposed to be on Jan. 19, but it got postponed for two weeks due to COVID-19. The team plans to play next on Jan. 22. 

“For home games, it doesn’t really affect us much because we don’t have to wear a mask to play, but for some away games we have to wear a mask to play. It makes it harder to hear things because the masks muffles people talking. The mask also makes it harder to breath, so you can’t play as long,” junior Joshua Yeck said. 

With the season starting out like this, many are worried that the rest of the season will be canceled. The team looks forward to their next practices to work more for the upcoming games. 

During home games, players do not have to wear masks while on court. However, players must wear masks in the stands and in the locker room. Each player has two tickets for their parents or guardians to come watch them. At away games, players are required to wear masks, which can cause breathing issues on the court. 

As the Bulldogs keep practicing and working hard, the team hopes that their season does not get canceled.