As the Bulldogs approach the second half of their season, they are looking to get a playoff spot. With a 5-8 record so far, they still believe it is achievable. The team beat the South Side Rams, Shenango Wildcats, Quaker Valley Quakers and Sewickley Academy Panthers so far this season. Coach John Kaercher knew that Rochester and Aliquippa were going to be the hardest matchups for the team. In each of these games, the Bulldogs never lost hope and fought hard which resulted in close scores to end both games.
“I feel pretty good about the season so far, we just need to work a little harder in practice. I am very glad to be back on the court playing with my friends,” junior Annabelle Komlos said.
The team had a match up against the Rochester Rams on Jan. 4. The team went into this game with their spirits high and the desire to win. The girls put forth their best effort, but ultimately fell short with a score of 43-36. The team had a game the following Tuesday on Jan. 9 against the Avonworth Antelopes. The team suffered another unfortunate loss with a score of 53-42.
The Freedom Bulldogs Girls Basketball Team had the matchup of the season on Jan. 11, where they played the Aliquippa Quips. The stands were packed and the spirits were high as the team warmed up for this anticipated matchup. Starting out the game, the Bulldogs dominated the court ending the first quarter with a score of 14-5. By halftime, the score was 20-7 with the Bulldogs leading the game. The Qupis crawled back in the second half and after a buzzer beater at the end of the fourth quarter, the score was tied 40-40. After only five minutes of rest, overtime began. The Quips were able to score seven points and the Bulldogs only managed 5. The final buzzer sounded as the scoreboard read 47-45 Quips, the team used this loss and worked harder during practice. The opportunity to be section champs is no longer possible, but the team strives to still make the playoffs. The Bulldogs had a matchup against the New Brighton Lions on Jan. 15. The team used this game to work on communication and teamwork on the court. The Bulldogs swept the Lions with a score of 67-10 after working hard to achieve this win.
“I think we do have a shot in the playoffs this year because I feel like we can finish strong with the second half of our season,” junior Olivia Henderson said.