Despite the team’s 4-8 record at this point in the year, the Lady Bulldogs have seen many underclassmen contributing to the team’s efforts this season. Although the team aims for the playoffs every season, it can be said that this is a team that is building for future years at Freedom.

Their starting line up consists of the two seniors, Deanna Drobka and Courtney Susan, with a committee of underclassmen starting alongside them. With a limited amount of upperclassmen playing basketball this year, the underclassmen seem to be getting a lot more playing time on varsity compared to other sports at Freedom. Freshmen Taylor Greene and Alexsia Barlamas have both had a substantial amount of playing time providing them experience at the varsity level that many underclassmen do not get the opportunity to receive.

“It’s difficult for the underclassmen because varsity has a much higher level of playing intensity compared to JV or middle school basketball. Everyone has a lot to learn in the transition, but these girls try really hard and are all competitive, so they make a good addition to the team,” Susan said.

Underclassmen proved themselves as an important part of the team in the first home game against New Brighton on Dec. 7. It was an exciting game, the whole crowd was anxious and cheering the Lady Bulldogs on. Greene scoring a total of 11 points in the game stood out the most, then Drobka with nine points right behind her. In the game, neither team jumped to a distinct advantage as each team only held a one or two point possession lead during the game. Despite the level of play from both teams, the game ended with a score of 43-49 in favor of the Lions.
A few days later, they faced Sto-Rox away on Dec. 10. This was a success for the Bulldogs, gaining their first winning score of 41-37. The girls started off the game rough, but were able to turn the scoreboard around during the second half.

“Although it was tough, we were proud of ourselves for making a comeback in the game,” Sophomore Bailey Prell said about the Sto-Rox game.

Jan. 11 the Bulldogs earned a 43-36 victory against South Side, this time on their home court. It was a close game during the first two quarters, but Freedom picked it up and said no more, taking a bigger lead in the game, pushing them towards a win. Once again, Guards Taylor Greene and Deanna Drobka led the team with 13 points apiece, being the top scorers of the night. Alexsia Barlamas had multiple steals of the ball off of the other team, allowing Freedom to have a larger amount of scoring opportunities.