Freedom High School's girls basketball team will be returning most of its players from last year, as Coach Ron Garza begins his second season with the Patriots.

Kelly Rosette, Brenna Dosedlo, Tori McCaslin, and Ashley Husser are expected to lead the Patriots as seniors and returning players.

Juniors include Taylor Garza and Gia Erie, also returners, and Allison McCready. Tahlia Suggs is the only sophomore on the team, and freshmen, Mackenzie Herman and Jaiden Coyne, will also suit up for varsity.

"Technically, we're ahead of schedule from last year. Things are a little more normal," said Garza, who was hired in October last year.

"We're a normal-functioning high school team," he said.

The only thing plaguing the Patriots this season could be a height disadvantage.

"Our tallest girl is 5'8. We do not have a true, legitimate center," said Garza.

Last year, the Patriots could almost taste a berth in district playoffs, which they hope will come to fruition this year.

"To be in the district push with ten days left in the season ... I'm hoping," Garza said.

Garza is also hoping the Patriots will shoot the ball better, having suffered from a low shooting percentage last season.

Looking ahead, Garza said, "The tough part is that Liberty is pretty much loaded, and Beca picked up [Easton's Maggie Melhem], and they're in our division. Then there's perennially tough Central and Parkland, and Emmaus has a pretty good team that we saw over the summer."

Freedom's first game is scheduled for Dec. 7, part of the Yasso-Rothrock Tournament, when they will take on Whitehall at home.