The Freedom Patriots are headed to the District XI Class 6A girls’ basketball final this Thursday after defeating Allen 56-33 on Monday night at Catasauqua High School.

“I’m super excited,” said Freedom guard Yasmine Herrera. “I can’t believe, well, I can believe, but we’re really in the championship game.”

It was a slow start for Freedom who trailed 9-7 at the end of the first quarter, but Herrera and Rachel Sanchez, who both came off the bench, sparked the Patriots with 11 points between them in the second quarter.

“I knew when I had to go in I had to do my best, give 100 percent and knock down shots. We worked the ball inside out, just like Coach [Dean Reiman] told us. I got the pass from Hailey Silfies, and knew I had to knock it down,” said Sanchez regarding her second three pointer.

Herrera also hit a three shortly after entering the game

“ I was really excited on the bench, and when I came in I knew I had to make a difference,” Herrera said. It was kind of a close game, and when I got in we were on an inbounds play. I heard Coach say, ‘Shoot it,’ so then I did. I felt confident after that.”

By halftime, Freedom had a 24-15 lead, and Allen’s Isis Russell had four fouls.

The Patriots went on an 12-0 run in the third quarter and in the process were successful in keeping Allen’s Kion Andrews to single digits.

“ We knew she wasn’t really an outside shooter, so we knew to keep it closed in and make sure to make sure she didn’t drive,” said Sanchez.

Andrews did score her 1,000th career point in the fourth quarter, however.

The Patriots lost to the Canaries twice during the regular season.

“ I think we were hungrier this time, and those two losses really pushed us,” said Herrera.

Other scorers for Freedom were Kyra Jefferson with 18 points, Jennifer Kokolus with 12 points, Hailey Silfies with eight points, Brenna Ortwein with two, and Kristina Wahba with one.

Sanchez had 12 points, and Herrera had three.

In the other Class 6A semifinal game in Monday night, Nazareth defeated Easton 50-32.

The Patriots will take on the Blue Eagles in the final this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Northampton High School.

A consolation game between Allen and Easton will be played this Thursday at 6 p.m., also at Northampton.