It was an impressive weekend for our local teams, as they kicked off the basketball season Friday night.

Freedom and Liberty both jumped out to 2-0 marks on the year, as the Patriots won the Jeff Dailey Memorial Tip-Off Classic at Notre Dame.

Freedom pulled away from Bethlehem Catholic (1-1) in Saturday’s championship contest 68-47. After trailing the Hawks 30-26 with 3:49 in the third quarter, the Patriots exploded to finish the game on a 42-17 run.

Caleb Mims finished with 19 points for Freedom, while his brother, Malek, had 15 points. David Barnes added 15 points. Both of the Mims’ brothers were named to the all-tournament team, as Caleb took home MVP honors.

The twin brother duo combined for 49 points in Friday’s 67-56 win over Pocono Mountain West, showing the Valley that Freedom should remain in the hunt all season long.

Bethlehem Catholic knocked off hosts Notre Dame-Green Pond in Friday’s opener 58-45, before dropping Saturday’s result.

Julian Thomas and Matt Stianche were also named to the all-tournament team.

The Patriots and Hawks didn’t have to wait long to see each other again, as they battled Tuesday night on the opening night of EPC action. Those results are past Press deadlines.

Becahi closes the week with another city clash Thursday at home against Liberty before Saturday’s road showdown at Dieruff.

Freedom only has two contests this week with the aforementioned rematch against Becahi and a Thursday night home tilt against Dieruff.

Liberty blew out Saucon Valley in its season opener 71-49. Will Harper led the team with 15 points and Rahmad Ali added 14 points in the win.

The Hurricanes then took care of business even more on Saturday in a 72-34 demolition over Quakertown.

Ish Gonzalez and Rondell McNeil each had 14 points for the ‘Canes.

With two easy wins out of the way, Liberty now heads into a very difficult week, with road matchups on Tuesday and Thursday against Allen and Becahi respectively. They then host Easton at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.