When Freedom takes to the hardwood for its season opener on Dec. 14, it will be against city rival Bethlehem Catholic at Freedom.

It will also be under new head coach Steve Raysley, who is in the process of assessing the key attributes of each of his players with regard to what she will be expected to contribute to the team.

Some of the Patriots’ key returners for the 2021-2022 season are senior guard/forward Kailey Turpening, senior guard/forward Ciana Feliciano, junior guard Keturah Stewart, and sophomore forward Jordan MacIlroy.

“We are beginning to get together as a team,” Coach Raysley said. “Their strengths are improving day to day.”

In the offseason, the Lady Pates participated in summer league basketball and competed in the Allentown Throwdown.

“Many of them participated in our strength and conditioning program,” Raysley said.

The Patriots’ varsity roster also includes seniors Isabel Rodriguez and Natalie Stannard, junior Julia Heinemann, sophomores Alexus McNeil, Alexandra Sena, and Samaria Stewart, and freshmen Maia D’Amico and Jenna Raysley.

“Most of the girls on the team play other sports that will ultimately contribute to their overall skill sets in different ways,” said Raysley. “We will look to capitalize on our strengths and minimize the common mistakes that prevent you from competing at the end of the game.”