It took just one timeout in the first quarter for Freedom’s girls basketball team to surge ahead of Stroudsburg and maintain a double-digit lead for a 53-22 victory over the Mountaineers on Jan. 15 at Freedom.

The teams were fairly even when Freedom coach Deanna Radio called a timeout with 1:25 left.

“It was about coming to the realization that we can play better and we can perform better and just overall picking it up,” said Freedom senior Jayleece Baker.

Immediately after the timeout, Saige Carter scored, and Baker completed a 3-point play.

“Those points matter, and they add up at the end of the day, and free throws are free points to help us get there,” said Baker.

Emily Sutton’s bucket gave the Patriots a 17-6 lead at the end of the quarter that left Coach Radio wanting more.

“We talked about how we were up, but it didn’t dictate how we performed, knowing that we could perform better despite being up by a lot,” Baker said.

Sara Kokolus converted on four free throws, and Payton Besecker’s 3-pointer right before the buzzer put Freedom ahead, 26-10, at halftime.

Anna Pagano drained a 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter, and the Patriots outscored the Mountaineers, 14-4 in the final frame.

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Also last week, Liberty defeated East Stroudsburg South, 60-22.

Ava Kopetskie had a game high 21 points, and Laney Foster added 11 points for the Hurricanes.

Bethlehem Catholic defeated Pleasant Valley, 59-20.