It hasn’t been a benchmark season for Freedom’s basketball team, but that doesn’t mean the Patriots have waived the white flag down the stretch.

The Pates (6-12) have won two straight games heading into this week, registering victories over Southern Lehigh and Easton in back-to-back fashion.

It’s been a rough go for the team, who was in the midst of a five-game skid before getting back on track last week and head coach Joe Stellato understands it’s been a mix of things this year that’s led to a down year.

“Our biggest struggles have been lack of experience, shooting percentage behind the arc and not getting to the foul line,” said Stellato. “That’s not a good mix.”

One player that has been a bright spot for the team all season has been Nathaniel Sletvold, who scored 18 points in the 69-63 win over Solehi and 13 points in the 51-48 win over Easton to lead the team both nights.

With three games on the slate this week against Bethlehem Catholic (5-13), Stroudsburg (11-7) and Liberty (13-5) the season is nearing its conclusion and the playoffs won’t be in Freedom’s picture, but that hasn’t changed the team’s approach.

“The message moving forward is to build for the future while honoring the seniors for the hard work they have put in,” Stellato said. “I want these guys to work together to assure the program’s future success.”

Bethlehem Catholic has also struggled to find footing this season, but the Hawks have won two of their last three including an upset 58-51 win over Nazareth. Darius McNair and Jack Rushe each scored 14 points in the win over the playoff bound Blue Eagles.

Becahi has a chance to end with positive momentum with games against Freedom, Pleasant Valley (6-12) and Dieruff (8-10).

Liberty is the only city team that will be making a run in the postseason, as the Hurricanes have clinched a district berth and are battling for EPC seeding.

The Hurricanes lost an overtime showdown to Parkland 50-45 last week in a marquee showdown of league contenders. Blake Hargrove led the team in scoring with 21 points, as they look ahead to this week’s slate of games against Easton, Freedom and East Stroudsburg South (8-10).

Liberty (13-5, 9-3) came into the week seeded fifth in the conference playoff standings and are a 1.5 games behind getting up to the second seed.

Currently, the undefeated Trojans (15-3, 14-0) lead the conference, followed by Pocono Mountain West (16-3, 11-2), Emmaus (15-3, 11-2), Central Catholic (15-4, 10-3).