MORGANTON, N.C. – Freedom wouldn’t mind this feeling a few more times.

Working on their best season since a 2020 co-championship, the Patriots punched their ticket to a title game with a 70-61 victory over T.C. Roberson in their 50th Annual Foothills Marine Christmas Invitational.

Nine different players found the scoresheet for Freedom. Kobe Johnson led the way with 16 and was the catalyst for an early 11-4 run.

A 17-13 lead after one inflated to 37-25 at the break. Amare Williams dialed up three of his four three-point baskets to quickly push the lead to double figures.

Minutes into the third, Braxton King took his turn catching fire from downtown. The senior hit a three both corners to give the Patriots a 46-31 lead.

Freedom shot the ball from deep to the tune of 10 three-point baskets.

Amore Connelly put on a show in the fourth with a pair of dunks and dazzling stepback jumpers. Connelly finished with 13 while Williams added 14.

The Patriots (10-1) will host Asheville Christian on Saturday night at 8:30 PM in the tournament final.

Lorenzo Sierra’s 23-point effort led T.C. Roberson. The Rams are now 4-7 overall this season.

BOX SCORE
FRE 17-20-20-13 70
TCR 13-12-18-18 61

SCORING
FRE: Ko. Johnson 16, Williams 14, Connelly 13, King 9, Ki. Johnson 7, Ke. Davis 4, Davidson 3, Griggs 2, Ka. Davis 2
TCR: Sierra 23, Lowe 19, Mills 13, Wimbish 2, Specht-Mitchell 2, Bohanon 2