The Lehigh Valley Summer League will take a break this week to continue one of summer basketball staples in the area with the Bash at the Beach slated from July 13-16 at Cedar Beach in Allentown.

Liberty and Freedom are the two local entrants in this year’s 24-team, double-elimination tournament in the large school bracket.

The Patriots are known to up the ante during this weekend of play, making deep runs in the tournament over the years and head coach Joe Stellato expects that same mentality when his team opens up play on Thursday against Dieruff at 7 p.m.

“We put more importance on this weekend tournament than we do with summer league games,” Stellato said. “During summer league, we are always missing guys because of vacations or family events. This tournament for us always is a good way of determining what kind of season we are going to have. This is also really fun for the kids to play in front of bigger crowds with great energy. I have been involved with this tournament since my playing days and it never disappoints. We have won it in the past and have had some good runs, deep into Sunday. Always a good bonding experience for the team. We are looking forward to it.”

Liberty opens up tournament play on Thursday against Allen at 5 p.m. at the top of the bracket. The Hurricanes are coming off a strong summer league, where they advanced to the playoffs and hope they can make a deep push this weekend as well.

“We’re excited for our guys to compete this weekend,” said Liberty head coach Nigel Long. “We are looking to keep getting better this summer, especially on the defensive end.”

If Liberty defeats Allen, they would play Emmaus on Friday at 6 p.m.

A Freedom win over Dieruff pits them against Parkland at 6 p.m. Friday as well.