While Liberty’s girls basketball team may be short on height, the Hurricanes are long on success, returning key players, Emma Pukszyn, Ruby Miller, Jordan Thompson, Abby Thompson, and Ava Kopetskie to the hardwood this season.

“Can’t teach height, but we have been playing well together so far as the team who is smaller. The girls are embracing the underdog role together,” said Liberty head coach Jarrett Carnes. “Our team will challenge other teams this year by playing hard every minute together, defending well together, and rebounding the ball together. We hope by doing these things, plus putting the ball in the basket, it will help put us right back in the district championship again.”

The Hurricanes reached last year’s district final against Easton, upset Pocono Mountain West in a district semifinal, as well as Nazareth in the regular season, and were the unofficial Christmas City champions after knocking off neighboring rivals Bethlehem Catholic and Freedom.

“This year we are looking forward to grinding each day to make one another better. We have high expectations after making a run in districts last year and meeting a very good Easton team in the finals,” Coach Carnes said. “We are excited for what’s to come this year, and we know we have to lock-in every day or night and put the work in to get to where we want to be at the end of the season.”

Returning captains are Miller and Pukszyn. The team will vote for one additional captain.

“We expect the captains to lead this team by supporting each other through the highs and lows that transpire during the course of the season. We want to be there for each other and hold each other accountable,” said Carnes. “This offseason the girls worked hard in the weight room, open gyms, and a couple offseason tournaments. A lot of underclassmen got some experience at the varsity level to be prepared to work with our experienced returners to be ready for this season.”

Coach Carnes will be assisted by Jordan Young, Jena Auriemma, and Frank Frey.

“I am very thankful for all their knowledge and time they put in with this program,” Carnes said.