Liberty’s girls’ basketball team got its first taste of competition this summer under new head coach Andy Wescoe at the A-Town Throwdown during SportsFest July 13-16 at Cedar Beach in Allentown.

“We didn’t do any tournaments or summer leagues [until SportsFest]. I felt it would be unfair because I wouldn’t know who to appoint on a roster,” Wescoe said. “I wanted them to get to know me, so I thought it would be more beneficial to work in the gym.”

Once Wescoe was approved by the school board in spring, he met with current and interested players.

“I’ve always had a love for coaching and was once in high school coaching at Parkland, but for family and professional reasons, I stepped away,” he said. “It wasn’t until recently with my schedule {that I could coach again], and there was an opening. I have a strong desire to see the program succeed.”

Wescoe then conducted some skills and drills workouts in the weeks leading up to SportsFest.

“I wanted to do something that allows them to play in the public eye,” said Wescoe.

Jason Vajda, Mike Atkinson, and Jack Huber are Wescoe’s assistant coaches.

“I hope I can provide leadership, stability, and right now, it’s hard to say that because of AAU, so we don’t get together on a regular basis,” Wescoe said. “I’m looking forward to trying to grow the girls and to success down the road. It’s a lot to build towards. Not a lot are coming back, and they haven’t played together for a long time.”