You can say that Liberty is the best baseball team around, but that won’t change the Hurricanes mindset moving forward.

Liberty (8-1, 6-0) stands at the top of the District 11 6A power rankings coming into the week and are one of only two East Penn Conference schools that are undefeated.

With a nonleague win over Parkland last week, the ‘Canes get a chance to test their mettle again this week when they host Emmaus (8-2, 7-1) on Wednesday afternoon.

It’ll be a matchup between two of the league’s best programs this year and head coach Andy Pitsilos understands that it’s an opportunity for his squad to prove themselves again, after dismantling Parkland 12-3 in last week’s marquee battle.

Can the ‘Canes do it again?

“The difference between this team and a year ago is the experience of our players,” Pitsilos said. “Last year, everyone was new and this year most are back and know what to expect and have been working toward those expectations and goals. Emmaus will be tough. They are a very talented team. It will be a great opportunity to play them.”

With Whitehall (4-5) and Stroudsburg (5-4) sandwiched on the bookends of this week, Liberty will have an opportunity to keep its momentum running through Easter.

On the other side of town, Freedom (2-7, 1-5) has struggled to rebound this season and face a brutal week ahead on the calendar with Northampton (7-2), Liberty, Parkland and Nazareth (4-5) on deck. With the Pates playoff lives hanging by a string, this week will be make or break on Freedom’s chances for a shot to defend their district crown from a year ago.

Bethlehem Catholic (4-4, 4-4) battled back from a four-game losing streak to win back-to-back games last week. The Hawks knocked off Nazareth 11-1 and then won 11-10 over Pocono Mountain West. The Hawks have Easton (6-2), Pleasant Valley (7-2) and Notre Dame (6-2) in a tough, three-game slate this week.