About US

WHO WE ARE

Liberty Select Basketball Association (LSBA) is the official select and feeder basketball program for the Liberty High School Boys and Girls Basketball programs. We serve youth athletes within the Liberty High School boundary area, providing a structured and development-focused environment that prepares players to compete at a high level while growing as teammates and leaders.

Our program is built on three core pillars—Community, Development, and Competition—which guide everything we do, both on and off the court.

FAQs

About Liberty Select Basketball

  • Liberty Select Basketball Association (LSBA) is a nonprofit organization that serves as the official “select” or “feeder” basketball program for the Liberty High School Boys and Girls Basketball programs. We serve youth athletes in grades 3-8 residing within the Liberty High School boundary area, providing a structured, development-focused environment where players learn the game, compete at a high level, and grow as teammates and leaders. Our program is guided by three core pillars: Community, Development, and Competition.

  • Liberty Select Basketball is a select, boundary-based youth basketball program for athletes in grades 3–8 that serves as the official feeder into Liberty High School Basketball. Put simply, “select” and “feeder” are terms used to designate programs that are exclusively available to athletes who reside within a designated high school boundary area. For example, Liberty Select players must live within the Liberty High School boundary, and Issaquah Select players must live within the Issaquah High School boundary.

    This model differentiates select programs from other youth basketball options and creates a unique opportunity for athletes to develop and compete together over multiple years within the same community.

    How Liberty Select fits within the youth basketball landscape:

    • Recreational Basketball. Recreational leagues (such as Issaquah Recreation or i9 Sports) are open to all participants, emphasize broad participation, and focus on introductory skill development. Teams are typically formed without tryouts, and competition levels can vary.

    • Select / Feeder Basketball. Select programs are boundary-based and offer a higher level of competition than recreational basketball. Liberty Select teams compete against other select programs in local leagues (e.g., Eastside Travel League and Mercer Island Peak League) and tournaments, providing structured coaching, consistent practices (typically twice per week), and competitive weekend games alongside and against peers who aspire to play in high school and beyond.

    • AAU Basketball. AAU programs are not boundary-based and allow athletes to participate regardless of where they live. These programs often emphasize tournament play and broader exposure and can be highly competitive at advanced levels.

    Liberty Select is intentionally designed to sit between recreational basketball and AAU, with a strong focus on long-term development, community connection, and preparing athletes for the Liberty High School basketball program, while still providing a competitive and challenging basketball experience.

  • Liberty Select prioritizes long-term athlete and team development over short-term results. Our focus is on building well-rounded players and people through a program that emphasizes:

    • Strong fundamentals and basketball decision-making, taught consistently across grade levels to create a shared foundation.

    • High-quality coaching that teaches the game, communicates clearly, and models positive leadership on and off the court.

    • A team-first culture grounded in effort, accountability, and respect.

    • Clear alignment with the Liberty High School basketball philosophy, expectations, and style of play.

    • A community-based approach that values families, relationships, and continuity as athletes grow together over time.

    Our goal is to help athletes improve each season, compete with confidence, and enjoy the process of getting better alongside their teammates.

  • Liberty Select operates in close partnership with the Liberty High School Boys and Girls Basketball programs. The Liberty High School Head Coaches are actively involved in LSBA leadership, regularly participating in Board discussions to ensure alignment across player development philosophy, basketball terminology, and program expectations. This collaboration helps create a consistent and seamless experience for athletes as they progress through Liberty Select and into the high school program.

Eligibility & Fit

  • Liberty Select is open to boys and girls in grades 3–8 who reside within the Liberty High School boundary area. We follow the official eligibility rules of the Eastside Travel League (ETL). To be eligible to participate, athletes must meet one of the following criteria:

    1. Residency-Based Eligibility. The athlete resides within the Liberty High School boundary area.

    2. School or District-Based Eligibility. The athlete has a parent or legal guardian who works for a school or school district that allows the child to attend school within the Liberty feeder boundary, and the athlete currently attends school within that boundary.

    If you have questions about eligibility, please contact us at info@libertyselectbasketball.com prior to tryouts.

  • Yes. Liberty Select strongly supports and encourages multi-sport participation, especially at the youth level. We believe playing multiple sports helps athletes develop overall athleticism, coordination, competitiveness, and resilience, while also reducing burnout over time.

    At the same time, athletes are expected to prioritize team commitments during the Liberty Select season. We recognize this may not be feasible for every athlete. Families with anticipated scheduling conflicts are asked to proactively communicate with LSBA coaches prior to tryouts so expectations can be discussed and aligned in advance.

Tryouts & Team Placement

  • Tryouts are typically held in mid to late September for the upcoming Fall/Winter season. Registration usually opens in July, with full details shared on the LSBA website and via email.

  • Our goal is to bring as many committed athletes into the program as possible while maintaining a high-quality experience for every team. Liberty Select typically fields one boys team and one girls team per grade level (3rd–8th). When feasible, a second team may be formed at a given grade level.

    For grades 4–8, teams are generally structured as follows:

    •  Blue Teams compete in the Eastside Travel League (ETL) and are intended for athletes ready for a higher level of competition, pace, and commitment.

    • White Teams compete in the Peak League and are more development-focused, while still offering a significantly more competitive and structured experience than recreational basketball.

    At the 3rd grade level, Liberty Select typically fields one boys and one girls team, which compete in the Mercer Island Peak League, with a focus on skill development and preparing athletes to compete in ETL beginning in 4th grade.

    Team offerings may vary by grade and gender each season.

  • Liberty Select teams typically roster 10–12 players. Roster sizes are intentionally balanced to ensure a high-quality experience for every athlete. Carrying too many players can limit opportunities for meaningful playing time, and we believe every athlete should play in every game, even though playing time may vary based on role, effort, and game context.

  • Yes. Tryouts are open for parents and members of the Liberty Basketball community to observe. We ask that spectators remain respectful of the process by refraining from coaching, directing, or engaging with players during tryouts. This helps create a positive, focused environment where athletes can perform comfortably and evaluations remain fair and consistent.

  • We understand that athletes are eager to learn the results of tryouts. Final rosters will be posted on our website within three days of tryouts concluding. Players who are offered a roster spot will also receive detailed next steps regarding registration, uniforms, and season logistics.

  • We ask that all players prioritize attending both days of tryouts. If an injury or unavoidable conflict arises, families should contact LSBA in advance so we can discuss available options on a case-by-case basis.

Season Structure & Schedule

  • The Liberty Select Basketball season typically runs from late September through mid-March and includes the following:

    • Tryouts: Mid-September

    • Practices: Begin in late September or early October (typically twice per week)

    • League Play: Early December through late February

    • Tournaments: 3-4 weekend tournaments per team (3 tournaments are included in season dues)

    • State Tournament: Washington State Basketball Championships: for qualifying teams in mid-March

    Teams typically do not practice during full school closures or weather-related cancellations.

    For specific dates and the most up-to-date information, families should refer to the Program Schedule page.

  • Liberty Select teams compete in competitive local youth basketball leagues selected to provide the best developmental and competitive experience for each team.

    • Eastside Travel League (ETL): Our most competitive 4th–8th grade teams typically compete in ETL, which offers a higher level of competition and a strong pathway aligned with select, boundary-based programs across the region.

    • Mercer Island Peak League: 3rd grade teams and second teams at other grade levels typically compete in the Peak League, which provides a development-focused environment while still offering a significantly more competitive experience than recreational basketball.

    League placement is determined by LSBA leadership based on team readiness, developmental goals, and competitive fit, with the goal of ensuring a positive and appropriate experience for every team.

  • Most teams will play approximately:

    • 12–18 league games, including playoffs

    • 12–16 weekend tournament games

    • For qualifying teams, 4 Washington State Championship games

     

    Exact totals vary by grade level, league structure, and tournament format.

  • Most tournaments include 3-4 games. The majority of tournaments are local to the greater Eastside and Puget Sound area, though occasional travel may occur depending on team goals and opportunities.

PLAYING TIME & Player EXPECTATIONS

  • At Liberty Select, our approach is that every athlete will play in every game, though playing time will vary based on a number of factors and may change from game to game. In limited circumstances—such as injury, illness, safety concerns, or disciplinary issues—an athlete’s participation in a particular game may be restricted.

    Playing time decisions are made by the coaching staff, who consider factors such as:

    • Skill development and readiness

    • Practice attendance, effort, and preparation

    • Attitude, coachability, and teamwork

    • Game matchups and in-game situations

    Coaches strive to balance individual development with team competition over the course of the season. While roles may evolve, our goal is to provide all athletes with meaningful opportunities to contribute, learn, and improve.

    If families have questions or concerns about playing time, we encourage them to first speak directly with the coach. If additional discussion is needed, families may then reach out to the LSBA Boys Director or Girls Director for further support and guidance.

  • Liberty Select supports and encourages multi-sport participation, especially at the youth level. At the same time, consistent attendance and engagement are essential for both individual growth and team development.

    Players are expected to prioritize Liberty Select commitments during the Liberty Select season, attend practices, games, and team events whenever possible, and come prepared to participate fully. When conflicts arise, families are expected to communicate proactively with coaches in advance so expectations remain clear and respectful.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT & VOLUNTEERING

  • Liberty Select is a community-based, volunteer-supported program, and parent involvement plays an important role in creating a positive experience for our athletes and families. Each family is expected to complete one volunteer shift per season. Volunteer opportunities are typically scheduled in 2–3 hour blocks and may include support roles during home games or program events.

    Volunteer sign-ups and instructions are shared via email in advance, and families are encouraged to select a shift that best fits their availability. Our goal is to share responsibility across the community, ensuring events run smoothly while keeping the focus on a positive and well-run experience for our players.

COST & LOGISTICS

  • Liberty Select is a non-profit organization, and player fees are used to help cover gym rentals, coaching and training, league and tournament fees, equipment, and general operating costs required to run a high-quality, community-based program.

    For the 2025–2026 season, Liberty Select season fees are:

    • Peak League Teams: $700

    • ETL Teams: $800

    Season fees include league play, three tournaments, and all team practices for the season. The following costs are not included in season fees and are paid separately:

    • Uniform bundle, including reversible game jersey, shorts, and shooting shirt: $152 + tax

    • Additional tournaments, including Washington State Basketball Championships (if applicable)

    • AAU membership card, if required

    • Optional program swag or spirit wear

    As a non-profit organization, LSBA strives to be transparent about costs and will communicate any additional tournament or optional expenses in advance whenever possible.

Contact and Next Steps

  • If you have unanswered questions or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out through the Contact Us page on our website or email us at info@libertyselectbasketball.com. We’re always happy to connect and help families determine whether Liberty Select is the right fit.