MaxPreps 2013-14 Georgia preseason girls basketball Fab 5

Click here to see the girls basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state

1. McEachern (Powder Springs)
2012-13 record: 18-12
Head coach: Phyllis Arthur

So how can an 18-12 team be the preseason favorite in Georgia, which has been loaded with elite teams and elite talent in recent years? And, on top of that, a team that has only two returning starters? First, one of those starters is 5-foot-8 junior Te'a Cooper, one of the top point guards in the nation regardless of year. Second, Taylor Gordon was ineligible last year due to transfer rules, but has committed to Wake Forest. Third, coach Phyllis Arthur has lots of size and depth to go with Cooper and Gordon, and all of that adds up to a team that isn’t going to lose 12 games this year.

2. Parkview (Lilburn)
2012-13 record: 29-1
Head coach: Kirk Call

Genesis Perrymond and Victoria Harris will lead the Panthers, who don’t rely on stars as much as depth. It doesn’t hurt, though, that Harris is 6-3, but what does hurt is Parkview’s unambitious schedule. The Panthers don’t play anywhere near the level of competition that the other top Georgia teams do, and that could be part of the reason they’ve been unable to translate regular season success into a state title.

3. Southwest DeKalb (Decatur)
2012-13 record: 24-8, Class AAAAA state champions
Head coach: Kathleen Richey Walton

Juniors Tynice Martin and Davion Wingate will spark Southwest DeKalb, and while Martin scores and rebounds, Wingate offers floor leadership. The Panthers weren’t as consistent as some of the other top teams, but if they raise that part of their game, they’ll be right there with the AAAAAA powers.

4. St. Pius X Catholic (Atlanta)
2012-13 record: 30-3, Class AAA state champions
Head coach: Kyle Snipes

Two words: Asia Durr. The 5-9 junior is one of the best players in the country, and she and senior Jasmine Carter are a one-two punch that very few schools of any size can match. Sure, St. Pius X is a small school, but only five girls can play at one time – and if two of them are Durr and Carter, good things are going to happen.

5. Tucker
2012-13 record: 23-5
Head coach: Robin Potter

Senior post Erykah Davenport (6-2) is the anchor for the Tigers, who also feature backcourt twins Nuba Jackson and Naima Jackson. The Tigers played a tough schedule last year, and their trip to the Elite Eight should have them prepared for a deeper postseason run this time around.