MaxPreps 2017 Missouri preseason high school baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Jacob Weirich highlights vs. Staley
Jefferson City all-state pitcher throws against No. 3 Staley.


1. Jefferson City
Head coach: Brian Ash
2016 record: 28-7

The Jays reached the Class 5 state championship game last year and return seven starters from that club, including four players who earned All-State honors. Pitcher Jacob Weirich made the first team after going 9-1 with 81 strikeouts. Meanwhile, shortstop Grant Wood also made the first team while batting .389. Second team picks included catcher Gaven Strobel (.274 batting average) and third baseman Kade Franks (.350).

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2. Howell (St. Charles)
Head coach: Tony Perkins
2016 record: 29-11

The defending Class 5 champions will miss All-State players Jake Kostyshock and Ryan Perkins, but return All-State outfielder Kyle Grantham along with honorable mention All-State designated hitter McGwire Dean. Grantham batted .465, while Dean batted .340.

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3. Staley (Kansas City)
Head coach: David Wilson
2016 record: 31-5 Staley reached the second round of the Class 5 playoffs before falling to Lee's Summit West. The Falcons return one of the state's top pitchers in Matt Russell, who earned honorable mention All-State honors last year. Staley also has one of the state's top juniors in Rod Criss II, who earned All-State honorable mention honors in the outfield last year.

See last season's MaxPreps Missouri baseball playoff brackets

4. Aurora
Head coach: James Hoffman
2016 record: 26-5

The Houn Dawgs lost in the semifinals of the Class 4 state tournament last year. Zac Shoemaker returns after earning first team All-State honors. He's joined by junior pitcher Wyatt Sparks, who was a second team All-State selection. Aurora has one of the state's top hitters along with junior designated hitter Matt Miller.

See last season's MaxPreps Missouri baseball stat leaders

5. Lindbergh (St. Louis)
Head coach: Darin Scott
2016 record: 22-11

The Flyers reached the Class 5 semifinals, where they fell to Jefferson City. Lindbergh returns Dennis Yingling, a senior pitcher who earned All-State second team honors. The Flyers also return their top seven offensive players from last year, led by Yingling who batted .365 with four home runs.