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

Basic returns as the defending champion while Bishop Gorman is the perennial team to beat. Spring Valley, Galena and Centennial will also be in the hunt in the Nevada baseball #MaxPrepsFab5.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Kevin Askeland
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Feb 23, 2017, 4:40pm
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2017 Nevada Preseason Baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Basic (Henderson)
Head coach: Scott Baker
2016 record: 36-4

Basic posted its best season in at least 30 years last season when it won the Division I state championship. It was the first state title since 1987 and it was the fifth in school history. The team also set a school record for wins with 36. Basic begins the season as the favorite in the state thanks to the return of All-State first baseman Jack Wold.

See last season's Nevada baseball computer rankings

2. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Head coach: Gino DiMaria
2016 record: 31-6

The Gaels figure to rebound from last year's season when they won 31 games but missed out on a chance to play in the state tournament after falling to Centennial in the Sunset Region tournament. Bishop Gorman figures to have its usual power-hitting offense, led by Jorel Hingada and sophomore Austin Wells.

See the MaxPreps Nevada baseball pro photo galleries

3. Centennial (Las Vegas)
Head coach: Charles Cerrone
2016 record: 29-11
Graphic by Ryan Escobar
Centennial knocked off Bishop Gorman in the Sunset Region playoffs and reached the Division I finals before falling to Basic. Kyle Horton returns from that team after earning All-State honors and batting .405 as an outfielder. Hayden Rosenkrantz, the team's top pitcher, also returns after going 7-2 as a junior.

See last season's MaxPreps Nevada baseball playoff brackets

4. Spring Valley (Las Vegas)
Head coach: Paul Bassett
2016 record: 21-9

Spring Valley should be solid in the field and on the mound this year with a couple of All-State players returning. Nick Rupp, a first team pick at pitcher, returns on the mound after going 8-1 with a 0.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Bryce Bullock leads the defense at shortstop, where he batted .457 with 17 RBIs.

See last season's MaxPreps Nevada baseball stat leaders

5. Galena (Reno)
Head coach: Beau Walker
2016 record: 28-9-1

Galena advanced to the state tournament before falling to eventual champion Basic. Galena should be the top team from the north again this year with the return of Tommy Lichty, a first team All-State second baseman who batted .424 with five home runs and 34 RBIs. All-North Region selection Austin Wickham returns at first base.

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