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

Video: Championship bath
Spring Hill wins its sixth district championship in eight seasons and coach Paul Lamm takes a bath.


1. Christian Brothers (Memphis)
Head coach: Buster Kelso
2016 record: 33-9

The Purple Wave finished the 2016 season with 21 straight wins after beginning the year at 12-9. Buster Kelso's squad won the Division II Class AA state title and return one of the nation's top pitching prospects in Weston Bizzle, who earned all-metro honors from the Memphis Commercial Appeal last year.

See last season's Tennessee baseball computer rankings

2. Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville)
Head coach: Larry Nesbitt
2016 record: 31-10

The Lions reached the Class 2A state championship game last year, but fell to Spring Hill 14-4 in the final. CPA returns one of the nation's top prospects in catcher Philip Clarke, a Vanderbilt recruit who batted .402 with 10 doubles and 31 RBI last year.

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3. Siegel (Murfreesboro)
Head coach: Craig Reavis
2016 record: 33-9

Siegel won the Class AAA state championship last year and it returns four of the top players from that team, all of whom earned all-area honors. Leading the way is infielder Drew Benefield, who had five home runs and is ranked as the state's top junior prospect by Perfect Game. Also back is DH Ryker Kristinus, who belted seven home runs. John Ross Langworthy and Zac Pearson both return on the mound.

See last season's MaxPreps Tennessee baseball playoff brackets

4. Spring Hill (Columbia)
Head coach: Paul Lamm
2016 record: 33-8

The defending Class 2A state champions return six starters from last year's squad including 20 pitching wins. Gage Gillian went 9-0 last year while junior Colton Teal was 6-1. Brycen Thomas, a senior catcher, is the top returning hitter as he batted .427 with 43 RBI and five home runs last year.

See last season's MaxPreps Tennessee baseball stat leaders

5. Mount Juliet (Mt. Juliet)
Head coach: Mark Purvis
2016 record: 25-10

The Golden Bears did not advance to the state tournament, but return most of a pitching staff that won 25 games last year. The top three arms include lefty Dylan Bonds and righthanders Sean Hunley and Aaron Brown. The staff also includes junior Ethan Smith, one of the state's top-rated junior pitchers by Perfect Game.