MaxPreps 2015-16 Indiana preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Lawrence North (Indianapolis)
Head coach: Jack Keefer
2014-15 record: 19-6

The Wildcats may be getting ready to start a reign of terror which netted them a record-tying three consecutive state titles from 2004-06. Jack Keefer, who started the program and has four overall championships, returns four starters and has a young but deep and very talented team. Kevin Easley Jr., a 6-foot-7, 215-pound sophomore, was the leading rebounder (10.4) and No. 2 scorer (11.6) as a freshman. Another sophomore, 5-9 Antwaan Cushingberry, averaged 7.3 points, 5.0 steals and 4.0 assists and is a superb point guard. Seniors who started last year are 6-0 Jasylen McKay and 6-7 Wesley Bender. Warren Central (Indianapolis) transfer Djiman Henson, a 6-4 senior, averaged 17.6 points and 6.0 rebounds and was a Junior All-Star. Dexter Shouse (6-3) could be the No. 1 freshman in the state. Keefer is 663-269 in 39 years at the school.

See last season's Indiana boys basketball computer rankings

2. Southport (Indianapolis)
Head coach: Kyle Simpson
2014-15 record: 23-3



Three starters return, led by 6-10 Mr. Basketball candidate Joey Brunk, who averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds as a junior. A three-year starter, Brunk was a Junior All-Star and has committed to Butler University. Coach Kyle Simpson calls him the "bedrock of our team." Another key returnee is 6-3 junior Paul Scruggs, who averaged 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists and is making a key transition from shooting guard to the point. The third returning starter is 6-4 senior Eli Walton, who is a four-year starter and the Cardinals' best defender. Transfer Sergiey Slaughter, a 6-7 junior, averaged 17 points and 8.0 rebounds last year at Triton Central (Fairland). 

See Indiana boys basketball pro photo galleries

3. North Central (Indianapolis)
Head coach: Doug Mitchell
2014-15 record: 16-6

The Panthers will count heavily on the state's premier junior, 6-8, 200-pound Kris Wilkes, who averaged 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds last year. Veteran coach Doug Mitchell calls the versatile wingman "a Kevin Durant type player." Junior Mateo Rivera (6-1) is a superb point guard who averaged 4.9 points and 2.0 assists last season and should multiply those numbers this year. Seniors Antonio Singleton (6-5) and Tyrie Johnson (6-3) averaged 8.2 points and 6.4 points, respectively. Other key returnees on a very deep team include 6-6 junior Emmanuel Little, 6-3 senior Will Deane, 6-4 senior James Gates and 6-0 senior Delvon Hunt.

See last season's Indiana boys basketball playoff brackets

4. Pike (Indianapolis)
Head coach: Bill Zych
2014-15 record: 18-9



The Red Devils return four starters and probably have one of the state's best shooting teams. Senior Justin Thomas (5-11) and junior Justin Roberts (6-0) lead a dynamic back court. Thomas averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 assists and 2.8 steals, while Roberts averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Both are three-year starters. Derek Hawthrone, a 6-3 senior and the starting football quarterback, averaged 8.7 points and 3.2 rebounds. Senior Durante Lee, sophomore Darian Porch, junior Isiah James and freshman Brandon Vernon, all 6-5, should carry the rebound burden. Vernon played on teams that were unbeaten in sixth, seventh and eighth grade.

See last season's Indiana boys basketball stat leaders

5. East Chicago Central
Head coach: Pete Trgovich
2014-15 record: 21-5

The big news in East Chicago is that Pete Trgovich is back as head coach. He led the Cardinals to the Class 4A state title with a 23-3 record during the 2006-07 season. After his only year at the helm, the former UCLA star left to coach his son in college and watch his daughter play college tennis. He inherits four starters, paced by 6-5 senior Damien Jefferson, who averaged 24 points and 9.0 rebounds. A Junior All-Star, Jefferson has committed to the University of New Mexico. Other returning starters are 6-3 junior Jermaine Cousinard, who averaged 17 points, 6-2 junior Keishawn Lewis and 6-3 senior Charlie Cleveland. Johnnie Jones is a 6-10 shot blocker, but is listed at just 170 pounds.