MaxPreps 2016-17 Maryland preseason high school girls basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

By Aaron Williams Nov 21, 2016, 5:00am

Riverdale Baptist leads the way this season, but also watch out for National Christian Academy, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Whitman and Western in the Maryland girls basketball #MaxPrepsFab5.

Video: Abby Meyers' highlight vs. BCC
See the Whitman High star in action.


2016-17 Maryland preseason high school girls basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro)
2015-16 record: 36-4
Head coach: Sam Caldwell

The Crusaders lost to Ribault in the Dick's Sporting Goods National Championship (they were seeking their third title in five years) and lost Kaila Charles and Morgan Smith to graduation. But Riverdale looks to reload with 6-foot-6 senior center Evan Beasley, point guard Chanel Belton and shooting guard Jalynn Holmes.

See the MaxPreps Maryland girls basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard



2. National Christian Academy (Fort Washington)
2015-16 record: 31-0
Head coach: Henry Anglin

National Christian is loaded with talent after winning the USA National Prep Basketball Championship last season. NCA will be led by Jaala Henry, a 6-3 forward already committed to Pitt. Henry is college-ready, has great footwork and can run in transition. She is joined by Mykea Gray, a 5-6 guard headed to the University of Miami. Gray, a true floor general, handles the offense and can score off the dribble.

See the MaxPreps Maryland girls basketball stat leaders

3. Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney)
2015-16 record: 24-7
Head coach: Tom Splaine
Graphic by Ryan Escobar
The Falcons are stacked with a trio of blue chippers returning in Cara Judkins, Breonna Mayfield and Lindsey Pulliam. Judkins, a 6-2 forward headed to Pitt, earned all WCAC honors and is a strong low-post presence who can run in transition. Mayfield, a 6-5 post, has verbally committed to Georgetown. Pulliam, who is headed to Northwestern, averaged 15 points per game and was first team All-Maryland.

See the MaxPreps Maryland girls basketball photos

4. Whitman (Bethesda)
2015-16 record: 29-3
Head coach: Pete Kenah

After leading the Vikings to their first state title in more than two decades, Abby Meyers enters her senior season having already decided to play at Princeton next season. Meyers, who burst on the scene as a freshman and has gotten better each year, leads Whitman into this season with the expectations of repeating for the 4A title. She averaged 21 points per game last season and was a first team All-Maryland pick.



See the MaxPreps Maryland girls basketball playoff brackets

5. Western (Baltimore)
2015-16 record: 24-2
Head coach: Latasha Townsend

The Doves fell to Whitman in the 4A title game last season, but look to get back to a deep postseason run behind juniors Jasmen Walton and Makayla Pickens. Walton averaged nearly 15 points for the Doves. The duo will also be helped by senior post Jadia Jackson.