MaxPreps 2013-14 Maryland preseason boys basketball Fab 5

Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state

1. DeMatha (Hyattsville)
Head coach: Mike Jones
2012-13 finish: 14-16, lost in the WCAC quarterfinals

The Stags had 11 games decided in the last 30 seconds and lost nine of them for a team that started two freshmen and two sophomores. Three starters return: Terrell Allen (6-2, Jr., G), Joe Hampton (6-7, So., F) and Wagner commit Corey Henson (6-2, Sr, G). The newcomer is D.J. Harvey (6-6, Fr., F) and Brock Ruble (6-10, Sr., C), a major football recruit, will need a month to find his basketball legs. Alani Moore (5-10, So., G) had some starts last year and watch for Jaelin Grant (6-7, Jr., F), whose older brothers play at Notre Dame and Syracuse. “We are still are very young, but our youth is experienced,” Stags coach Mike Jones said. “A lot of the young guys got a lot of playing time and they took their lumps last year. Our schedule is going to be crazy, but we’re ready to accept the challenges.”
 
2. Montrose Christian (Rockville)
Head coach: Bryan Bartley
2012-13 finish: 19-5, lost to Findlay Prep in ESPN National High School Invitational quarterfinals
 
Allonzo Trier (6-4, Jr., G), Patrick McCaw (6-6, Sr., F), Raymond Doby (6-7, Sr., F) and Justice Bartley (6-5, Sr., F) coach Bryan Bartley’s son, are the top players back. Jarrell Brantley (6-7, Sr., F) and AJ Cabbagestalk (5-11, Sr., G) will play major roles. “I think the key is chemistry and our better basketball will come in the second half of the season because we’re going to come together early,” coach Bartley said. “We want to do better than what we’ve done in the past. Our schedule is tough, tougher than what they’ve had the last five or six years.”
 
3. Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro)
Head coach: Louis Wilson
2012-13 finish: 26-10, Capital Beltway Athletic Association champions
 
The Crusaders return Louisville-bound Chinanu Onuaku (6-10, Sr., C), who averaged 9.6 points per game, 11 rebounds per game and six blocks per game, and he’ll be joined by Taron Oliver (6-9, Jr., F), who transferred in from Montrose Christian and Alexander Long (6-8, Sr., F) - which could be the largest front court in the country. Making up the backcourt will be JeDon Young (6-2, Jr., G), who averaged 22 ppg and is a transfer in from Evangel Christian (Va.), Devin Steele (5-8, Sr. G) will be in the running for the point with Kenneth Wormley (6-3, Jr., G). John Hightower (6-3, Sr., G) can add instant offense, along with Aproni Jones (6-3, Sr., G), a transfer from Wilson (Washington, D.C.) and Eton Thomas (6-2, Sr., G). “This year’s team is a little different than last year’s team,” coach Wilson said. “You can’t focus on one scorer. Our offensive attack can score from anywhere. We’re deep and we’re ready with one of the toughest schedules in the country.” The Crusaders will play St. Anthony’s (Jersey City, N.J.) in the Primetime Shootout on Feb. 8.
 
4. Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore)
Head coach: Pat Clatchey
2012-13 finish: 31-8, won Baltimore Catholic League Tournament
 
The Gaels return three starters: Villanova-bound Phil Booth (6-4, Sr., G), Jacksonville commit Jaylen Adams (6-0, Sr., G) and Kyle Doran (6-5, Sr., F). Towson signee Jordan McNeil (6-5, Sr., G) and Doc Barnes (6-5, So., G) will also start. Graham Seering (6-7, Sr., F) is an inside presence and Zander Wear (6-11, Sr., C) who’s made considerable improvement since last year. Randy Miller (6-2, So., G) is an energy player who could be a mid-major recruit by the time he graduates. “I think we have a chance to be highly competitive and have a successful season,” said Pat Clatchey, whose team will be playing in a new $18 million facility called the Smith Center.
 
5. St. James
Head coach: Dan Prete
2012-13 finish: 13-15, reached the MAC finals

Prete comes to St. James after 12 years on the Montrose Christian staff. This team is largely an unknown, but has an awful lot of firepower in its top five: George Mason commit Therence Mayimba (6-7, Sr., F), Temple-bound Obi Enechionyia (6-9, Sr., F), Justin Robinson (6-1, Jr., G), A.J. Carr (6-6, Sr., F) and Craig Le Cense (6-6, So., G). “My expectations are to do well in the MAC conference and get some of these kids better and get ready for conference play,” Prete said. “We’re going to try and mix in new pieces with old pieces and get some chemistry going.”