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

1. Hopkins (Minnetonka)
Head coach: Brian Cosgriff
2014-15 record: 30-1, Class 4A state champions

Hopkins has won four of the last five Class 4A state championships. With three starters back from last season, why wouldn't the Royals be tops on our list? Nia Hollie leads the charge. The senior wing was phenomenal a season ago and is rated No. 73 in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. The Michigan State commit averaged 15.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Hampton recruit Ashley Bates was second on the team in scoring at 14.2 points and also grabbed 4.4 rebounds. The third starter, Dee-Dee Winston, chipped in 5.1 points per game last season. Key contributors Evelyn Knox (6.4 points) and Liz Bulver (6.0 points) were big off the bench last season.

See last season's Minnesota girls basketball computer rankings



2. Minnetonka
Head coach: Leah Dasovich
2014-15 record: 23-6

The Skippers have back seven of their top eight scorers and also added one of the best sophomores in the country. Christianna Carr – daughter of Chris Carr, who played eight years in the NBA – is ranked by No. 5 by ESPN in the Class of 2018; she transferred in from rival Eden Prairie. Minnetonka returns its top scorer Courtney Fredrickson. As a junior, the Wisconsin commit poured in 16 points and eight rebounds per game. Other seniors Hannah Hedstrom (10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists), Lizzie Odegard (8 points, 8 rebounds) and Laura Hamilton (4 points, 2 assists) all started last year. Kayla Mershon is another prized recruit in the Class of 2018. The veteran leadership and young talent should drive this year's team, coach Leah Dasovich said.

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3. Shakopee
Head coach: Juan Mitchell
2014-15 record: 22-10

North Carolina commit Taylor Koenen is back for a final encore. The senior guard, rated No. 43 in the Class of 2016 by ESPN, averaged 20.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2 steals to help Shakopee place fourth at state. The Sabers also get back their second-leading scorer from last season, Caleigh Rodning (11.2 points, 5.6 rebounds). Annie Rhinesmith (6.5 points, 4 assists) and Mateya Hutton (7.7 points, 4.7 rebounds) were valuable players last year and will be relied upon once again.

See last season's Minnesota girls basketball playoff brackets



4. St. Michael-Albertville
Head coach: Kent Hamre
2014-15 record: 27-4, Class 4A third-place finisher

The Knights averaged 69.6 points per game last year in their high-octane offense. Losing two starters will hurt this season, but with three starters back from a third-place finish at state, St. Michael-Albertville is primed for another strong season. Guards Rae Johnson, a junior, and Sydney Tracy, a senior, lead the way. Johnson was second on the team last season in points (12.7) and Tracy was third (11.7). Kitri Zezza (9 points, 3.2 assists) and Lizzy Heil (6.6 points) will be key supporters this season.

See last season's Minnesota girls basketball stat leaders

5. Eastview (Apple Valley)
Head coach: Molly Kasper
2014-15 record: 30-1, Class 4A state runner-up

The Lightning lost a lot last season. Three of their top scorers graduated and successful coach Melissa Guebert stepped aside after her daughter, Madison – who averaged 20.3 points per game -- finished out her career. Despite the heavy turnover, Eastview has built a strong tradition in the last few years as a state powerhouse. Back are third-leading scorer Rachel Ranke (13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds per game) and Erika Schlosser (6.9 points). Junior guard Allie Pickrain (4.2 points) and senior Emma Sinn (2.8 points) will play an increased role.