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

By Staff Report Nov 4, 2016, 11:06pm

The power lies in the South, where Sierra Canyon, Bishop Montgomery, Mater Dei, Chino Hills and Crespi will battle for supremacy in the California boys basketball #MaxPrepsFab5.

Video: Cody Riley - Peach Jam Highlights
Check out the Sierra Canyon star in action over the summer.


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

1. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)
2015-16 record: 26-5
Head coach: Ty Nichols

This is the year for Sierra Canyon. The Trailblazers have notched a lot of big wins over the past two seasons but those have been at least partially offset by upset losses and playoff heartbreak. An experienced senior class that includes UCLA commit Cody Riley (6-foot-8, F), San Diego State commit Adam Seiko (6-3, G), Arizona State commit Remy Martin (5-11, G) and Terrance McBride (6-2, G) will be the nucleus. But the addition of No. 1 Class of 2018 prospect Marvin Bagley III (6-10, F/C) is what gives this team a chance to be special.

See the MaxPreps California boys basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard



2. Bishop Montgomery (Torrance)
2015-16 record: 28-3
Head coach: Doug Mitchell

All five starters return for the Knights, who gave eventual national champ Chino Hills one of its toughest games last year. Oregon State commit Ethan Thompson (6-4, Sr., G) and David Singleton (6-4, Jr., G) give Bishop Montgomery one of the best guard combos in the country. San Diego State pledge Jordan Schakel (6-6, Sr., G/F) and Fletcher Tynen (6-5, Jr., G/F) add size and toughness.

See the MaxPreps California boys basketball stat leaders

3. Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
2015-16 record: 27-5
Head coach: Gary McKnight
Spencer Freedman, Mater Dei
Spencer Freedman, Mater Dei
Photo by Louis Lopez
After five consecutive trips to the state championship game from 2011-15, the Monarchs fell short a year ago. Spencer Freedman (6-0, Jr., G), Justice Sueing (6-7, Sr., F), Miles Brookins (6-9, Sr., F) and Harrison Butler (6-5, Jr., G) lead the cast that hopes to return Mater Dei to its throne.

See the MaxPreps California boys basketball photos

4. Chino Hills
2015-16 record: 35-0
Head coach: Stephan Gilling



The 2016-17 Huskies have a tough act to follow. Not only did they go undefeated en route to state and national titles, they managed to be one of the most entertaining high school basketball teams of all-time in the process. Gone is Lonzo Ball (now at UCLA) but four starters return, including younger brothers LiAngelo Ball (6-5, Sr., G) and LaMelo Ball (6-3, So., G). Elizjah Scott (6-4, Sr., G/F) and defensive menace Onyeka Okongwu (6-9, So., F) are also back.

See the MaxPreps California boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Crespi (Encino)
2015-16 record: 33-4
Head coach: Russell White

The Celts will miss De'Anthony Melton (now at USC) but several key members of last year's Division I state championship team are back. Leading the way will be Brandon Williams (6-0, Jr., G), who averaged 15.8 points and 2.9 assists per game as a sophomore. Anthony Booker (6-3, Jr., F), Isaiah Perrantes (5-9, Jr., G) and Taj Regans (5-7, Sr., G) add to Crespi's firepower.