MaxPreps 2014-15 Kansas preseason boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Heights (Wichita)
2013-14 finish: 20-5, Class 5A state consolation champion
Head coach: Joe Auer

The Falcons have competed in six of the last seven final fours at the Kansas state basketball tournament, and lost 72-71 in overtime to eventual champion Lansing in one semifinal a year ago. Falcon coach Joe Auer won Class 6A state titles in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and looks to have the talent to win it all again in 2014-15 in 5A. Semaj Hervey (5-10) is the leading returning scorer for Auer, who welcomes back all five starters and a sixth letter winner. Junior Davon Gill (6-4) is getting a lot of D-1 interest already.

View last season's Kansas boys basketball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. East (Wichita)
2013-14 finish: 22-3, Class 6A state consolation champion
Head coach: Joe Jackson



Ace coach Joe Jackson returns three double-figure scorers from last year's Class 6A state consolation champion, and solid sophomore and junior classes. Zach Jackson (6-5) and Xavier Kelly (6-5) garnered first team all city honors, while Samajae Jones (5-11) was tabbed to the second team. Terence Caw, Isaac Fralin and Sam Eckels all earned letters a year ago.

View last season's Kansas boys basketball playoff brackets

3. Lawrence
2013-14 finish: 17-5, Class 6A sub-state runner-up
Head coach: Mike Lewis

Lewis loses a pair of seniors off his roster, but returns four solid scorers from a year ago. Justin Roberts (5-9, Sr.), Anthony Bonner (6-2, Sr.), John Barbee (6-1, Sr.) and Price Morgan (6-4, Jr.) will lead the way in 2014-15 as the Lions slug their way through another Sunflower League schedule and beyond.

View last season's Kansas boys basketball stat leaders

4. McPherson
2013-14 finish: 23-1, Class 4A Division 1 champion
Head coach: Kurt Kinnamon



As he makes a run at McPherson's third state basketball title in five years, Kinnamon will rely heavily on his returning first team all state son, Kyler Kinnamon, and a pair of honorable mention all league selections. Kyler Kinnamon (5-10, Sr.) averaged 15.5 points, three rebounds, 5.9 assists and 3.3 steals a game a year ago. The father-son duo is hoping to bring home the hardware one more time for Bullpup fans.

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5. Basehor-Linwood (Basehor)
2013-14 finish: 19-4, Class 4A Division 1 state qualifier
Head coach: Mike McBride

Patrick Muldoon (6-7, Sr.) may be the only starter returning for McBride in 2014-15, but there is plenty of talent on hand as the Bobcats make a run for a third 4A state championship in seven years. Muldoon, who McBride described as a super, high-energy player, averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks a game a year ago. McBride has six other players with starting potential including seniors Joe Gorman (6-1) and Carson Fliger (6-6).