MaxPreps 2016 Tennessee preseason high school baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Houston (Germantown)
Head coach: Lane McCarter
2015 record: 31-10

The Mustangs have five returning starters on offense from a team that fell one game short of reaching the Class 3A state championship game. Four players are headed to Division I schools, including shortstop Jack Kenley (.457), catcher Cullen Ray (.333), pitcher Conrad Ray and outfielder Ayrton Schafer (.304).

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2. Farragut (Knoxville)
Head coach: Matt Buckner
2015 record: 41-8

After defeating Hardin Valley Academy several times last season, the Admirals lost to the Hawks in the Class 3A state championship game. Farragut returns one of the state's top shortstops in Duncan Pence, who batted .385 with eight home runs. Farragut should also be solid on the mound with Dylan Pacifico (8-1) and Thomas Keyes (6-0) both returning.

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3. Christian Brothers (Memphis)
Head coach: Buster Kelso
2015 record: 36-9

The defending Division II Class AA state champions will be the favorites to win that title again in 2016. Five starters return from last year's squad, including pitcher Michael Feather (4-0) and infielder Landon Kelly (.382). Christian Brothers also has a prize transfer in junior pitcher Weston Bizzle.



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4. Sevier County (Sevierville)
Head coach: Casey Taylor
2015 record: 36-6-1

Sevier County has a pair of talented pitchers in Tennessee-bound senior Zach Lingenfelter and sophomore Chase Wallace. As a freshman, Wallace found a spot on the Tennessee Baseball Reports Freshman/Sophomore all-state team. Sevier had one of the highest win totals in Tennessee last year with 36.

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5. McCallie (Chattanooga)
Head coach: Greg Payne
2015 record: 26-10

Pitching depth won't be a problem, as McCallie figures to have 17 players with pitching ability on the squad, including 12 who played at the varsity level last season. Carson Mckoon (4-1) is the top returning pitcher while Ethan Cady (.326, 5 HR) returns at first base and Quinn Smith (.315, 4 HR) is back at catcher.