Cambridge Rindge & Latin hopes to repeat in Division 1 with Newton North, Catholic Memorial and St. John's Prep also making their bid; New Mission/Boston Leadership Academy tries for third title in four years in the Massachusetts boys basketball #MaxPrepsFab5.
Video: Justin Connolly's highlights vs. Concord-Carlisle
See the St. John's Prep star in action.2016-17 Massachusetts preseason boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Cambridge Rindge & Latin
Head coach: Lance Dottin
2015-16 record: 24-1
The alma mater of Patrick Ewing won its first state championship in 15 years last season and has the firepower to make it two in a row. Boston Globe Player of the Year
Jakigh Dottin returns for his senior year after averaging 17 points, 6.6 assists and 6.7 rebounds while playing guard for the Falcons. Cambridge Rindge & Latin knocked off St. John's (Shrewsbury) to win the Division 1 state title.
See the Massachusetts boys basketball computer rankings, presented by the Army National Guard
2. Newton North (Newtonville)
Head coach: Paul Connolly
2015-16 record: 21-4
Newton North features one of the state's premier scorers in 6-foot-2 guard
Ethan Wright. A junior, Wright was one of the leading scorers in the state as a sophomore with 23.4 points per game. He helped lead Newton North to a berth in the Division I South finals.
See the MaxPreps Massachusetts boys basketball stat leaders3. Catholic Memorial (West Roxbury)
Head coach: Denis Tobin
2015-16 record: 22-3
Catholic Memorial knocked off Newton North in the Division 1 South sectional game, but fell to Cambridge Rindge & Latin in the first round of the state tournament. Co-Players of the Year Matthew Hanna and Brandon Twitty have both graduated, but All-Conference guard
Ulyen Coleman returns for his senior season.
See the MaxPreps Massachusetts boys basketball photos4. St. John's Prep (Danvers)
Head coach: Josh Dullea
2015-16 record: 14-7
The Eagles finished just behind Catholic Memorial in the Catholic League and were seeded No. 4 in the North Division 1 sectional tournament, where they lost to Central Catholic in the semifinals. St. John's Prep has plenty of size on the frontline with returning starters
Justin Connolly (6-6) at forward and junior
Tommy O'Neil at center.
See the MaxPreps Massachusetts boys basketball playoff brackets5. New Mission/Boston Community Leadership Academy (Boston)
Head coach: Cory McCarthy
2015-16 record: 22-4
New Mission won its second Division 2 championship in three years last season, defeating Concord-Carlisle for the second time. New Mission loses Tyrique Lee, who earned All-Scholastic honors, along with forward Isaiah Laurent and guard Alonzo Cooper. New Mission combines with Boston Leadership Academy this year.
