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

By Jon Buzby Nov 21, 2014, 12:00am

Sanford is our pick as the top team in Delaware. But also watch out for Salesianum, St. Georges Tech, Polytech and Howard.

Mikey Dixon and Sanford are tops in the state this season.
Mikey Dixon and Sanford are tops in the state this season.
Photo by Richard Ta

MaxPreps 2014-15 Delaware Boys Basketball Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Sanford (Hockessin)
Head coach: Stan Waterman
2013-14 finish: 15-7, state tournament quarterfinals

Sanford returns three starters and four players who all saw significant action last season. Junior guard Mikey Dixon (13 ppg), sophomore guard Eric Ayala (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg) and 6-foot-8 forward Jacob Walsh (5 ppg, 4 rpg) provide the Warriors with a solid foundation off which to build. Seniors Shomi Edeki and Jahni Love along with juniors Kyle Evans and Freddy Ryle will battle for the final two starting spots.

"The hope is that a difficult and challenging schedule will prepare them for a state tournament berth and run toward a state championship," Waterman said.

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



2. Salesianum (Wilmington)
Head coach: Brendan Haley
2013-14 finish: 22-2, state champions

Villanova commit and first-team all-state selection Donte DiVincenzo (17 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg) along with Shane Clark (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg) return as the Sals set out to defend the school's first state title.

"We feel like our guard play might be the strongest it's ever been coming into a season," Haley said. "Donte's play and the attention he has drawn has elevated our program into new territory. We are eager to see who will step up to replace some great players so we can take on the next challenge."

View last season's Delaware boys basketball playoff brackets

3. St. Georges Tech (Middletown)
Head coach: Rod Griffin
2013-14 finish: 22-4, state championship game

Sophomore point guard Kyson Rawls returns to run the team and will be joined in the starting backcourt by junior Paul Brown. Junior Vincent Kent will man the post and juniors Mark Harris and Josh Williams most likely will round out the starting five.



"St Georges is a young but talented team," Griffin said. "We will have a great work ethic and compete in each game. Our success will be based on our team playing fundamentally sound basketball."

View last season's Delaware boys basketball stat leaders

4. Polytech (Woodside)
Head coach: John Pierce
2013-14 finish: 7-13

Four returning starters bolster the Panthers' lineup, including last year's leading scorer, senior Devaughn Mallory (20 ppg). He's joined by senior forwards Juwan Gray (14 ppg) and John Pierce III (8 ppg) along with senior guard Ricky Hicks (10 ppg).

"We're looking forward to a great season," Pierce said.

View Delaware boys basketball pro photo galleries



5. Howard (Wilmington)
Head coach: Chris Dimascio
2013-14 finish: 15-6, state tournament first round

Five returning starters bolster a high-scoring Howard lineup that's shooting to return to the state tournament quarterfinals for the fourth-consecutive year. Seniors Justin Cunningham (18 ppg, 6 apg), Jakir Stewart (18 ppg, 7 rpg, 4 apg) and Alonje Curry (13 ppg, 10 rpg) are joined by sophomores Kineph Turner (6 ppg, 3 apg) and Elias Revelle (8 ppg, 5 rpg).

"We are looking forward to a fun season, we have three seniors who are excited and five young, new talented players we are looking to compete," DiMascio said.

Jon Buzby broadcasts High School Basketball on Fox Sports 1290AM Wilmington.