MaxPreps 2015-16 Colorado preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Last season, Overland finished at the center of the Colorado basketball universe, winning its first Class 5A state title in school history.

The Trailblazers figure to be in the middle of the big-school championship picture again, thanks to their man in the middle. De'Ron Davis, a 6-foot-10 senior, is one of the most celebrated state recruits in recent memory and committed to Indiana on Nov. 12. His presence alone makes Overland the favorite, but a familiar foe is ready to step forward should the Trailblazers stumble.


1. Overland (Aurora)
Head coach: Danny Fisher
2014-15 record: 23-5, won Class 5A state championship

The aforementioned Davis is primed to have a monster final season after averaging 16.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.1 blocks a game as a junior. The Trailblazers did graduate two players to Division I programs, meaning Davis should take on an even bigger role offensively, just as he did during the postseason run. Fellow senior Reggie Gibson, who averaged 11.0 points and 4.5 assists last season, is a key returnee, and seniors Alijah Halliburton and Brent Halliburton also should take on more prominent roles. Overland will get the opportunity for a national stage, too, playing in the Tarkanian Classic in mid-December.



See last season's Colorado boys basketball computer rankings

2. ThunderRidge (Highlands Ranch)
Head coach: Joe Ortiz
2014-15 record: 24-4, lost to Overland in Class 5A state championship

It would be no surprise if the Grizzlies finished one spot higher than they did a year ago. ThunderRidge returns a formidable and experienced trio that should present matchup problems for opponents. Leading the charge are Division I recruits Austin Mueller (Wyoming) and Clay Verk (Stetson), who each stand 6-7. The key, though, could be senior guard Troy Brady. Brady averaged 7.4 points last season, but most importantly he shot 49 percent from 3-point range. That should keep teams from packing it in to shut down Mueller and Verk inside.

See MaxPreps Colorado boys basketball pro photos

3. Colorado Academy (Denver)
Head coach: Steve Hyatt
2014-15 record: 20-7, lost to Colorado Springs Christian in Class 3A state championship

Colorado Academy believes it has some unfinished business after falling three points short in the 3A title game. The roster returns largely intact, including All-Colorado performer Justin Bassey. The 6-5, Harvard-bound Bassey is the classification's top all-around player, averaging 23.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists last season. Bassey figures to get plenty of help from top point guard Christian Hyatt (18.5 points), a Colorado Christian commit, and help inside from 6-6 Pepijn Van Ede and 6-8 Will Creedon. The Mustangs will test themselves in early season tournaments against larger-school competition.



See last season's Colorado boys basketball playoff brackets

4. Longmont
Head coach: Jeff Kloster
2014-15 record: 27-1, lost to Air Academy in OT in Class 4A state championship

The Trojans are well-equipped to erase last year's disappointment in the final game, as they lost only two seniors to graduation. Returning to lead another championship run is perhaps 4A's top player in Justinian Jessup. The 6-5 Jessup, after averaging 17.0 points and 3.2 steals last season, will take his talents to Boise State. Senior Kevin Mitchell returns as Longmont's second-leading scorer (13.2).

See last season's Colorado boys basketball stat leaders

5. Pueblo Central
Head coach: Brad Ranson
2014-15 finish: 19-6, lost to Air Academy in Class 4A Sweet 16

The Wildcats return one of the state's top scoring duos, a pair of Division I recruits who give Pueblo Central its best opportunity to advance deep in the postseason. Michael Ranson (Northern Colorado) paced the entire state last season at 25.6 points per game, which included shooting at a 48 percent clip from 3-point range. Kobi Betts (Air Force) added 19.8 points an outing. While the scoring load is in good hands, the Wildcats figure to be height-challenged – they might not have a starter taller than 6-3.