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

1. Lone Peak (Highland)
Head coach: Quincy Lewis
2013-14 record: 23-3

Can Lone Peak do it again? The Knights are two years removed from winning a national title and just claimed their fourth-consecutive Class 5A championship last season. Leading scorer T.J. Haws has graduated, but there's no reason to think Lone Peak can't make it five in a row. Junior guard Frank Jackson is one reason why Lone Peak will be just as dangerous this season. Jackson, who has committed to BYU, averaged 17.9 points per game as a sophomore and will be counted on to shoulder an even bigger load on offense without Haws around. The 6-foot-1 junior is an incredible all-around player. He is both explosive on offense and a lock-down defender. Bishop Gorman transfer Christian Popoola adds to the Knights' athleticism and depth. Popoola had a strong freshman season in Las Vegas and the 6-foot-3 guard will help make Lone Peak's backcourt one of the best in Utah.

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2. Bountiful
Head coach: Mike Maxwell
2013-14 record: 26-1



The Braves enjoyed a nearly perfect season a year ago, dropping just one game en route to claiming the Class 4A title. Top guard Sam Merrill has graduated, but plenty of pieces remain in place for Bountiful to have a good shot at successfully defending that state championship. Few teams will be able to do much against Bountiful around the basket. The Braves return senior forwards Zach Seljaas and Jeff Pollard. Seljaas, who is committed to BYU, averaged 18.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest a season ago. The 6-7 forward is equally adept at guarding the post and the perimeter – making him a matchup nightmare. Pollard, who averaged 9.5 points and 7.6 rebounds as a junior, gives Bountiful a strong post presence. The 6-8 forward is consistent in protecting the basket and capable of dominating the boards.

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3. Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant)
Head coach: Geno Morgan
2013-14 record: 26-1

The defending Class 2A champions will not be playing for a state title this season. After successfully petitioning the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA), Wasatch Academy will compete as an independent this season.
This move will let the Tigers compete in several national tournaments. Odds are good they will prove to be one of the better teams no matter where they play this season. Wasatch Academy is stacked with a talented and athletic roster once again. Cody John and Koby McEwen return to form a potent one-two punch in the backcourt once again. John, a 6-3 senior, proved to be a brilliant scorer and tenacious defender last season. He averaged 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 3.7 steals per contest. McEwen, a 6-3 junior, fits the definition of complete player. He averaged 17.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists and three steals per game a year ago.

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4. Davis (Kaysville)
Head coach: Chad Sims
2013-14 record: 21-3

The Darts enter a new era with veteran coach Jay Welk retiring at the end of last season. There's plenty of reason to believe Davis will not skip a beat in 2014-15 without Welk at the helm. One reason for such optimism is Jesse Wade. The 6-foot point guard, who is committed to Gonzaga, is coming off a strong junior season. Wade averaged 17.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.4 steals per game a year ago. He is difficult to guard and can score in multiple ways – which should give the Darts' offense plenty of teeth. With stars like Abel Porter and Elijah Kletzli graduated, Davis will lean on Wade's experience early to help smooth the transition for newer players.

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5. Olympus (Salt Lake City)
Head coach: Matt Barnes
2013-14 record: 21-5

Bountiful's toughest competition in Class 4A could come from a team that was once a region rival only a few seasons ago. Olympus always brings a high-scoring, free-wheeling attack that leaves a multitude of opponents on their heels for four quarters. Jake Lindsey is at the center of this explosive offense. The 6-5 senior guard, who is committed to Baylor, posted averages of 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game last season before an injury knocked him out of the Class 4A Tournament. If he's fully healthy, Lindsey will be a nightmare for any opposing team. He uses his size, athleticism and ballhandling skills to dominate in the backcourt.

John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. He can be reached at john_coon@hotmail.com and you can follow him on Twitter at: @johncoonsports