Seton Catholic leads the way. But also watch out for Valley Vista, Hamilton, Mesquite and Millennium in the Arizona girls basketball #MaxPrepsFab5.
Video: Millennium PG Raina Perez
See highlights of the star that the Tigers must replace.MaxPreps 2016-17 Arizona preseason high school girls basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Seton Catholic (Chandler)2015-16 record: 31-2
Head coach: Karen Self
The Sentinels are looking to win their second-straight title and make a championship appearance for the seventh time in eight seasons. All off last year's majors players –
Liz Holter,
Sarah Barcello,
Jenn Wirth and
LeeAnne Wirth - are back with hopes of winning the program's ninth state. That title would come in the newly formed 4A.
See the Arizona girls basketball computer rankings, presented by the Army National Guard
2. Valley Vista (Surprise)2015-16 record: 22-7
Head coach: Rachel Matakas
The Monsoon made the semifinals a year ago and that just might be a disappointment if that is as deep as Valley Vista goes this season. The Monsoon brings back three of their top scorers:
Taylor Chavez, who averaged 17.2 points, 5.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds;
Kiara Edwards, who averaged a double-double, and
Clarissa Rodarte. They should be the 6A favorite to start the year.
See the MaxPreps Arizona girls basketball stat leaders3. Hamilton (Chandler)2015-16 record: 26-4
Head coach: Trevor Neider
Hamilton is back after winning a state title.
Photo by Jim Willittes
The Huskies won their first state title a year ago and did so with some top players and leader Makayla Filiere missing the postseason. It might be a glimpse of what the Huskies can do this year with the departed Filiere gone. Remaining are juniors
Maddie Frederick and
Maya Banks to push Hamilton toward the top of the 6A contender list.
See the MaxPreps Arizona girls basketball photos 4. Mesquite (Gilbert)2015-16 record: 25-6
Head coach: Candice Gonzales
The Wildcats were the big-school runners-up to Hamilton last year and came close to winning the first state title in any sport for the program. They will be favorites to do it this year, especially after dropping down a classification, as the best combo guards in the state in
Shaylee Gonzales and
Lindsey Vanallen return for their junior years.
See the MaxPreps Arizona girls basketball playoff brackets 5. Millennium (Goodyear)2015-16 record: 23-7
Head coach: Courtland Rojeck
Gone is Raina Perez, who was the igniter of the program for the last four years, but her influence will remain as the Tigers are expected to remain gritty and hard-nosed.
Dominique Phillips had a very good freshman campaign and should quickly develop into a force.
Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic sports writer and current Prep Sports Director for Times Publications, is a 20-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com.
