MaxPreps 2016 Missouri preseason high school baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Howell (St. Charles)
Head coach: Tony Perkins
2015 record: 23-13

Howell has won a pair of state state championships over the past five seasons and it could make a run at a third in 2016. Coach Tony Perkins returns his two sons, Justin Perkins, an infielder, and Ryan Perkins, an outfielder, who both are headed to Murray State. Ryan is a preseason All-American while Justin earned all-state honors last year. Howell also returns all-state catcher Luke Kahle.

See last season's Missouri baseball computer rankings

2. Christian Brothers (St. Louis)
Head coach: Mason Horne
2015 record: 32-7



The defending Class 5 state champions return four starters from last year's squad, including Missouri commits Mark Vierling (Jr., IF, .431) and Blake Charlton (Sr., P, 8-0 pitching record) and Murray State signee Alec Whaley (OF/RHP, .281). Ricky Mueller (.396) also returns in the outfield.

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3. Westminster Christian (St. Louis)
Head coach: Rich Van Gilst
2015 record: 27-6

Winners of four straight Class 4 championships since 2011, Westminster Christian did not advance to the state tournament last year. However, the Wildcats return one of the nation's top catchers in all-state pick Jake Matheny. The son of St. Louis Cardinals' manager Mike Matheny, Jake is ranked as the top position player in the state by Perfect Game.

See last season's Missouri baseball playoff brackets

4. Vianney (Kirkwood)
Head coach: Scott Brown
2015 record: 27-6



Vianney did not participate in the state tournament last year, but it returns 20 of its 27 pitching wins along with all-metro shortstop Chris Cornelius (.436). Top returning pitchers include sophomore Luke Mann (6-1 pitching record), senior Ryan Clavin (5-0) and senior Jack Eppy (6-2).

See last season's Missouri baseball stat leaders

5. DeSmet Jesuit (St. Louis)
Head coach: Dave Stewart
2015 record: 19-10

The Spartans posted several wins over state champion Christian Brothers last year and they return four starters in Jack Witte (IF, .258), Clayton Stephens (C, .279), Adam Gunter (C, .315) and Nick Chiapel (IF, .346). Pitcher Erik Miller (5-1 pitching record) also returns. He is considered the top player in the state by Perfect Game.