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

1. Starkville
Head coach: Greg Carter
2014-15 record: 26-5

The Yellowjackets won an overtime thriller over Madison Central to take home the 6A crown last season, and should be just as talented in 2015-16. All-state guard Tyson Carter — who was the MVP of the title game with 14 points and six rebounds — will lead this year's group. Carter will look to improve on last season's averages of 17 points, five assists and two rebounds.

See last season's Mississippi boys basketball computer rankings

2. Callaway (Jackson)
Head coach: David Sanders
2014-15 record: 31-3



If coach Sanders had his way, Malik Newman would never graduate. The All-American guard led Callaway to four consecutive state titles, putting up 27 points in his final game. With Newman at Mississippi State, Sanders will have to dig into his coaching bag — but you simply can't discount a program that knows how to win.

See Mississippi boys basketball pro photo galleries

3. McComb
Head coach: Hilton Harrell
2014-15 record: 31-1

The Tigers held off a stout Quitman team to win the 4A title behind a double-double (13 points, 14 rebounds) from all-state guard Antonio Cowart. Harrell will have Cowart back this season, looking to lead McComb to a third straight championship.

See last season's Mississippi boys basketball playoff brackets

4. Madison Central
Head coach: Gerald Glass
2014-15 record: 20-10



After a great run to the title game, the Jaguars ran into a familiar opponent in Starkville. Glass' squad went 1-3 against the Yellowjackets last season, but the teams looked evenly matched in the overtime title game. Madison Central loses scoring machine Leroy Buchanan (24 points per game), but 5-foot-9 guard Shunn Buchanan should pick up the slack. The younger Buchanan averaged 16 points, six assists and two steals last year.

See last season's Mississippi boys basketball stat leaders

5. Quitman
Head coach: Chris Coleman
2014-15 record: 30-3

The Panthers fell to McComb in the 4A title game, but Coleman's squad has the ability to reload in a hurry.  Quitman was led last season by all-state forward Darius Hicks, who averaged 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks last season. Hicks has transferred, but the program is full of players eager and ready to step up.