Montverde Academy doesn't play for a state championship but is still the team that everybody would love to beat in Florida. Also watch out for Tampa Catholic, The First Academy, Dillard and Blanche Ely in the Florida boys basketball #MaxPrepsFab5.
Video: Rechon Black's highlights vs. West Rowan High
See the Montverde Academy transfer in action.MaxPreps 2016-17 Florida preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Montverde Academy2015-16 record: 26-2
Head coach: Kevin Boyle
It sounds crazy to say, but 26-2 and no national title is a down year at Montverde Academy. While last year's team had a bevy of talented bigs to find time for, this year's squad will be led by the backcourt.
R.J. Barrett (6-6, So., G),
Jake Betlow (6-2, So., G),
Rechon Black (6-7, Jr., G),
Marcus Carr (6-2, Sr., G) and
Andrew Nembhard (6-4, So., G) give Boyle a wide variety of perimeter options. There's also major hype surrounding the arrival of Republic of Georgia big man
Sandro Mamukelashvili (6-9, Sr.).
See the Florida boys basketball computer rankings, presented by the Army National Guard
2. Tampa Catholic2015-16 record: 26-5
Head coach: Don Dziagwa
Kevin Knox, Tampa Catholic
File photo by Sheila Haddad
Last season's MaxPreps National Junior of the Year
Kevin Knox (6-8, Sr., F) is back after putting up 29.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game a year ago. He won a gold medal with USA Basketball over the summer at the FIBA U17 World Championship. Duke, Kentucky and North Carolina are all in pursuit.
See the Florida boys basketball stat leaders3. The First Academy (Orlando)2015-16 record: 25-6
Head coach: Chris Mayberry
Big things were expected when three high-profile transfers joined the program prior to the 2015-16 season. The Royals delivered to some extent with 25 wins and a trip to the 3A semifinals, but they hope to take the next step this winter. Wake Forest commit
Chaundee Brown Jr. (6-5, Sr., G/F) and Clemson commit
Malik William (6-8, Sr., F) will lead the way.
See the MaxPreps Florida boys basketball photos4. Dillard (Fort Lauderdale)2015-16 record: 28-5
Head coach: Darryl Burrows
The Panthers played a brutal regular season schedule in 2015-16 and that paid off in the postseason with a Class 6A state title. Florida State pledge
Raiquan Gray (6-8, Sr., F) and two-sport star
Jordan Wright (6-5, Sr., F) are back for the champs.
See the MaxPreps Florida boys basketball playoff brackets5. Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach)2015-16 record: 20-13
Head coach: Melvin Randall
It feels like fans are due for another big season from Randall and Ely, who were 14-12 at one point last season before catching fire down the stretch and winning the Class 7A state title.
Geremy Taylor (6-4, Sr., G) is the leading returning scorer for the Tigers, who are 126-24 with five consecutive state championships since 2011.
