MaxPreps 2013-14 Arkansas preseason girls basketball Fab 5

Click here to see the girls basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state

1. Northside (Fort Smith)
2012-13 finish: 27-4
Head coach: Rickey Smith

The defending class 7A state champions lose state tournament MVP Bria Caldwell and all-tournament pick Kilah Cummings to graduation, but all-state selection Brianna Jackson returns for her senior season. Jackson was the second-leading scorer on the team as a junior. Eight of the top 10 scorers from last year's team return, along with 6-foot forward Olivia Hanson, who is also the team's leading returning rebounder, and guard Jill Myers.

2. Central (Little Rock)
2012-13 finish: 23-6
Head coach: Michael Green



Central reached the Class 7A quarterfinals last season and it returns nine out of 10 lettermen from last year's squad. Among the returning players are a pair of guards that comprise, perhaps, the best guard tandem in the state. Senior Taylor Lewis and sophomore Alaysia Ready both earned all-state honors last year with Ready considered one of the state's top freshmen.

3. Jacksonville
2012-13 finish: 25-4
Head coach: Katrina Mimms

Jacksonville will miss the graduated Jessica Jackson, who was the state tournament MVP on Jacksonville's Class 5A title team. However, the Red Devils return two other all-state players in Shakyla Hill and Tiffany Smith along with all-tournament selection Sacha Richardson.

4. Conway
2012-13 finish: 16-12
Head coach: Ashley Nance

Conway was a young team in 2013 and as a result missed the state tournament. Junior-dominated in 2014, Conway will be an up-and-coming team this year and a possible title contender in 2015. Leading the way is one of the top juniors in the country in Jordan Danberry. Kianna Speight joins Danberry as the only other returning starter for a team that figures to start all underclassmen.

5. Malvern
2012-13 finish: 32-2
Head coach: Jess Martin



The Class 4A state champions have all of the top players from last year's team returning, including state tournament MVP Akasha Westbrook. Also back is Tiffany Murdock, who is committed to Louisiana Tech, and junior Raven Baker.