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

1. East (Shawnee Mission)
Head coach: Larry Price
2015 record: 19-5

The top-ranked team entering the Class 6A playoffs last year, East lost in the semifinals to Northwest (Shawnee Mission). Class 6A state MVP Joey Wentz returns as a pitcher and a first baseman. He throws over 90 mph and he brings plenty of power at the plate. East also returns second team all-state designated hitter Jake Randa.

See last season's Kansas baseball computer rankings

2. Aquinas (Overland Park)
Head coach: Lorne Parks
2015 record: 18-3

Regarded as one of the top teams in Class 5A last year, Aquinas was upset early in the playoffs and did not advance to the state tournament. Nevertheless, Aquinas returns one of the nation's top players in pitcher Riley Pint, who is considered a possible top 10 MLB Draft pick.



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3. Lawrence Free State (Lawrence)
Head coach: Mike Hill
2015 record: 21-4

The Firebirds captured the Class 6A state championship last year and will definitely be in the running in 2016. Four position players return, but the pitching staff returns 16 wins from last year, including 10 from all-state pitcher Hunter Gudde. Trevor Munsch (4-0) also gives Free State experience on the mound.

See last season's Kansas baseball playoff brackets

4. Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park)
Head coach: Corby Lange
2015 record: 16-8

The Huskies did not reach the state tournament, but they were well represented on the all-state team. Cole Duensing will lead the Northwest pitching staff after earning second team honors last year. Nick Mehlin is the top position player at shortstop. He also made the all-state second team.



See last season's Kansas baseball stat leaders

5. Heights (Wichita)
Head coach: Jeff Topping
2015 record: 10-5

The Falcons did not advance to the state tournament in 2015, but they managed to land three players on the Coaches Association all-state team who will return in 2016. Tremaine Garner was a first team all-state selection at first base while second baseman Blake Duerkson and junior designated hitter Korey Bice made the second team.