MaxPreps 2012-13 Washington, D.C. preseason boys basketball Fab 5

MaxPreps 2012-13 Washington, D.C. Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Head coach: Mike Jones
2011-12 finish: 30-6, WCAC runners-up

The Stags return one of the best players in the country in BeeJay Anya (6-8, 255, C), who recently committed to N.C. State. Anya is a physical and strong player that possesses the complete package as an inside player. DeMatha also welcomes back fellow senior Jairus Lyles (6-0, 180, G), who's already committed to Virginia Commonwealth. Lyles is a strong defender who can shoot the ball well from the perimeter. Joining Anya down low is junior Brock Ruble (6-8, 270, C), someone who can both sub in for Anya and give the Stags a bigger presence when coming into games and playing alongside him. Sophomore Jaelin Grant (6-6, 175, F) also gives DeMatha another scoring threat on the wing, making this team one of the most dangerous in the country.

View the MaxPreps Preseason Xcellent 25 National Boys Basketball Rankings



2. Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)
Head coach: Steve Turner
2011-12 finish: 26-7, WCAC semifinals

The Eagles had a stacked team a year ago, but stayed in the shadow of Paul VI and DeMatha, finishing third in the WCAC regular season. The 2012-13 team could be better than last year's squad, even without star guard Nate Britt, who transferred to Oak Hill Academy. Returning for Gonzaga is senior Kris Jenkins (6-5, 235, F), who can play physical in the paint as well as hit the deep shot. Jenkins, a Villanova commit, has incredible range as defenders can't give him much space when he's looking to shoot from behind the arc. With Britt gone, either senior Tavon Blackman (5-10, 160, G) or sophomore Bryant Crawford (6-1, 160, G) will run the point for the Eagles. Blackman has the experience that comes with the territory while Crawford is a bit of a phenom, already drawing interest from Indiana, Syracuse and Maryland. Playing the wing will be junior Jordan Abdur-Ra'oof (6-7, 190, F), who can slash and score buckets near the rim.

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3. Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.)
Head coach: Joe Wootten
2011-12 finish: 14-18

After a disappointing 2011-12 season, Bishop O'Connell is looking to regroup and reload for a much more productive season. Beginning with junior standout Romelo Trimble (6-2, 170, G), the Knights should be able to do so. Trimble's receiving interest from around the country as he possesses good ball skills and a deadly shot. Joining Trimble in the junior class is Steve Osu (6-9, 205, C), a lanky big man that has an inside-out package. The Knights will also get some added star power from senior Junior Etou (6-7, 210, F), who transferred from Arlington Country Day. Etou is a strong inside scorer who can rebound with the best of them. Sophomore Leroy Butts (6-7, 210, F) should also contribute some major minutes, adding to one of the area's better frontcourts.

View last season's Washington, D.C. boys basketball Freeman Rankings



4. St. John's (Washington, D.C.)
Head coach: Sean McAloon
2011-12 finish: 17-13

The Cadets hired Sean McAloon away from Benedictine, where he built up the private school into one of the better programs in the state of Virginia. McAloon inherits some talent on the St. John's roster, though losing Lennard Freeman to Oak Hill will initially hurt. However, junior Allante Holston (6-6, 170, F) is a rising star with a good all-around skill set on the wing. Junior Tre Campbell (6-1, 160, G), who's garnering interest from the likes of Cincinnati, Penn State and VCU, will run the point for the Cadets this year. Darian Anderson (5-11, 160, G) can also run the point if needed, complementing Campbell in the backcourt.

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5. Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.)
Head coach: Glenn Farello
2011-12 finish: 35-3, WCAC champions; VISAA Division 1 champions

Losing Stanford Robinson to Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) was a huge blow for the Panthers, though there's still plenty of talent on this year's roster. Tim Higgins (6-10, 205, C), a Cornell commit, is a strong defender inside. But where he can aid his team is with his mid-range shot, which is better than advertised. The Panthers will also be led by super sophomore Marcus Derrickson (6-6, 220, F), who can drive to the hoop with ease. Sophomores Franklin Howard (6-4, 170, G) and Kevin Dorsey (6-0, 170, G) will look to replace last year's stellar backcourt tandem of Tilman Dunbar and Patrick Holloway.