MaxPreps 2013-14 Connecticut preseason girls basketball Fab 5

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

1. Career Magnet (New Haven)
Head coach: Steve Bethke
2012-13 finish: 22-4, lost in Class LL quarterfinals

In recent years, Career always seems to figure prominently in the state tournament picture and this season should be no different (M title in 2003, LL  in '08 and '11). Senior Tanaya Atkinson (20.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 3.3 spg) is back to lead the Panthers on their quest for another title. Atkinson is joined by 5-5 junior Alyssa Alston (13.0 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.0 spg) who helped a lineup that averaged 65.2 points and 16.2 steals a game last season.

2. Capital Prep (Hartford)
Head coach: Tammy Millsaps
2012-13 finish: 25-2, won the Class S championship



Capital Prep should have a good chance of duplicating its dominant run to the S title in which it won four games by an average margin of victory of 54.5. The Trailblazers return major contributors in senior Taylor Williams (11.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg) junior Kiah Gillespie (17.9 ppg, 10.4 rpg), and sophomore Desiree Elmore (16.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.0 spg).

3. RHAM (Hebron)
Head coach: Timothy Guernsey
2012-13 finish: 21-4, lost to Farmington in Class L semifinals

RHAM went deep into the Class L bracket before falling to Central Connecticut Conference rival and eventual champion Farmington and is expected to again be a factor in the postseason. The Sachems return one of the best seniors in the state in 6-foot guard Sarah Veilleux (28.3 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 3.9 spg, 3.5 apg). She's joined by 5-11 junior Alyssa Hansen (7.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg) to give RHAM a good portion of its rebounding prowess back (35.2 rpg).

4. Lauralton Hall (Milford)
Head coach: Amanda Forcucci
2012-13 finish: 24-2, lost in the Class LL final

Lauralton is another perennial contender for a state crown and the Crusaders have a lot of motivation this season. Lauralton lost to Mercy in the LL championship on a improbable last-second, three-point shot. Senior Carly Fabbri will be looking to help avenge that bitter defeat. Fabbri will be joined by Emma McCarthy and four other returning seniors. This is Lauralton's last season in the South-West Conference as it moves to the Southern Connecticut Conference in July.

5. Danbury
Head coach: Jackie Dinardo
2012-13 finish: 22-4, lost in the Class LL quarterfinals



The Hatters bowed out to eventual finalist Lauralton Hall in the LL quarters last season. They should again be a big factor in the Fairfield Country Conference race and the postseason. Senior Rachel Gartner returns as Danbury's stats leader along with her twin sister Rebecca Gartner (both 5-8) and 5-11 senior Kayla Handberry.