Metro League expected to be a dogfight with four of the state's top five preseason teams in the mix. Garfield leads the way, but also watch for Nathan Hale, Federal Way, Rainier Beach and O'Dea in the Washington boys basketball #MaxPrepsFab5.
Video: Jaylen Nowell's highlight vs. Issaquah High School (4A District Championship)
See the Garfield star in action.2016-17 Washington preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Garfield (Seattle)2015-16 record: 26-3
Head coach: Ed Haskins
University of Washington commitments
Jaylen Nowell (6-foot-5, Sr., G) and
Daejon Davis (6-3, Sr., G) will lead Garfield's charge for a third state title in four years. Big man
J'Raan Brooks (6-9, Jr., F/C) is another that will be playing big-time college basketball down the road. The Bulldogs will face stiff competition from within their own league in Nos. 2-4 Nathan Hale, Rainier Beach and O'Dea.
See the MaxPreps Washington boys basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard
2. Nathan Hale (Seattle)2015-16 record: 3-18
Head coach: Brandon Roy
From 3-18 to potential state championship contenders – that's what happens when you add arguably the best high school basketball player in the country to the roster. That would be
Michael Porter Jr. (6-9, Sr., G/F), who comes with the added bonus of "little" brother
Jontay Porter (6-9, Jr., F). That duo led Father Tolton of Columbia to a state title in Missouri a year ago. Garfield transfer
P.J. Fuller (6-4, So., G) adds to the newfound star power at Hale.
See the MaxPreps Washington boys basketball stat leaders3. Rainier Beach (Seattle)2015-16 record: 23-6
Head coach: Mike Bethea
Kevin Porter, Rainier Beach
Photo by Vince Miller
After an up and down regular season in 2015-16, the Vikings got hot down the stretch and upended Metro League foes Garfield and O'Dea in the 3A state tournament for the title. Top 100 prospect
Kevin Porter (6-5, Jr., G) played a key role in that run and should develop as a full-fledged star this winter.
See the MaxPreps Washington boys basketball photos4. O'Dea (Seattle)2015-16 record: 22-8
Head coach: Jason Kerr
A rebuilding year was expected last year at O'Dea under first-year coach Kerr, who won state titles in 2003, 2006 and 2009 at Franklin. Instead, Kerr led the Fighting Irish to the 3A state title game. Four of the team's top six scorers are back, including
Xavier Smith (6-3, Sr., G),
Noah Williams (6-5, So., G/F) and
Cal Hansen 6-5, Jr., F).
See the MaxPreps Washington boys basketball playoff brackets5. Federal Way2015-16 record: 28-0
Head coach: Jerome Collins
While many of Seattle's top programs have been slugging it out in Class 3A, Federal Way has been busy owning Class 4A. The Eagles are 55-2 over the past two seasons with a pair of state titles and enter this year riding a 42-game win streak.
Jaden McDaniels (6-8, So., F) and
Marcus Stephens (6-3, Sr., G) are among Collins' key returnees.
