MaxPreps 2016-17 Iowa preseason high school girls basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Maggie McGraw's highlights vs. LHS 2/20/2016
See the Indianola High star in action last season.


1. Indianola
Head coach: Bert Hanson
2015-16 record: 22-2

The Indians have reached the 5A (largest class) quarterfinals the last two years but have yet to win a state title – could this be the year? Coach Bert Hanson (11th year) returns his top three scorers, which certainly helps. Junior forward Grace Berg (6-foot, getting Power 5 offers) provides points in the paint but has learned to step out to hit the 3-pointer. Sophomore shooting guard Maggie McGraw (5-11, committed to Iowa State) is a perimeter force inside and beyond the arc. Regular season challenges include games with Pella (twice), Cedar Falls, Johnson and SE Polk.

See the MaxPreps Iowa girls basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Davenport North
Head coach: Ron O'Brien
2015-16 record: 20-3

Last year marked the Wildcats' first trip to the state 5A quarterfinals, though they lost to the eventual champion. Still, coach Ron O'Brien (fourth season) returns his top three scorers from last year. Senior forward Jinaya Houston (6-1, committed to Iowa) plays in and out of the paint; senior point guard Jacionna Stowers (5-7) is a distributor who can get to the rim, and junior forward Paige Bradford (6-0) is a threat in the paint. Besides conference play, the Wildcats will face Rock Island, a quality Illinois team, during the regular season.

See the MaxPreps Iowa girls basketball stat leaders

3. Valley (West Des Moines)
Head coach: Josef Sigrist
2015-16 record: 16-7 After finishing as 5A runners-up in 2015, a young Valley team failed to make it to the quarterfinals in 2016. With their top three players returning, though, the Tigers look to make another deep postseason run. Senior shooting guard Hannah Fuller (5-8, committed to Drake) is a 3-point specialist and sophomore Zoe Young (5-10) is a scoring point guard considered one of the best in the 2019 class. Senior forward Jackie Feldt (5-8, will play college softball) is a physical presence for coach Josef Sigrist (fifth season), who has challenged his team with games against Dowling, Iowa City West and Waukee.



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4. Pocahontas
Head coach: Robert Maske
2015-16 record: 27-0

In winning the school's first title in the sport, the Indians were the only undefeated team in Iowa girls basketball last season, and coach Robert Maske (eighth season) returns his four leading players. Senior point guard Elle Ruffridge (5-3, committed to Missouri State) is on pace to become Iowa's all-time leading scorer and assist leader. She is surrounded by a collection of shooters (all seniors) in twins Faith Meyer (5-8) and Grace Meyer (5-9) and Payton Hjerleid (5-8). Iowa is very "play in your class" oriented, but the Indians (Class 3A of 5) beat several of the 5A powers in summer ball, showing they belong in the conversation of best in Iowa regardless of enrollment.

See the MaxPreps Iowa girls basketball playoff brackets

5. Iowa City West
Head coach: BJ Mayer
2015-16 record: 15-8

Balance and depth should be the keys to success for coach BJ Mayer's (10th year) team, which last won the 5A title in 2012. A big cause for optimism is that the starting lineup returns from last season. Juniors Rachael Saunders (5-9, shooting guard committed to Creighton) and Logan Cook (6-1, power forward, still choosing amongst Division I offers) lead the parade. The regular season schedule is highlighted by two meetings with crosstown rival Iowa City and single contests against state powers Valley and Cedar Falls.