MaxPreps 2014-15 Louisiana preseason girls basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Salmen (Slidell)
2013-14 record: 32-1, Class 4A champion
Coach: Kevin Anderson

The Spartans pulled away late in last season's state title game thanks to the heroics of Megan Brown, who is off to Southern Mississippi. But Salmen should be just as strong this season with the return of 6-foot-6 center Kalani Brown, who earned 4A MVP honors last year after averaging 21 points per game.

View last season's Louisiana girls basketball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. North Caddo (Vivian)
2013-14 record: 29-2, Class 2A champion
Coach: Angela Channell

The Rebels went largely untested in their run to the 2A title last season and set the record for largest margin of victory in a 2A title game, beating Doyle 80-46. This year's team should be just as good, if not better, with the return of second team all-state guard Jasmine Thomas, who averaged 17 points last season as a sophomore.

View last season's Louisiana girls basketball playoff brackets

3. Destrehan
2013-14 record: 24-2, Class 5A runner-up
Coach: Ulysses Frontha

The Wildcats were shocked by ninth-seeded Mt. Carmel in the 5A title game last season, but they have plenty of reason to expect a shot at redemption this year. That's largely because first team all-state guard Cara Ursin returns for her sophomore year. As a freshman, Ursin averaged 17.2 points, including 23 points and 12 rebounds in the championship loss to Mt. Carmel.

View last season's Louisiana girls basketball stat leaders

4. University Lab (Baton Rouge)
2013-14 record: 30-6, Class 3A champion
Coach: Bonita Johnson

Class 3A Coach of the Year Johnson and the Cubs finally broke through last season, winning the program's first state title with a 63-56 win over Ville Platte. It could be a repeat for the Cubs this season, with the return of first team all-state performer Alanie Fisher and defensive stopper Mikayla Bates.

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5. Ponchatoula
2013-14 record: 26-6, lost in 5A quarterfinals
Coach: Hollie Thompson

The Green Wave saw a semifinal berth slip from their fingers, watching a 10-point lead evaporate in a season-ending loss to Helen Cox in last year's quarterfinals. Thompson's squad will be all the more hungry this season, and with the return of second team all-state guard Jyar Francis (20.9 ppg) to go along with seniors Airi Hamilton and Kayla Lee, they should contend for the 5A title.