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

Video: Caleb Matthews' highlights vs. Cape Henlopen
See the Smyrna star in action.


1. Smyrna
Head coach: Andrew Mears
2015-16 record: 18-4

Junior guard Caleb Matthews, an All-State honorable mention selection, and sophomore forward Jaymeir Garnett will welcome out-of-state transfers Azubuike Nwankwo, a 7-foot-2 junior center, and sophomore forward Abba Lawal. After losing in the quarterfinals last season, the addition of the two transfers have the Eagles as frontrunners to win it all.

See the MaxPreps Delaware boys basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Mount Pleasant (Wilmington)
Head coach: Lisa Sullivan
2015-16 record: 21-3

Last year's senior-laden team lost in the state tournament semifinals for the second-consecutive season, but despite losing several key players to graduation they return 6-foot-9 sophomore forward Kvonn Cramer, a third-team All-State selection. Cramer will be joined by veterans Keon Taylor and Dejon Backus. The Green Knights have depth at every position as they hope to take that next step in the state tournament.

See the MaxPreps Delaware boys basketball stat leaders

3. Salesianum (Wilmington)
Head coach: Brendan Haley
2015-16 record: 13-9 After winning back-to-back state championships, Salesianum lost in Round 2 last season. But with returning 6-9 center Tariq Ingraham in the lineup things are looking up for the Sals. Ingraham, who averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds, will be joined in the lineup by returning starters senior Michael Kempski and junior Paul Brown.

See the MaxPreps Delaware boys basketball photos

4. Sanford (Hockessin)
Head coach: Stan Waterman
2015-16 record: 22-2

Sanford returns just one starter, senior Connor Rufo, from last year's state championship team. However, the Warriors return several players who saw significant playing time, including nationally ranked freshman Jyare Davis, senior Marcus McCollum, junior Sean Williams, 6-5 sophomore Ryan McKeon and freshman Corey Perkins. With more boys basketball state titles (eight) than any other Delaware high school, the Warriors don't rebuild, they simply reload.

See the MaxPreps Delaware boys basketball playoff brackets

5. St. Georges Tech (Middletown)
Head coach: Rod Griffin
2015-16 record: 20-5

St. Georges hopes to return to the state championship game behind seniors Kyson Rawls and Tristan Guild along with sophomore Nahshon Hyland. Another sophomore, 6-5 Voshon Wharton, adds height to the Hawks' frontcourt. and junior Kambole Singayangwe is expected to see significant playing time. Having appeared in the state championship game two of the past three years, the Hawks may have what it takes to win the school's first basketball state title.

Jon Buzby is the play-by-play announcer for high school basketball on Fox Sports 1290AM Wilmington.