MaxPreps 2012-13 Virginia preseason boys basketball Fab 5

MaxPreps 2012-13 Virginia Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Hampton
Head coach: Walter Brower
2011-12 finish: 26-5, VHSL AAA state champions

Hampton could be well on its way to another state championship with senior and blue chip prospect Anthony Barber (6-2, 165, PG) back for his final year. The N.C. State commit is not only the best player in the state, but is among the best in the country. Complementing Barber is Jordan Baker (6-2, 170, SG), an Old Dominion commit, who scored 10 of his 13 points in the state championship in the final 8:30 of the contest. Sammie Royal (6-3, 190, F) came on strong toward the end of the 2011-12 season and is expected to be one of the Crabbers' top contributors once again.

View the MaxPreps Preseason Xcellent 25 National Boys Basketball Rankings

2. Episcopal (Alexandria)
Head coach: Jim Fitzpatrick
2011-12 finish: 23-4, VISAA Division 1 runners-up

The Maroon are a scrappy bunch that came a point short of coming away with the 2011-12 VISAA championship. Episcopal makes up for its lack of top-tier talent with its ability to shoot the basketball. Senior Doug Chappell (6-2, 175, G) is a rising star who can score points in bunches. Senior Brennan McCann (5-10, 155, G) has deep range with his shot and can make teams pay from outside the arc. Episcopal's not the flashiest team but it is one of the more efficient.

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3. Cape Henry Collegiate (Virginia Beach)
Head coach: Mark Hall
2011-12 finish: 23-5, VISAA Division 2 champions

Cape Henry will be dangerous once again with Devon Hall (6-4, 205, G) returning for his season season. Hall, committed to Virginia, possesses good instincts on the floor and can distribute the ball to his teammates well. His big frame allows him to take defenders to the rim while creating contact. The Dolphins will also be the benefactors of what Malik Gray (6-5, 200, F) will bring to the table as an inside-outside forward that transferred from Woodside. Phil Leonard (6-6, 215, F) and Terry Morris (6-4, 190, F) will add valued senior leadership.

View last season's Virginia boys basketball Freeman Rankings

4. Petersburg
Head coach: Rick Hite
2011-12 finish: 16-10, VHSL AAA runners-up

A case could be made that Petersburg overachieved a season ago. But the Crimson Wave made it to the state championship before falling to Hampton 64-51. Replacing Frank Mason, now at Massanutten Military Academy, will be tough, but there is some young talent on this roster. Petersburg figures to get some senior leadership from Quadree Walker (6-5, 200, F), Earl Adams (6-2, 175, G) and Kai Haskett (5-11, 170, G). Junior James Byers (6-4, 200, F) will also add some size for this year's Crimson Wave squad.

View last season's Virginia boys basketball stats leaderboard

5. Cosby (Midlothian)
Head coach: Ron Carr
2011-12 finish: 18-7, VHSL AAA first round

The Titans are poised for a breakout season in the state of Virginia, considering the team is laden with seniors. Led by Troy Caupain (6-2, 175, G), Cosby is looking to make a run this year that will get them deep into the postseason. Aiding Caupian is junior Jarek Frankovich (6-3, 215, F), a sharp-shooter who will look to fill the void that resulted in Evan Orzolek's departure.

View last season's Virginia boys basketball playoff brackets