MaxPreps 2015-16 Vermont preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Rice Memorial (South Burlington)
Head coach: Paul Pecor
2014-15 record: 22-1

If not for a January loss to Rutland (only its second loss to Rutland since 2010), Rice Memorial would have finished last season without a single blemish. Kendrick Gray, an all-state selection last season, returns for his senior season after averaging nearly 20 points as a junior.

See last season's Vermont boys basketball computer rankings

2. Burlington
Head coach: Matt Johnson
2014-15 record: 20-3

The Division I runner up will be back in state title contention for the 2015-16 season. In Asmin Mostarlic and Josh Hale, it has perhaps the state's top one-two punch. Both were second team all-state selections as juniors.

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3. Essex (Essex Junction)
Head coach: Jesse Coutrayer
2014-15 finish: 14-7

Essex raced to a 6-1 start last year, but was inconsistent in the second half of the season. It will aim to be more consistent this season. Elias Digrande, one of the state's most versatile players, will once again be asked to lead Essex, which seeks its first title since 2010.

See last season's Vermont boys basketball playoff brackets

4. Rutland
Head coach: Mike Wood
2014-15 finish: 17-5

Rutland enjoyed a deep playoff run before getting bounced by Rice Memorial in the semifinals of the Division I bracket last season. Kyle Cassarino will assume a larger role, with Omari Brown and Bailey Plante having graduated.

See last season's Vermont boys basketball stat leaders

5. St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury)
Head coach: Tom O'Shea
2014-15 finish: 7-12

After a 23-win season in 2012-13 and a 15-win season the following year, last season's losing record seems like an anomaly. Tristan Ross is gone, but promising sophomore Antonio Callaway appears poised for a big season.