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

Video: Hunter Bentley's highlights vs. Olathe Northwest High School
See the Bishop Miege star in action last season.


1. South (Wichita)
Head coach: Antwain Scales
2015-16 record: 25-0, defending Kansas 6A state champion

Having won four straight Kansas big school girls basketball championships in a row, it would seem silly to not include the Titans. So we won't omit Scales' club, and with good reason. Three seniors that were key components in the Titan state championship run are gone due to graduation. Scales, however, does return Kayla Callins, a second team All-League selection a year ago, as well as honorable mention performers Trezure Jobe, Krissandra Pollard and Mauri Scales.

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

2. Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission)
Head coach: Terry English
2015-16 record: 25-0, defending Kansas 4A DI state champion

The Stags are the winners of the last three Kansas 4A DI state basketball tournaments, and their run does not appear to be ending any time soon. Bishop Miege carries a 60-game winning streak into 2016-17 and returns four players that earned All-Eastern Kansas League honors last winter. First- and second-team honorees Hunter Bentley and Courtney Harms lead the way, as do sophomores Johnni Gonzalez and Jordynn Gonzalez, who took home honorable mention honors.

See the MaxPreps Kansas girls basketball stat leaders

3. Aquinas (Overland Park)
Head coach: Rick Hetzel
2015-16 record: 20-5, defending Kansas 5A state champion History says that Hetzel will without a doubt guide the Saints to the Kansas State Basketball Tournament again this season. After all, Aquinas has been making the annual trip since before he arrived at the 5A powerhouse 19 years ago. Aquinas has the talent to back up that history and make its 23rd-straight trip to the big dance and possibly defend last year's 5A state title. Four starters return, as do several other players who will make an impact this winter. Nicole Corrigan, the only senior on this year's starting five, Sereena Weledji, Allison Thomas and Alayna Townsell return to their starting posts from a year ago. Blythe Pearson takes over the other spot.

See the MaxPreps Kansas girls basketball photos

4. Olathe East
Head coach: Clint Evans
2015-16 record: 19-6, took third place in 6A

Evans holds one advantage over his opposition that truly is a rarity. Due to injuries to Jordan Rehagen and Lauren Kirk last winter, the Hawks will be able to put seven athletes on the floor that have varsity starting experience. Led by 6-foot junior Sydney Wilson, a second team Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-State selection, Olathe East hopes to go one step farther at the Kansas 6A state basketball tournament and win it all in 2016-17. Regan Schumacher, who has committed to Oral Roberts, was also named to the KBCA second team a year ago. Seniors Caroline Hoppock and Cameron Kincaid and junior Katie Gleason return to their 2015-16 starting posts as well.

See the MaxPreps Kansas girls basketball playoff brackets

5. Hugoton
Head coach: Andy Gillen
2015-16 record: 23-2, took third place in 4A DII

Seven players that averaged at least four points per contest return from Gillen's Class 4A DII state consolation championship roster from a year ago. In fact, Sarah Johnson was the lone Eagle to graduate last May. Seniors Amy Scott and Katy Heger return after averaging 32 points a night collectively and both athletes were granted first team All-GWAC honors. Juniors Dallie Hoskinson, also a first team All-League honoree, and Brooklynn Harper competed at a high level a year ago as well.