
Myers Park hopes to claim another state title in 2014-15.
Photo by Steven Worthy
MaxPreps 2014-15 North Carolina Girls Basketball Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
1. New Hope Christian Academy (Thomasville)2013-14 record: 32-1
Coach: Delaney Rudd
Only a stunning last-second loss to Riverdale Baptist of Maryland in the final game of the season prevented New Hope from going undefeated and moving into the top five in the Xcellent 25. Former NBA player Rudd is coaching again, and his roster is littered with college prospects, highlighted by his daughter
Kiana (Lucky) Rudd.
View last season's North Carolina girls basketball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard2. Myers Park (Charlotte)2013-14 record: 30-1
Coach: Barbara Nelson
That one loss last year was to No. 1 Blackman of Tennessee, but otherwise it was pretty much smooth sailing.
Rydeiah Rogers (known as D.D.) and
Aliyah Mazyck, a slick point guard, are both back from last year's 4A state titlists, though Saadia Timpton graduated. Still, expect coach Nelson to have Myers Park in high gear again as her program's depth should prevent much of a dropoff.
View last season's North Carolina girls basketball playoff brackets3. Providence Day (Charlotte)2013-14 record: 27-3
Coach: Josh Springer
Providence Day builds around 6-3 sophomore
Janelle Bailey and also adds junior sharpshooter
Erin Whalen. Providence Day has won nine North Carolina Independent school titles in the past 10 years, and looks to be on track for number 10. Of course, losing 6-4 Jatarie White to South Carolina will be cause for some concern.
View last season's North Carolina girls basketball stat leaders4. Chapel Hill2013-14 record: 32-0
Chapel Hill is a legendary name in basketball, and last year the Tigers added to the lore with a 32-0 record and the 3A state championship. Coach Sherry Norris stepped down, but senior
Raziyah Farrington and junior
Autumn West should keep the train rolling in 2014-15, though lack of size might be a concern.
View North Carolina girls basketball pro photo galleries5. Millbrook (Raleigh)2013-14 record: 24-4
Coach: Chris East
Millbrook made it to the 4A semifinals last year, and returns almost its entire roster — including a pair of talented sophomores in
Kai Crutchfield and
Dazia Powell. The Wildcats used their athleticism to average over 11 steals a game last year, and could be Myers Park's biggest in-state challenge this season.