MaxPreps 2013-14 Massachusetts preseason boys basketball Fab 5

Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state

1. Mansfield
2012-13 finish: 25-3 (Division 1 runner up)
Head coach: Michael Vaughn

The Hornets return a bevy of stars, including 6-foot-5 junior forward Brendan Hill and 6-5 guard Ryan Boulter, who according to his coach grew three inches over the summer. They’ll need all the height they can get after losing Greg Romanko to graduation, who stood 6-8, and was a terror on the block. With a deep pool of talent, Mansfield will take another crack at the Division 1 title after last season’s disappointing loss to Putnam in overtime.

2. Putnam Vo-Tech (Springfield)
2012-13 finish: 24-1 (Division 1 state champions)
Head coach: William Shepard

The Beavers used a small rotation en route to last season’s state title, utilizing only six or seven players each game. They have four of their five starters returning, including Dizel Wright and David Murrell, while losing senior Kayjuan Bynum to graduation. But they got a big scoop in transfer Tyonne Malone, a 6-3 guard/forward who is being recruited by several local colleges, including UMass.

3. Central Catholic (Lawrence)
2012-13 finish: 21-6 (Division 1 North champions)
Head coach: Richard Nault

Nicked up last season, unable to play at full strength in the tournament, the Raiders return this season with the talent in place to take a crack at the state title. Guard Tyler Nelson (17.2 points per game) and 6-6 forward Nick Cambio are the bread and butter, but there’s depth down the roster with guys like Aaron Hall (6-6) returning in the front court. 

4. Newton North (Newtonville)
2012-13 finish: 20-4 (Division 1 South semifinalist)
Head coach: Paul Connolly

The Tigers will hang their hat on junior Tommy Mobley, who averaged 19 points per game and threw up a school record nine 3-pointers in one game to go along with a school record 40 points as a sophomore. He’s only expected to be better.

5. Danvers
2012-13 finish: 24-2 (Division 3 state champions)
Head coach: John Walsh

The Falcons will have huge shoes to fill with the departures of Nick McKenna, Nick Bates and Eric Martin, but can rest easy knowing that Vinny Clifford, a 3-point specialist with a deadly mid-range game, will be leading a team that will be looking for its third-straight state title.