MaxPreps 2013-14 Vermont preseason girls basketball Fab 5

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

1. Champlain Valley Union (Hinesburg)
2012-13 finish: 22-0 (Division 1 state champions)
Head coach: Ute Otley

Senior guard Emily Kinneston is back to lead her team on a another championship run. The 5-8 guard averaged 12.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game for Vermont’s top team and was named to the all-metro section and Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Dream Dozen. Fellow senior Kaelyn Kohlasch was named to the association’s Dream Dozen.

2. Rice Memorial (South Burlington)
2012-13 finish: 20-3 (Division 1 runner-up)
Head coach: Tim Rice

Rice Memorial had a disappointing finish last season, recording all three of the team’s losses to Champlain Valley Union, including the Division 1 state title game by five points. The Green Knights will once again be led by Hailee Barron, a senior guard, who has committed to play at James Madison University.

3. Burlington
2012-13 finish: 13-7 (Division 1 semifinals)
Head coach: Doug Cheeseman

A Division 1 state semifinalist last season that lost only one senior, this team is bound to show growth and compete with heavyweights Champlain Valley Union and Rice Memorial. Ilona Mahert, Ajla Medic, and Kaitlin Garrison are all key contributors that will be back.

4. Essex (Essex Junction)
2012-13 finish: 16-5 (Division 1 semifinals)
Head coach: Shawn Montague

Essex senior Kara Sheftic (13 points per game), a Boston University commit, will take over as the unquestioned leader for the Hornets that fell in the state semifinals to Rice Memorial.

5. Mt. Abraham (Bristol)
2012-13 finish: 22-1 (Division 2 state champions)
Head coach: Connie Larose

Meg Livingston, who powered the Eagles to a Division 2 championship, will return for her senior season. She’ll be joined by junior Isabel Brennan and senior Ashlie Fay.