MaxPreps 2013-14 Virginia preseason boys basketball Fab 5

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

1. Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson)
Head coach: Steve Smith
2012-13 finish: 33-6
 
The Warriors are a national high school standard, and this year won’t be any different. Oak Hill begins the season as the No. 4 team in the country by MaxPreps. Two starters are back: Rokas Gustys (6-8, Sr., F) and Terrence Phillips (5-11, Jr., G). Oak Hill will highlight North Carolina State commits Cody Martin and Caleb Martin, a pair of 6-6 senior forwards. Wake Forest commit Shelton Mitchell (6-4, Sr., G), Virginia commit B.J. Stith (6-5, Sr., G) and Rodney Miller (6-11, So., C) give coach Smith something to be excited about. “We are excited; we’re a versatile team that can go big or go small,” Smith said. “We have good depth. Our schedule is very formidable, as it always is. We’ll find out in December, with the meat of our schedule, playing in Kentucky twice and the Chic-fil-A Classic.”
 
2. Paul VI (Fairfax)
Head coach: Glenn Farello
2012-13 finish: 23-9, lost in VISAA quarterfinals to Liberty Christian
 
The Panthers return four starters: Georgetown commit Marcus Derrickson (6-7, Jr., F), who averaged 14 points per game, UNC Greensboro commit Quadree Smith (6-7, Sr., F) and Kevin Dorsey (6-0, Jr., PG). Joshua Reaves (6-4, Jr., G) could be the fifth starter. Depth comes from Curtis Jones (6-2, So., G), Tyler Scanlon (6-6, So., F) and Evan Taylor (6-4, Sr., G). “Nine of our top 10 are back, and we’re still young, with only two seniors, we do return a lot of experience,” coach Glenn Farello said.
 
3. Cape Henry Collegiate (Virginia Beach)
Head coach: Mark Hall
2012-13 finish: 29-4, lost in VISAA Division I semifinals
 
The Dolphins return a loaded team that includes James Paige (6-5, Sr., G), Ayron Hutton (6-3, Sr., G), Chris Clarke (6-6, Jr., F) and Andrew Langston (6-2, Sr., G). Transfer Marcus Evans (6-2, Jr., G) could have a big impact. “On paper, I feel we have a legitimate shot to do some great things, but you still have to play the games,” coach Mark Hall said.
 
4. Carlisle (Martinsville)
Head coach: Jason Niblett
2012-13 finish: 23-2, lost in VISAA semifinals
 
All five starters return: Eric Johnson (6-2, Sr., G), Malcolm N'diaye (6-2, Sr., G), Kevin Cuesta (6-5, Sr., F), Thon Maker (7-0, So., C) and Kaleb Johnson (6-6, Jr., G). Depth will come from Yesid Mosquera (6-5, So., F) and Mature Maker (6-10, Fr. C), Thon’s younger brother, who is currently tied up with some eligibility paperwork. Niblett said he wasn’t opposed to pairing the Maker brothers together — a high school team with a 7-footer and a 6-10 freshman. “We’re young, but return a lot of experience from last year and we’re just trying to plug away,” Niblett said. “We stepped up and are playing more of a national schedule this year.”
 
5. Bishop O'Connell (Arlington)
Head coach: Joe Wootten
2012-13 finish: 27-7, lost in VISAA Division I state title game
 
Wootten, the son of former DeMatha legendary coach Morgan Wootten, returns Maryland-bound Romelo Trimble (6-2, Sr., G), Ako Adams (6-2, So., G), Jamaal King (5-8, Jr., G), Kelgin Blevins (6-6, Sr., F) and Stephen Osu (6-9, Sr., C).