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

Video: East girls basketball highlights vs. Sheridan High School
See the top team in the state in action last season.


1. East (Cheyenne)
Head coach: Rusty Horsley
2015-16 record: 19-6

With three All-State players returning, the Cheyenne school looks to be the best in the state this year – though East hasn't won a Wyoming championship since 2010. But twins Cosette Stellern (13.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg) and Sierra Stellern (10.7 ppg) and Katie Loken (10.3 ppg) will work with point guard Jessie Erickson, and since all are seniors, the chemistry should be good. With Campbell County and Natrona County down a little, look for last year's third-place finisher to be in the fight for state title No. 4 come March.

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

2. Campbell County (Gillette)
Head coach: Mitch Holst
2015-16 record: 23-4

Campbell County blew away Natrona County in the 4A final last year, 84-62, but lost seven seniors to graduation, including four college players. Kalina Smith and Rylie Pilon return, however, plus help from a powerhouse JV team, as the Camels will go after state title No. 11. As always, Campbell County will bring in out-of-state teams for the Energy Classic and will travel to Nevada to face Las Vegas power Bishop Gorman.

See the MaxPreps Wyoming girls basketball stat leaders

3. Worland
Head coach: Benjamin Hoffman
2015-16 record: 25-1 First-year coach Benjamin Hoffman steps into a somewhat enviable situation – if not for the fact that pretty much everyone takes dead aim at the defending state champion, he could enjoy the luxury of four strong returners, led by Lyndzi Rich. Casey Wassum, Carly King and Charlee Townsend will also make major contributions to the 3A winners.

See the MaxPreps Wyoming girls basketball photos

4. Star Valley (Afton)
Head coach: Dave Moore
2015-16 record: 18-5

Star Valley brings back seven seniors from last year's 3A runner-up (the Braves lost to Worland 44-35) and is focused on winning its 10th state title. All-State players Savannah Lucero (13.7 ppg on 36 percent shooting from 3-point distance) and Rylee Burmester (10.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg) will get plenty of support from sharpshooter Shania Warren (44 percent from beyond the arc) and Kenadee Jenkins in the paint.

See the MaxPreps Wyoming girls basketball playoff brackets

5. Pine Bluffs
Head coach: Lindsey Forbes
2015-16 record: 27-4

The defending 2A champs return seniors Jadyn Golding and Montanna Chrystal help from a team that lost only four times – and coach Lindsey Forbes feels the Hornets will have even more venom in their sting this year. Playing at the 2A level, however, limits their opportunities to prove themselves against the bigger schools.