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

Video: Rechon Black's highlights vs. West Rowan High
See the Montverde Academy transfer in action.


1. Montverde Academy
2015-16 record: 26-2
Head coach: Kevin Boyle

It sounds crazy to say, but 26-2 and no national title is a down year at Montverde Academy. While last year's team had a bevy of talented bigs to find time for, this year's squad will be led by the backcourt. R.J. Barrett (6-6, So., G), Jake Betlow (6-2, So., G), Rechon Black (6-7, Jr., G), Marcus Carr (6-2, Sr., G) and Andrew Nembhard (6-4, So., G) give Boyle a wide variety of perimeter options. There's also major hype surrounding the arrival of Republic of Georgia big man Sandro Mamukelashvili (6-9, Sr.).

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2. Tampa Catholic
2015-16 record: 26-5
Head coach: Don Dziagwa Last season's MaxPreps National Junior of the Year Kevin Knox (6-8, Sr., F) is back after putting up 29.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game a year ago. He won a gold medal with USA Basketball over the summer at the FIBA U17 World Championship. Duke, Kentucky and North Carolina are all in pursuit.

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3. The First Academy (Orlando)
2015-16 record: 25-6
Head coach: Chris Mayberry

Big things were expected when three high-profile transfers joined the program prior to the 2015-16 season. The Royals delivered to some extent with 25 wins and a trip to the 3A semifinals, but they hope to take the next step this winter. Wake Forest commit Chaundee Brown Jr. (6-5, Sr., G/F) and Clemson commit Malik William (6-8, Sr., F) will lead the way.

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4. Dillard (Fort Lauderdale)
2015-16 record: 28-5
Head coach: Darryl Burrows

The Panthers played a brutal regular season schedule in 2015-16 and that paid off in the postseason with a Class 6A state title. Florida State pledge Raiquan Gray (6-8, Sr., F) and two-sport star Jordan Wright (6-5, Sr., F) are back for the champs.

See the MaxPreps Florida boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach)
2015-16 record: 20-13
Head coach: Melvin Randall

It feels like fans are due for another big season from Randall and Ely, who were 14-12 at one point last season before catching fire down the stretch and winning the Class 7A state title. Geremy Taylor (6-4, Sr., G) is the leading returning scorer for the Tigers, who are 126-24 with five consecutive state championships since 2011.