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

Video: Michaela Onyenwere's highlights vs. ThunderRidge High
See the Grandview High star in action.


1. Highlands Ranch
Head coach: Caryn Jarocki
2015-16 record: 26-2; lost to ThunderRidge in Class 5A championship

The Falcons were steamrolling their way through the playoffs and appeared unstoppable. But a 47-32 loss to Continental League and neighborhood rival ThunderRidge brought about an unexpected culmination to a stellar season. Despite the loss, Highlands Ranch finished No. 23 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 and figures to return as a force this season. The Falcons' top three scorers were sophomores last season, including the talented Leilah Vigil (18.7 per game). Tommi Olson also returns.

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

2. Grandview (Aurora)
Head coach: Josh Ulitzky
2015-16 record: 26-1; lost in Class 5A semifinals

Michaela Onyenwere arguably is the most dynamic prospect in the state in the past decade. The 5-foot-11 forward, being recruited by several top-tier colleges including UCLA and Tennessee, has been named the state's Gatorade Player of the Year the past two seasons and does it all. As a junior she averaged 24.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and four steals for a Wolves squad that endured its first loss in the semifinals, a 69-67 heartbreaker to ThunderRidge. The Wolves return their top six scorers, including Alisha Davis, who is coming off an excellent freshman season.

See the MaxPreps Colorado girls basketball stat leaders

3. Ralston Valley (Arvada)
Head coach: Jeff Gomer
2015-16 record: 23-4; lost in 5A semifinals Do-it-all point guard Ashley Van Sickle averaged a quadruple-double last season (points, rebounds, assists and steals) and not one of those was aided by creative stat-keeping. The team released a video that detailed every last achievement. The Mustangs graduated only one senior and, in addition to Van Sickle's 15.6 points a game, will return forward Sarah Bevington, who averaged 12.6. While the Jeffco League has not characteristically produced state powers, Ralston Valley and Lakewood have changed that perception in recent seasons.

See the MaxPreps Colorado girls basketball photos

4. ThunderRidge (Highlands Ranch)
Head coach: Matthew Asik
2015-16 record: 25-3; won Class 5A state championship

After the title-game upset of Highlands Ranch capped a 12-game winning streak to close the season, the Grizzlies finished the season No. 15 in the Xcellent 25. Perhaps more impressive, the achievement was done in longtime assistant Asik's first year as head coach. While it seems fitting to rank the Grizzlies higher after successive appearances in the title game (they lost to Broomfield in 2014-15), their top six scorers were lost to graduation and the squad will have a vastly different look. But as a traditional power, the Grizzlies are known to retool quickly.

See the MaxPreps Colorado girls basketball playoff brackets

5. Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch)
Head coach: Jessika Caldwell
2015-16 record: 27-1; won Class 4A championship

After back-to-back 4A crowns, it's time to include the Eagles among the elite. They've been convincing in their clinching wins as well, with a 15-point spread against Evergreen last season and a 26-point romp over Sierra the previous season. The Eagles, 76-8 over the past three seasons, graduated their top three scorers but have plenty of talent in the pipeline. While it might take some time for the Eagles to round into form, it's a solid guess that they'll once again be a prime factor in the 4A bracket.