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

Video: Khaleem Bennett's highlights vs. Norman North High
See the Sunrise Christian Academy star in action last season.


1. Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission)
Head coach: Rick Zych
2015-16 record: 22-3, defending Kansas 4A DI state champion

After claiming the Class 4A-I consolation championship at the Kansas state basketball tournament in 2015, the Stags went all the way a season ago, claiming a state title with a youthful squad. Look for a repeat in 2017 as Zych returns nearly his entire roster from a year ago. Seniors Semaj Ray and Francesco Badocchi, first team All-Eastern Kansas League performers a year ago, will lead the way again this season as the Stags try to add to their state high 20-game winning streak. Second team All Conference selectee Jeremiah Robinson-Earl as well as Landry Webber are back too.

See the MaxPreps Kansas boys basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire)
Head coach: Luke Barnwell
2015-16 record: 18-6 The Buffaloes may be a little green to start the season, but Barnwell has a roster loaded with talent. Isiah Jasey, the lone Sunrise returning starter, averaged a double-double a year ago and has committed to Texas A&M. Junior Isaiah Bujdoso (offer from Wichita State), junior Khaleem Bennett (offers from St. Bonaventure and Central Arkansas), Chidozie Ndu (offers from Southern Illinois and Sam Houston State), Kevaughn Ellis (offers from Ball State and St. Bonaventure) and sophomore Malik Hall (high interest from Iowa, Michigan State and Illinois) are all receiving some serious recruiting interest.

See the MaxPreps Kansas boys basketball stat leaders

3. Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park)
Head coach: Ed Fritz
2015-16 record: 19-6

Husky point guard Karrington Kennison walked the stage and garnered his diploma last spring. And everybody else on Fritz's 18-man roster? They are all back and that demands a ton of optimism on the basketball court at Blue Valley Northwest, especially since Fritz's club took fourth place last March at the Kansas 6A state basketball tournament. The Husky backcourt will be especially strong with the return of All-Eastern Kansas League seniors Darien Jackson, Anthony Pleasant and Jamicheal Morgan. Size is an asset as well with the return of 6-6 Joseph Pleasant and 6-8 Parker Braun.

See the MaxPreps Kansas boys basketball photos

4. Eisenhower (Goddard)
Head coach: Steve Blue
2015-16 record: 21-2

Blue did lose a handful of seniors from his state qualifying club a year ago, but the players he has returning are sure to make opposing coaches do a lot of head scratching this winter. Back are Kansas 5A Player of the Year Matt Pile, a 6-8 senior, and 6-2 junior guard Dylan Vincent. Pile accounted for plenty of double-doubles a year ago while averaging 20.1 points, 15.3 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game. Vincent added 17.7 points an outing as well as four rebounds and 6.5 assists. Junior Tanner King was good for five points and four rebounds per outing, while seniors Brycen Bush and Jordan Greene and junior Jeff Wake earned letters a year ago.

See the MaxPreps Kansas boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Southeast (Wichita)
Head coach: Melvin Herring
2015-16 record: 20-5

Kansas' fourth-ranked squad according to MaxPreps' Computer Rankings last winter may be in rebuilding mode, but there is always talent available at Southeast. Back and hoping to guide the Golden Buffalo to a Class 6A state title is junior Israel Barnes (19.2 points a night), arguably the best player returning to the Wichita City League this winter. Sophomore Richard Reed is back as well after earning honorable mention All-League honors.