MaxPreps 2016-2017 Mississippi preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Freshman All-Americans
See some of the top youngsters in the nation, including Columbus' Robert Woodard.


1. Columbus
Head coach: Gary Griffin
2015-16 record: 25-6

The Falcons flew over the competition and nabbed the Mississippi Class 6A state title last season. Columbus returns four-star small forward Robert Woodard and the top-rated junior in Mississippi is poised to lead the charge once again.

See the Mississippi boys basketball computer rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Starkville
Head coach: Greg Carter
2015-16 record: 23-4

Starkville ended last year by reaching the Class 6A state championship and was the No. 4 squad in the state rankings. The Yellowjackets are a battle-tested bunch and should make another state title run.

See the Mississippi boys basketball stat leaders

3. Meridian
Head coach: Ron Norman
2015-16 record: 27-5 Meridian went all the way to the Class 6A state quarterfinals last year. The Wildcats return a veteran unit capable of making a deep run in the postseason. Expect Meridian to force an up-tempo style and force the track meet to wear opponents out.

See the MaxPreps Mississippi boys basketball photos

4. Neshoba Central (Philadelphia)
Head coach: Jerry Byrd
2015-16 record: 24-4

The Rockets completed last season as the No. 7 team in the state. But opponents will have a tough time slowing down Neshoba Central's balanced scoring attack. The Rockets return three scorers in double figures from last year and are a hungry group.

See the MaxPreps Mississippi boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Velma Jackson (Camden)
Head coach: Anthony Carlyle
2015-16 record: 27-5

Velma Jackson reached the Class 3A state semifinals last season. The Falcons bring back four-star point guard Nick Weatherspoon. The nation's No. 5 point guard will be hard to stop after posting 22.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game last season.