MaxPreps 2013-14 Montana preseason girls basketball Fab 5

Click here to see the girls basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state

1. Fairfield
2012-13 finish: 26-0
Head coach: Dustin Gordon

For Coach Gordon and his girls, topping last season will be nearly impossible. That is unless they can repeat their perfect season that ended in a state title from a year ago. It’ll be Jill Barta returning for her senior season leading the charge for the Eagles this season after averaging 17.5 points per game in her junior campaign. She will be accompanied by the Coverdell twins, Kourtney Coverdell and Kaylynn Coverdell, who each had a large impact on least year’s team. They will likely take on an even bigger role and provide some experience for coach Gordon. For the Eagles, the biggest factor in trying to mimic last season’s storybook ending will be the play of the youngsters.

2. Broadwater (Townsend)
2012-13 finish: 25-1
Head coach: Alane Dinsdale

Coach Dinsdale will have revenge on the brain coming into this season. The Bulldogs saw their perfect season come to an end in the state championship game, losing to previously mentioned Fairfield. The Bulldogs will return Bailee Dexter and Jacey Thompson, who led their team in scoring with just more than a 13-point average per game. Unfortunately the other three starters are gone to graduation. Anna DeMars saw significant action as just a sophomore and should be poised for a breakout season in which they will need her to step into a bigger role. Coach Dinsdale’s team will be young, but the ceiling is high for the Bulldogs.

3. Sentinel (Missoula)
2012-13 finish: 22-1
Head coach: Karen Deden

The Spartans closed the 2013 season with a state title and only one notch in the loss column. Coming off a very successful season, coach Deden will look to get the girls back to the playoffs but will have to do so without Liz Harper, who was the heart and soul of the Spartans last season. But look no farther than Olivia Roberts and Madeline Keast. Both girls played significant roles in last season’s state title victory and will likely anchor the Spartans lineup this season.

4. Capital (Helena)
2012-13 finish: 20-3
Head coach: Bill Pilgeram

A storybook type of year ended in heartbreak for Pilgeram and his girls with a loss to Sentinel in the state championship last season. That being said, the Bruins look to have every chance to redeem themselves this season. The team graduated only two seniors from last season's team. Michaela Dowdy and Alexa Welch, who posted 15 points and 11 points respectively in the state title game last season, will likely anchor the leadership role for the Bruins this season. Coach Pilgeram will have a team that should be full of experience and ready to take the next step.

5. Belt
2012-13 finish: 25-1
Head coach: Jeff Graham

Katie Fertterer and Kara Gerke are back to lead the charge for the Huskies as they look to repeat as state champions. Coach Graham will look for those two girls to provide leadership and experience for his team this season. The biggest question mark for Belt may be lack of experience but if Graham can bring his girls along, they have every chance to get back where they ended last season.