2015-16 New Hampshire Preseason Girls Basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Londonderry2014-15 record: 20-2
Head coach: Nick Theos
The
Lancers stopped Winnacunnet's miracle run in the Divison I title game,
winning their second-straight championship, 48-33. Theos' squad will be
expected to repeat this season, thanks to the inside-out combo of
all-state players
Ashley Berube (center) and
Jackie Luckhardt (guard).
Honorable mention all-state guard
Kelsey Coffey also returns.
See last year's New Hampshire girls basketball computer rankings2. Bedford2014-15 record: 17-3
Head coach: Sue Thomas
The Bulldogs were shocked by No. 9-seed Winnacunnet in the Division I quarterfinals last season, but will once again be one of the top teams in the state. Thomas' squad will look for revenge, led by all-state guards
Brianna Purcell (11 points in quarterfinal loss) and
Nicole Tucci (13 in quarterfinal loss).
See last year's New Hampshire girls basketball playoff brackets3. Conant (Jaffrey)2014-15 record: 22-0
Head coach: Dave Springfield
The Orioles capped an undefeated season by beating Gilford, 55-33, to win the Division III state title. Springfield's bunch will once again be the favorite, led by NHIAA and Gatorade Player of the Year
Madison Springfield, who also happens to be the coach's daughter. Conant will have to do without the services of all-state guard Eva Hodgson, who transferred to New Hampton Prep, but Madison Springfield — a Holy Cross signee — will likely lead Conant on another deep run.
See last year's New Hampshire girls basketball stat leaders4. Winnacunnet (Hampton)2014-15 record: 14-8
Head coach: Cassie Turcotte
Turcotte led the Warriors on a remarkable run in the Division I playoffs, advancing all the way to the title game as a 9-seed. It was a full team effort last season and should be again this year, but the offense will likely run through all-state forward
Meg Knollmeyer.
See New Hampshire girls basketball pro photo galleries5. Merrimack Valley (Penacook)2014-15 record: 13-6
Head coach: David Huckins
The Pride lost an overtime heartbreaker in the opening round of the Division II playoffs last year, but look for Huckins' squad to rebound in 2015-16. MVHS will be led by Division II Player of the Year
Mayson Kimball, who will likely improve on her stellar performance from last season.