Sunrise Christian Academy is a national-caliber program this season.
Photo by Sam Soliday
2015-16 Kansas Preseason Boys Basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire)Head coach: Luke Barnwell
2014-15 record: 19-4
Former head coach Kyle Lindsted has moved on to Greg Marshall's staff at Wichita State, but Barnwell inherits a loaded roster with players from all over the map.
Isiah Jasey (6-8, Jr., F) and
Derrick Walker (6-8, Sr., F) are just a few of the standouts for the Buffaloes. Sunrise Christian is an independent program and does not compete for state titles in Kansas.
See last season's Kansas boys basketball computer rankings2. Olathe EastHead coach: Jim Super
2014-15 record: 19-6
After a run to the 6A semifinals a year ago, the Hawks will be looking to take it one step farther this winter. Gone is all-stater Javion Blake but three double-digit scorers return in
Josiah Talbert (6-8, Sr., F),
Cedric Roland (6-6, Sr., F) and
Dion Union (5-9, Sr., G).
See Kansas boys basketball pro photo galleries3. McPhersonHead coach: Kurt Kinnamon
2014-15 record: 26-0
The Bullpups ran the table en route to the Class 4A Division I state title last season. All-staters Kyler Kinnamon and Payton Stephens will be missed, but
Drew Pyle (6-3, Sr., G) led the team in scoring and younger brother
Ben Pyle (6-3, So., G) should be ready for a larger role in 2015-16.
See last season's Kansas boys basketball playoff brackets4. Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission)Head coach: Rick Zych
2014-15 record: 20-5
Everybody in Kansas is anxious to see what the Stags can do with
Bol Bol (6-11, So., F/C) in the lineup. Relegated to junior varsity status a year ago due to a late transfer, the son of former NBA shotblocker extraordinnaire Manute Bol is a tantalizing talent. He's a borderline Top 10 prospect nationally in the 2018 class according to 247Sports.
See last season's Kansas boys basketball stat leaders5. Heights (Wichita,)Head coach: Joe Auer
2014-15 record: 21-4
The Falcons are one of the safest bets in Kansas. Under Auer, Heights has won 20 or more games in six of the last seven seasons. This year's group will be led by
Davon Gill (6-5, Sr., G/F), who averaged 12.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game as a junior.