MaxPreps 2016 Ohio preseason high school baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
Head coach: Tim Held
2015 record: 31-3

The Crusaders have won three state championships in the past four years. With a deep pitching staff, Archbishop Moeller will likely be favored to win it all again in 2016. The team's top two pitchers include Nick Bennett (7-1, 0.90 ERA) and Cameron Junker (4-0, 2.29 ERA) while catcher Patrick Mullinger (.324) and outfielder Kyle Butz (.318) are the top two returning position players.

See last season's Ohio baseball computer rankings

2. Westerville Central
Head coach: Jeff Keifer
2015 record: 24-6-1

Westerville Central had its best season ever as it reached the state finals and fell to Archbishop Moeller in the championship game. Five starters return from that squad, including all-state pitcher Gavin Lyon (111 strikeouts) and all-district shortstop Noah West (.402). Second team all-district catcher Daniel Kreuzer (.402) also returns, along with all-district outfielder Jeremiah Clarke (.450).

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3. Mason
Head coach: Curt Bly
2015 record: 25-8

The Comets are regularly one of the top contenders in Division I and with five returning starters they should be in the mix again. Ronnie Engelman returns at pitcher and infield (.354) while Vince Vannelle also returns in the infield (.321). Sophomore shortstop Nick Northcut (.373) is a potential MLB Draft pick in 2018.

See last season's Ohio baseball playoff brackets

4. Defiance
Head coach: Tom Held
2015 record: 28-5

The defending Division II state champions had their worst league finish (7-2) since 1991, yet they still managed to claim a state title. Second team all-Ohio pitcher Shay Smiddy returns. He had an 11-1 record and batted .384 last year. Defiance also has five other returning lettermen, including senior pitcher Abram Smith (4-1, 1.60 ERA).

See last season's Ohio baseball stat leaders

5. Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls)
Head coach: Chris Kaczmar
2015 record: 26-3

Walsh Jesuit expects to send about 10 players on to college ball next year, topped by all-American candidate Dominic Canzone, who is headed to Ohio State, and junior Brendan Regan, who has committed to Michigan State. Two other seniors to watch include pitcher Andrew Kukla and second baseman Bryce Marshall.