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

1. West Jessamine (Nicholasville)
Head coach: Jody Hamilton
2015 record: 36-7

The Colts captured the state championship with a dominant tournament performance that included double-digit run totals in each game and a margin of victory of no less than five runs in each game, including a 10-3 win over Highlands (Fort Thomas) in the championship. The Colts look strong again with five returning starters and pitchers Mark Leonard (8-0) and Hunter Noble (6-0) both returning.

See last season's Kentucky baseball computer rankings

2. McCracken County (Paducah)
Head coach: Geno Miller
2015 record: 37-3

The Mustangs were the favorites for most of the 2015 season, but they lost in the first round of the state tournament to Highlands. Last year's roster featured just five seniors, however, and McCracken County returns infielder/pitcher Keegan Breese, outfielder Ian Walters and utility Trent Shelby.

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3. Madison Central (Richmond)
Head coach: Steve Roof
2015 record: 31-7

The Indians lost in the first round of the state tournament, but they return one of their top players from 2015 in Joseph Holbrook, who batted .378 and also won 10 games on the mound. Madison Central has averaged 30 wins a season for the past six years under coach Roof.

See last season's Kentucky baseball playoff brackets

4. St. Xavier (Louisville)
Head coach: Andy Porta
2015 record: 29-10

The Tigers won the state championship in 2014, but they were prevented from going to the state tournament after losing to Ballard in the regional playoffs. St. Xavier should be in the hunt again this year with a pair of Louisville commits leading the way. Adam Elliott and Daniel Fischer, both pitchers, will play for the Cardinals next year. They both throw close to 90 mph.

See last season's Kentucky baseball stat leaders

5. Tates Creek (Lexington)
Head coach: Dom Fucci
2015 record: 16-17

The Commodores had a losing record last year, but they return perhaps the state's top player in outfielder Jaren Shelby (.368, 13 HR). Shelby is one of three returning starters who ranked among the team's top four hitters last year. Also back are Spenser Coop (.366) and Parker Selin (.343).