MaxPreps 2016-17 Colorado preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Jalen Sanders' highlights vs. Windsor High School
See the Valor Christian star in action last season.


1. Eaglecrest (Centennial)
Head coach: John Olander
2015-16 record: 25-3

The Raptors were the runners-up in the Class 5A state title game last winter and return their top scorers, including first team All-State guard and Pepperdine commit Colbey Ross. Ross averaged 18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists for Eaglecrest as a junior.

See the MaxPreps Colorado boys basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Pueblo West
Head coach: Bobby Tyler
2015-16 record: 25-3 The Cyclones emerged atop the 4A field with a state championship and return two of their three leading scorers. Senior David Simental was the 4A Player of the Year, averaging nearly 25 points per game, as Pueblo West was a dominant force on its way to the title.

See the MaxPreps Colorado boys basketball stat leaders

3. Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch)
Head coach: Troy Pachner
2015-16 record: 25-3

The Eagles had only two seniors on the roster last winter and are eager to finish what they started after taking second behind 4A champ Pueblo West. Senior Jalen Sanders averaged more than 17 points per game a year ago to go along with 6.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists, and Kayle Knuckles went for 13.5 points and 7.4 rebounds.

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4. George Washington (Denver)
Head coach: Reggie Hammons Jr.
2015-16 record: 16-9

The Patriots hung with the state's top teams last year and return a bevy of sharp-shooting guards, led by Jervay Green and Jon'il Fugett. Although George Washington can put up points in bunches it will have to replace the 22 points of junior Daylen Kountz, who transferred to Denver East.

See the MaxPreps Colorado boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Vista Ridge (Colorado Springs)
Head coach: Joe Hites
2015-16 record: 20-7

A stirring run through the 4A tournament ended with a semifinal loss to Pueblo West, but the Wolves are still loaded. All-State 6-foot-6 forward Hunter Maldonado averaged nearly 23 points per game and seven rebounds as a junior.