MaxPreps 2016-17 CIF Northern Section preseason high school girls basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Sirena Tuitele's highlights vs. University Prep High School
See the Pleasant Valley star in action.


1. Pleasant Valley (Chico)
Head coach: Tyler Newton
2015-16 record: 26-2

The Vikings went undefeated (12-0) in the Eastern Athletic League and much of the starting lineup returns. All-Section pick Sirena Tuitele might be the section's top center (6-foot) after averaging 14 points per game with 9.5 rebounds. The Vikings also have one of the section's top guards in Kayla Joyce, who averaged 8.2 points and 3.7 assists last year.

See the MaxPreps California girls basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Shasta (Redding)
Head coach: Aaron Lewis
2015-16 record: 23-6

Shasta had its deepest run in the NorCal playoffs since reaching the state championship game in 1998. The Wolves reached the regional semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Sacred Heart Cathedral. All-Section center Sophie Wood (6-2) returns for her junior year after averaging 11.0 points and 10.1 rebounds as a sophomore.

See the MaxPreps California girls basketball stat leaders

3. Chico
Head coach: Gina Snider
2015-16 record: 17-10 The Panthers finished in the middle of the EAL last year at 6-6, but they return one of the section's top players in Jujy Bonacorsi. As a junior, the Panthers point guard averaged 10.2 points and 2.4 assists per game. She's joined by senior center Diana Hernandez, who averaged 7.6 points as a junior.

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4. Enterprise (Redding)
Head coach: Ray Hermann
2015-16 record: 21-7

For the first time in four years, the Hornets will be without point guard Kamira Sanders, who finished her career with four All-Section selections and 2,122 career points. The Hornets also lose four of the team's top scorers from last year, but Enterprise has averaged 23 wins per season in seven years under Hermann.

See the MaxPreps California girls basketball playoff brackets

5. Mt. Shasta
Head coach: Kirk Andrus
2015-16 record: 26-5

The Bears went three overtimes to win the Division 5 championship last year and won their NorCal opener over Ripon Christian before falling to St. Joseph Notre Dame. Mt. Shasta returns its top two players from last year in Emily Andrus and Kacey Cain. Andrus averaged 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds while Cain averaged 9.2 points and 6.2 rebounds.