MaxPreps 2012-13 Montana preseason boys basketball Fab 5

MaxPreps 2012-13 Montana Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Glacier (Kalispell)
Head coach: Mark Harkins
2011-12 finish: 16-5

Glacier could be the favorite in Montana this year thanks in large part to the return of 6-foot-11 center Ryan Edwards (Sr, C), an all-Class AA selection who has committed to play at Gonzaga next year. Edwards averaged 13.3 points per game while also leading the state in rebounds (10.7) and blocked shots (3.0). He's joined by all-conference guards Evan Epperly (5-9, Jr, G) and Kyle Griffith (5-9, Sr, G), who combine with Edwards to give Glacier a strong scoring presence.

View the MaxPreps Preseason Xcellent 25 National Boys Basketball Rankings

2. Skyview (Billings)
Head coach: Toby Hill
2011-12 finish: 17-4

Skyview returns its top four scorers from last season, including all-state member Daine Muller (6-3, Sr, G), who averaged 15.5 points per game. Also back is Kooper Kidgell (6-3, Jr, G), an all-conference honorable mention pick after averaging 10.9 points per game. All-conference second team choice Matt Fuhrman (5-8, Sr, G) also returns and brings a 10.9 points per game average. A total of nine lettermen return from last year's squad.

View last season's Montana boys basketball Freeman Rankings

3. Russell (Great Falls)
Head coach: John Cislo
2011-12 finish: 10-13

Russell expects to improve on last year's 10-13 record thanks to the return of all-state selection Joey Marzion (6-2, Sr, G) who averaged 15.3 points per game last season. He's joined by all-conference honorable mention pick Jayse McLean (6-2, Jr, G), who tossed in 5.4 points per game as a sophomore.

View last season's Montana boys basketball stat leaders

4. Billings West (Billings)
Head coach: Doug Robinson
2011-12 finish: 22-1, Class AA state champion

The Golden Bears lose state tournament MVP Danny Robison, but all-conference honorable mention selection Andrew Campbell (6-5, Sr, C) returns to lead this year's defense of the team's Class A state championship. Campbell is one of just three returning lettermen. The others include Josh Zeller (6-0, Sr, G) and Stewart Harris (6-0, Sr, G).

View last season's Montana boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Stevensville
Head coach: Keith Chambers
2011-12 finish: 18-5 Class A quarterfinalist

The Yellowjackets hope to make amends for last year's early exit from the Class A playoffs. Three starters are back including all-conference honorees Jesse Sims (C, Soph), Jared Schultz (PG, Jr) and Zach Gavlack (PF, Jr). Sims averaged 11.2 points per game as a freshman while Schultz tossed in 11.1 points and Gavlack averaged 10.6.