MaxPreps 2017 Wisconsin preseason high school softball Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Greatest HR-robbing catch of all-time
See a Utah outfielder smash through a fence to make an amazing catch.


1. Stevens Point
2016 record: 29-3, Division 1 state champion
Head coach: Tom Drohner

The Panthers won their third state title in the last seven years and ninth overall. The team returns four starters, including Division 1 co-Player of the Year pitcher Aubrey Drohner and first-team All-State centerfielder Ally Miklesh. Drohner was 12-0 during conference play and is an accomplished hitter with a career average of .437 with 13 home runs, 122 RBIs and 38 doubles. Miklesh, the team's leadoff hitter, will be joined in the outfield by leftfielder Halle Pavelski, who had three hits and five RBIs in the state title game. The other starter back is second baseman Brittany Flugaur, who scored three times in the championship. The Panthers will have to replace second-team All-State recipients Jordan Kawlewski and Shaylee Kluck and third-teamer Payton Gaber.

See the MaxPreps Wisconsin softball computer rankings

2. Watertown
2016 record: 22-8
Head coach: Patty Jansen

For the past two years, the Goslings have come up just one win shy of taking home a state title. They will have a good shot at getting over the hump this season. Five starters are back, led by pitcher and leadoff hitter Ellee Jensen. The Division 1 co-Player of the Year was 22-4 in the circle with a 1.75 ERA. She was even more deadly at the plate, hitting nearly .650. The team's No. 3 hitter from a year ago, Katie Crogan, returns after earning third-team All-State honors at first base. The rest of the Goslings' infield is intact with Lauren Harshbarger (second base), Gabbie Genz (shortstop) and Emma Cole (third base) all back.

See the MaxPreps Wisconsin softball pro photos

3. Pulaski
2016 record: 27-3
Head coach: Billi Vertz

For the first time in 20 years, the Red Raiders advanced to the state tournament last year, getting to the semifinals. Key pieces of the puzzle are back with seven starters. Pulaski played great defensively in 2016, amassing 18 shutouts. First-team All-State pitcher Liz Pautz was instrumental in the team's success. She threw five no-hitters, her last one being in the state quarterfinals. The team's Nos. 3, 4 and 5 hitters – first baseman Jena Socha, shortstop Madi Winter and catcher Mallory Ruechel -- are all back and pack some punch. Also back are seniors Rylie Anklam, Brianna Bogucki and Ashley Gibbons.

See the MaxPreps Wisconsin softball playoff brackets

4. Oshkosh North
2016 record: 23-4
Head coach: Cindy Suess

The Spartans could really swing the bat last year, averaging 9.5 runs per game, en route to advancing all the way to the state semifinals. In nine games, the team scored in excess of 10 runs nine times. It's great news for Oshkosh North that its top five hitters in the order are all back for their senior campaign. Phenom pitcher Sydney Supple was first team All-State last season as a freshman and was also the No. 3 hitter in the order. Catcher Sammy Buerger was named All-State honorable mention. Second baseball Lauren Neveau, third baseman Libby Neveau and first baseman Shaye Gauthier all started a season ago and are back for the Spartans.

See the MaxPreps Wisconsin softball stat leaders

5. Westosha Central (Salem)
2016 record: 23-4
Head coach: Konnie Lampe After three straight trips to the state title game, the Falcons were beaten one game before advancing to the state tournament last season. For the fourth year, Westosha Central will be led by pitcher Alyssa Hrncar. She's been a big-time player in big situations over the years for the Falcons. Top RBI producer, Kira Mickelson, is also back, as is Jenna Kontaxis. The team will have to replace former State Player of the Year Kayla Konwant, who graduated.