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

Video: Final Xcellent 25 Girls Basketball Rankings of 2015-16
See how MaxPreps unveiled its national champion.


1. Liberty (Frisco)
Head coach: Ross Reedy
2015-16 record: 33-7

The Redhawks made a deep playoff run that did not end until a 41-34 loss to Canyon in the Class 5A championship game that halted a 17-game winning streak in the season’s home stretch. All five starters return, including 5-foot-8 senior guards Jordan Hamilton (11 ppg) and Rebecca Lescay (13 ppg), both named to the state all-tournament team. Katelyn Burtch, a 6-foot junior, and sophomore Randi Thompson are other key contributors.

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

2. Steele (Cibolo)
Head coach: Jeffery Chatman
2015-16 record: 36-4 (Class 6A state semifinalist)

Three starters return, including 6-2 senior Antonia Anderson (11 ppg), a New Mexico pledge, from a Knights team that lost 81-41 to Duncanville in a Class 6A state semifinal. Also returning are senior guards Kianja Cain and Camille Cunningham. Steele is becoming a state final-four fixture and will be seeking its sixth appearance since 2008.

See the MaxPreps Texas girls basketball stat leaders

3. Duncanville
Head coach: Cathy Self-Morgan
2015-16 record: 39-0 Even at a school that has produced nine state championships, the 2015-2016 perfect season was pretty special, capped by a 76-42 romp over Spring Dekaney (Houston) in the Class 6A title game. The Panthers return three starting guards from the team that finished No. 1 in MaxPreps Xcellent 25: junior Zarielle Green (14 ppg), MVP of the state championship game, Tae Davis (7 ppg) and Aniya Thomas.

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4. Mansfield Timberview (Arlington)
Head coach: Kit Martin
2015-16 record: 34-1 (Class 5A Region II finalist)

A 62-51 loss to Liberty (Frisco) in a Class 5A Region II semifinal should serve as inspiration for four returning starters. Heading the list is 5-7 senior guard Chennedy Carter (18 ppg) along with leading rebounder Lauryn Thompson, a 6-foot junior, and senior guards Hailee Walls and Trelynn Tyler.

See the MaxPreps Texas girls basketball playoff brackets

5. Canyon
Head coach: Joe Lombard
2015-16 record: 35-1 (Class 5A state champion)

The Eagles earned their third-consecutive state title (17th overall) with a 41-34 victory over Liberty (Frisco) in the Class 5A final. Two starters return: state championship game MVP Angel Hayden, a 5-6 senior guard, and McKenzie Taylor, a 6-1 senior center. Canyon will begin the season with an active 18-game winning streak.