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

Video: Cardinal Newman frosh Maiya Flores in transition
Check out our highlight of the Cardinal Newman guard from her early days.


1. Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond)
Head coach: Stephen Pezzola
2015-16 record: 27-6

The Pride graduated one of the most productive and dominant players in California in Minyon Moore (now at USC), but as long as they can partially replace her, they should be in good shape. It will likely take a group effort to replace her 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals per game.

Salesian is blessed with one of the nation's top sophomores in 6-foot-5 post Angel Jackson. She averaged a modest 8.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last year. Look for those numbers to perhaps double. She also averaged 3.4 blocks.

The Pride got a break when Sierra Smith, a three-year player at national power St. Mary's (Stockton), transferred to Salesian. She'll pick up many of the duties of Moore. Other top players returning are Sydni Stewart and Makayla Edwards. Since Pezzola took over in 2009, Salesian is 188-36.

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

2. Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa)
Head coach: Monica Mertle
2015-16 record: 31-5

The Cardinals return all five starters from their Division IV state championship team, including 6-5 post Lauren Walker and 6-3 forward Hailey Vice-Neat. Add in quick guards Maiya Flores and Avery Cargill, among others, and Newman should challenge for another state crown. The big question will be if they get pulled up to the Open Division.

See the MaxPreps California girls basketball stat leaders

3. Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland)
Head coach: Malik McCord
2015-16 record: 24-7 McCord has helped build one of the state's top programs, with 184 wins against just 38 defeats since 2009. The 2013 Open Division champions are led by one of the state's top all-around seniors in 6-foot guard Myah Pace, ranked the 65th best player in the country by ESPN. She has committed to the University of San Diego. The Dragons return 11 girls from a 16-person roster in 2015-16.

See the MaxPreps California girls basketball photos

4. Carondelet (Concord)
Head coach: Elgin Leslie
2015-16 record: 23-7

The Cougars continued to thrive under first-year head coach Leslie, the brother of former WNBA great Lisa Leslie. Carondelet graduated only two seniors off a 15-person roster and returns four of five starters, including Brianna Simonich and Kylie Cast.

See the MaxPreps California girls basketball playoff brackets

5. Campolindo (Moraga)
Head coach: Art Thoms
2015-16 record: 25-6

The Cougars no longer live in the large shadow cast by nationally ranked and arch-rival Miramonte (Orinda). The Matadors lost most of their core group from last season, including National Player of the Year Sabrina Ionescu (now at Oregon). Campolindo lost just two seniors off its 12-person roster and returns leading scorer Haley Van Dyke (18.8 points, 12.9 rebounds per game). Ashley Thoms (13.7 ppg) is another key returner along with Aubrey Wagner (8.8 ppg).