Dominique Collier (left), one of the state's top point guards, should lead Denver East toward a possible state championship.
File phto by Paul DiSalvo
MaxPreps 2013-14 Colorado Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state 1. Denver East2012-13 record: 25-3
Head coach: Rudy Carey
The Angels had only one in-state loss last season — in the title game against Eaglecrest — and return
Dominique Collier, who has been one of the state’s top point guards the past three seasons. The University of Colorado-bound Collier again will be flanked by
Ronnie Harrell and
Jevon Griffin as East returns its top five scorers.
2. Eaglecrest (Centennial)2012-13 record: 23-5, Class 5A state champions
Head coach: John Olander
The Raptors cruised to a surprising 19-point win against Denver East in the championship game, but won’t have the luxury of sneaking up on teams this season. While their top two scorers have graduated, the Raptors return talented point guard
Jaisean Jackson and 6-foot-5 forward
Blend Avdili.
3. Chatfield (Littleton)2012-13 record: 23-2
Head coach: Steve Schimpeler
The Chargers will be out for vengeance after a two-point upset loss to Legend in the Sweet 16 last season. The Chargers, who were anointed one of four No. 1 seeds for the tournament, graduated their top two scorers but return leading rebounder and third-leading scorer
Alec Wray.
4. Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch) 2012-13 record: 23-3
Head coach: Robert Wood
The Golden Eagles had a breakout season last year before, like many teams on the list bowing out to Eaglecrest in the postseason. The trip to the semifinals, though, will serve as a buoy to a program that returns its leading scorer in 6-foot-3 guard
Jake Pemberton.
5. Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch)2012-13 record: 22-5
Head coach: Ronnie DeGray
The lone non-5A school on the list, the Eagles return their top eight leading scorers from a team that finished 4A runner-up last season. Included are inside threat
Chase Foster and guard
Christian McCaffrey, who will play football at Stanford. Sharpshooter
Garrett Baggett also returns.