MaxPreps 2012-13 Indiana preseason boys basketball Fab 5

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

1. Indianapolis Cathedral
Head coach: Andy Fagan
2011-12 finish: 20-4

With four returning starters and at lest six Division I prospects, the Fighting Irish are the unanimous No. 1 preseason team in the state. They won three team camp titles and were unbeaten during the summer. Citing his elite guards, Fagan said, "We are trying to be the Duke of Indiana high school basketball (with the way we play)." Indiana University recruit Collin Hartman is the centerpiece. The 6-foot-6 senior averaged 14.7 points and 6.1 rebounds as a junior. Other veterans include 6-3 sophomore Jalen Coleman, who averaged 12.8 points; 6-0foot senior point guard Mo Evans, who averaged 8.9 points and 5.8 assists; and 6-6 junior Collin Barthel, who missed part of the season due to a torn muscle. More size will be provided by 6-8, 240-pound senior Devin Dixon. 

See where Indianapolis Cathedral stacks up in the Preseason Xcellent 25

2. Harrison (Evansville)
Head coach: Bryan Speer
2011-12 finish: 16-7

The Warriors will rise or fall on the strength of the Duncan family, which could make up 60 percent of the starting lineup. Highly recruited 6-3 junior Ernie Duncan averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds last year. His 6-5 brother, Everett Duncan, started as a freshman, averaging 15 points, 3.7 rebounds and shooting 47 percent from the free throw line. Everett's twin brother, 6-5 sophomore Stanley Duncan, averaged 5.1 points and could join other returnees Robert Barnes and Brandon Stewart in the starting lineup. Stewart, a 5-11 senior, averaged 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while Barnes, a 6-0 senior, averaged 4.8 points.

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3. Columbus North
Head coach: Jason Speer
2011-12 finish: 19-6

Four starters - three of them double-figure scorers - are back from a young team that blossomed over the summer. The Bulldogs have very good size and at least four Division I prospects. Leading the way is last year's MVP,  6-4 senior guard Sawyer Glick, who averaged a team-high 15.5 points. But right behind are 6-2 junior Evan Henry (14.5) and 6-7, 220-pound sophomore Josh Steidel, who averaged 14.1 points and 6.5 rebounds. The fourth veteran is 6-8, 215-pound senior Tori Jackson, a transfer who became eligible at midseason. Adding plenty more size are 6-8 junior Elliott Welmer and 6-6 senior Clint Cunningham.

See last season's Indiana boys basketball stats leaderboard

4. Arsenal Tech (Indianapolis)
Head coach: Jason Delaney
2011-12 finish: 16-5

Though four starters return, the Titans still are a young team as they're in their third year of building a powerhouse. Trey Lyles, a highly recruited 6-10, 245-pound junior, averaged 21 points, 14.5 rebounds and 3 blocks last year. Lyles, who carries a 3.8 GPA,  has decommitted from Indiana University and is looking at the likes of Duke, Kentucky and Louisville, Delaney said. Other returning starters are 6-foot senior Leo Williams (8 points), 6-5 junior Michael Jones (7.7) and 6-3 junior Jeremie Tyler (7.5). More depth will be supplied by 6-7 junior Rashaun Richardson,  6-foot junior Josh Whitfield and 5-10 freshman CJ Walker, who has potential to start.

See last season's IHSAA boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Warren Central (Indianapolis)
Head coach: Greg Graham
2011-12 finish: 14-7
The Warriors return three starters, but will be bolstered considerably by the presence of three transfers. Graham calls his team "the quickest and best I've had (in five years)." The key figure is Devin Davis Jr., a 6-6, 205-pound senior who averaged 15 points and seven rebounds. He has committed to Indiana University. Also back are veterans Jordan Garnett, a 6-4 junior who averaged eight points and five rebounds; and 6-1 senior point guard Sam Thompson, who averaged seven points and four assists. The transfers are 6-5 junior Jaraan Lands, who averaged 14 points at Brownsburg (Ind.); 6-8 sophomore Gary Bonds, from Scecina (Indianapolis); and 6-3 senior Cameron Burhannon, from Pike (Indianapolis).

See last season's Indiana boys basketball Freeman Rankings