MaxPreps 2013-14 Maine preseason boys basketball Fab 5

Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state

1. Hampden
2012-13 finish: 22-0
Head coach: Russ Bartlett

Zach Gilpin, a 6-5 first-team All-Maine selection last season, returns to lead the Broncos on their third-straight Class A title run. And there’s good reason to believe Hampden Academy will do so. Gilpin averaged 15.3 points per game and 6.5 rebounds a game last year and will be joined by transfer Isaiah Bess, a 6-4 senior. He averaged 26.5 points per game and eight rebounds per game. With those two taking on the offensive load, this team will roll.

2. Bangor
2012-13 finish: 13-7
Head coach: Edwin Kohtala

Bangor will be deep as well. The Rams lost only three seniors last year, getting the likes of center Conner Adams (12.5 points per game, 9.5 rebounds per game) and guard Alex Campbell (13.2 points per game) back among 13 returnees. The Rams will also be boosted by transfer Xavier Lewis, who averaged 12.7 points per game last year for Lawrence. Expect the Rams to challenge for the Class A championship.

3. Bonny Eagle (Standish)
2012-13 finish: 18-3
Head coach: Phil Bourassa

The Scots are another team that lost only a handful of seniors, returning 11 players, including the state’s leading scorer, Dustin Cole (28.2 points per game). That makes them dangerous. Second-leading scorer Benjamin Malloy (13 points per game) will also be back.

4. Messalonskee (Oakland)
2012-13 finish: 10-10
Head coach: Pete McLaughlin

Forward Nick Mayo (10.5 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game) and Jordon Holmes (15 points per game) will be integral for the Eagles, who were one-and-done in last season’s playoffs. They’re certainly better off than most.

5. South Portland
2012-13 finish: 17-5
Head coach: Phil Conley

Jaren Muller, a 6-5 junior, will take on a larger role after the team lost seven seniors, including top point guard Tanner Hyland. The Red Riots lost in the Class A title game to Hampden Academy but have a base to build upon with Muller, who averaged 12.1 points per game and 5.2 rebounds.