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

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1. Middleton
2015-16 record: 21-4
Head coach: Jeff Kind

The Cardinals are coming off a strong season in which they knocked off eventual Division 1 state champion Verona early on. Middleton had just two seniors on last year's squad that had its season end at sectionals and returns its top nine scorers. Good things are in store. Alexis Thomas was the team's leading scorer at 14.5 points per game and was second-team All-Conference. Triplets Bria Lemirande (13 points), Alyssa Lemirande (11.6) and Carlee Lemirande (9.3) are a force for the Cardinals. Junior forward Halle White put in 9.9 points per game last season.

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2. Appleton North
2015-16 record: 22-5
Head coach: Joe Russom

The Lightning made just their third appearance all-time at state last season and first in 15 years. With four starters back from that team, a repeat trip to Green Bay for state is a good possibility. Appleton North won 16 of its final 18 games last season and went into state playing its best ball. Juniors Sydney Levy (10.8 points) and Kari Brekke (10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists) were the leading scorers a season ago in a balanced scoring attack where seven players averaged 5.4 points or more. Senior Callie Pohlmann (9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds) adds some depth to the team.

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3. Marshfield
2015-16 record: 23-3
Head coach: Heidi Michaelis The Tigers were just one win from the state tournament last year, falling by two points to Appleton North in a sectional final. The team returns six of its top seven scorers, led by senior forward Ema Fehrenbach (16.1 points per game). Juniors Hannah Meverden and Meg Bryan each chipped in 8.2 points. Maddie Nikolai (7.9), Jenna Jakobi (4.7) and Corianne Johnson (4.7) also are coming off strong seasons and should see their playing time increase in 2016-17.

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4. Divine Savior Holy Angels (Milwaukee)
2015-16 record: 20-6
Head coach: Jeff Worzella

The Dashers were also just one victory short of getting back to the state tournament last season. The 2014-15 state champions fell to state runner-up Oak Creek in a sectional final. DSHA lost its top two scorers, but has back five of its top eight scorers. Seniors Ovi Young (9.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists) and Rachel Heinrich (7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds) will be the team's main offensive threats. Sophomore Olivia Sniatynski (5.4 points, 2.8 rebounds) and senior Emily Ogorek (2.3 points) earned plenty of playing time last year.

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5. Verona
2015-16 record: 25-3, Division 1 state champion
Head coach: Angie Murphy

It was a dream season for the Wildcats in 2015-16. The program captured its first state title in four appearances. Verona lost four starters and returns just Alex Luehring from the lineup. Luehring was second on the team in scoring (13.7 points) and tied for first in rebounds (7). Fifth-leading scorer Alley Johnson (6 points) is back, along with top reserves Grace Schraufnagel (3.6 points) and Chandler Bainbridge (3.5 points).