MaxPreps 2013-14 Montana preseason boys basketball Fab 5

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

1. Hellgate (Missoula)
2012-13 finish: 21-4
Head coach: Jeff Hays

Coach Hays and the Knights will enter the season as the reigning Class AA state champions after a thrilling victory over Capital in the state title game. The road back to the promised land will be navigated with help of the Knights top scorer from a year ago in Tres Tinkle who is looking to build on an impressive sophomore campaign. Coach Hays will need his other guys to step in play valuable roles. With arguably the best player in the state in Tinkle, the Knights could find themselves in contention for back to back state championships.

2. Stevensville
2012-13 finish: 20-3
Head coach: Joey Wark

After 22 years of coaching the Yellowjackets, Coach Chambers is putting down the drawing board and passing the torch. It'll be Joey Wark roaming the sideline in the new regime, and coming off a state title expectations will be high. The first year head coach will have a roster loaded with experience after the team from last season graduated only three players. Jesse Sims and Zack Gavlack, a bruising duo in the post and on the boards will likely anchor the Yellowjackets. Coach Wark has all the pieces he needs to return to highest stage, the sky is the limit for the Yellowjackets.

3. Glacier (Kalispell)
2012-13 finish: 21-4
Head coach: Mark Harkins

For a team that graduated nine seniors, experience may be the biggest question mark for Coach Harkins. Returning All-State point guard Evan Epperly will be a big factor for the Freeze as he enters his senior season. Along side him will be Bryan Michaels who was a large contributor in last season’s success and he will look to take on an even bigger role this year. If Epperly and Michaels can hold the fort down while the newcomers get adjusted to larger roles, the Freeze won't be a pushover come playoff time.

4. Malta
2012-13 finish: 24-3
Head coach: David Costin

Coach Costin led his team to another state title victory last season and will look to continue the trend and get back to the promised land again this season. Replacing Kendall Denham who earned back-to-back tournament MVP honors will not be easy. But Zach Handley, who shared MVP honors with Denham last season looks more poised than ever. Handley enters his final season for Coach Costin and the Mustangs and will provide experience and leadership from the point guard position. Coach Costin loses leadership and experience and will need last year's reserves to step into bigger roles this season to retain the Class B title.

5. Skyview (Billings)
2012-13 finish: 20-4
Head coach: Toby Hill

The Falcons were one win away from playing for the state championship last season. Coach Hill will look to get over the hump this season and get his team in position to hoist a trophy. However, that will not be easy as the Class AA division will be loaded once again this year. To make matters even worse, Coach Hill loses nearly his entire starting lineup as well as key contributors from a year ago. But don't write them off just yet. Konner Weichman will be lone starter back for the Falcons and will likely take on the scoring role for Coach Hill. Accompanying him will be Nolan McHugh who looks poised to build on a productive sophomore season. Experience will be of the short for Coach Hill but if they can mature throughout the season don't count them out come March.