1. Desert Vista (Phoenix)
2013-14 record: 30-2
Head coach: Will Gray

The Thunder look to have the most talent in the state, led by Cal recruit Kristine Anigwe and Arizona state recruit Sabrina Haines as they play the role of defending state champs for the first time in program history. The team has plenty of depth with Tatum Brimley, Toni Davis and Alexis Barfield giving Desert Vista the leg up on the rest of the state.

View last season's Arizona girls basketball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Hamilton (Chandler)
2013-14 record: 22-8
Head coach: Jeff Kain

Quality guard play along with a couple of transfers — Maya Banks from Verrado and Zayn Dornstauder from Canada — gives the Huskies a shot at advancing to at least the state semifinals for the fourth straight season.

View last season's Arizona girls basketball playoff brackets

3. Millennium (Goodyear)
2013-14 record: 27-4
Head coach: Courtland Rojeck

This team brings back a lot of talent that was disappointed it was knocked out in the Division I quarterfinals. The Tigers bring back the top six scorers from last season, led by junior Raina Perez, and a chip on their shoulder.

View last season's Arizona girls basketball stat leaders

4. Dobson (Mesa)
2013-14 record: 30-3
Head coach: Tyler Dumas

If the Mustangs can get healthy down low — Monay Mariscal and Sara Nichols begin the year banged up — they will be a tough matchup with Dyesha Stahley running the offense. Dobson always plays hard and forces teams into turnovers and shots the opposition doesn't want to take.

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5. Highland (Gilbert)
2013-14 record: 22-9
Head coach: Miner Webster

A team coached by Webster should always start in a preseason top five because by the end of the year
Highland will always be there. The Hawks didn't have a great summer but they will be the typical Highland squad by the end of the season.

Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic and current Ahwatukee Foothills News staff writer, is a 20-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.