The look-ahead to the 2011-12 high school basketball season continues this week with a glance at the nation's top power forwards.
For the second week in a row, a non-senior tops the list.
Jabari Parker, MaxPreps.com's No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2013, was also the nation's top-ranked small forward.
Julius Randle, the No. 2-ranked junior, is the top power forward. The two should wage a spirited battle for the No. 1 spot in 2013 over the next couple of years.
Next week our previews continue with a look at the nation's Top 10 tournaments. Positional rankings are based on team success, statistics and projected impact on the 2011-12 high school basketball season.
Power Forward Power Rankings
Julius Randle
Photo by Jim Redman
1. Julius Randle, 6-9, 240, Jr., Prestonwood Christian (Plano, Texas)What to expect in 2011-12: Randle is a prototypical NBA 4-man with overwhelming physical gifts, an expanding offensive arsenal and a strong competitive streak. His challenge this season is making Prestonwood Christian a national player after struggling against top-notch competition a year ago.
2. Perry Ellis, 6-8, 225, Sr., Heights (Wichita, Kan.)Committed to KansasWhat to expect in 2011-12: Ellis is easily the most accomplished player in this group with three state titles and a cumulative record at Wichita Heights of 72-3. The Falcons enter this season riding a 44-game winning streak.
3. Brandon Ashley, 6-8, 220, Sr., Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.)Committed to ArizonaWhat to expect in 2011-12: Ashley was Findlay Prep's biggest offseason addition and has been a key component for championship teams at the high school (Bishop O'Dowd in Oakland, Calif.) and club (Oakland Soldiers) level. Expect more of the same at Findlay.
4. Aaron Gordon, 6-7, 205, Jr., Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)What to expect in 2011-12: A teammate of Ashley's on the summer circuit and star on USA Basketball's national developmental team, Gordon and Mitty will be bidding for back-to-back Division II state titles.
5. Anthony Bennett, 6-7, 235, Sr., Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.)What to expect in 2011-12: Yes, Findlay Prep head coach Michael Peck is a little spoiled at the four. Ashley and Bennett will get plenty of minutes together, giving the Pilots arguably the nation's top frontcourt.