Reebok Breakout Power Rankings: Point Guards

The 2011-12 high school basketball season tips off in a handful of states later this month with some national independents less than three weeks away from season-openers.

MaxPreps begins its look at the upcoming season by breaking down the nation's top point guards – regardless of class. Rankings are based on high school success and production and potential for impact this winter.

Next week we go big with a look at the top centers.

2011-12 Point Guard Power Rankings

1. Kyle Anderson, 6-7, 215, Sr., St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.)
Committed to UCLA
What to look for in 2011-12: Anderson won't be a point guard in the traditional sense for Bob Hurley's defending national champions at St. Anthony. But the offense will flow through him no matter where he is on the court, a sure recipe for success considering Anderson – the No. 3 overall prospect in the Class of 2012 Top 100 – is 61-1 in his last two years of high school basketball.

2. Phil Forte, 5-10, 180, Sr., Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas)
Committed to Oklahoma State
What to look for in 2011-12: Perhaps this is the year Forte gets his due playing alongside all-everything teammate Marcus Smart – also an Oklahoma State verbal pledge. The Marauders harbor national championship hopes and Forte's deadly 3-point shooting, steady ballhandling and physical defense are counted on every bit as much as the package Smart brings to the table. Forte led Marcus in scoring a year ago at more than 16 points per game.

3. James Robinson, 6-2, 200, Sr., DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Committed to Pittsburgh
What to look for in 2011-12: DeMatha lost nine games a year ago, but it's difficult to imagine that happening again with a leader like Robinson running the show. The future Pittsburgh Panther has been a contributor for the Stags since his freshman season and will finally be the focal point this winter with a solid supporting cast.

4. Kris Dunn, 6-2, 170, Sr., New London (Conn.)
Committed to Providence
What to look for in 2011-12: Dunn played second chair to Andre Drummond on the summer circuit, but all eyes will be on the New London star this season in Connecticut. Dunn and the Whalers – 48-2 over the past two years – will be seeking a state championship repeat. The future Friar was a nearly unanimous selection for state player of the year honors as a junior.

5. Marcus Paige, 6-1, 160, Sr., Linn-Mar (Marion, Iowa)
Committed to North Carolina
What to look for in 2011-12: For the second time in three years, Iowa's top senior is North Carolina-bound and looking to score a state championship repeat. In 2010 it was eventual National Player of the Year Harrison Barnes leading Ames to back-to-back crowns. Paige is out to do the same at Linn-Mar, which went 27-0 in 2010-11 with just three of those games decided by less than 10 points.