Tartan has the best junior point guard in the state of Minnesota while Apple Valley has the best sophomore point guard in the Land of 10,000 Lakes (he also moonlights as the best player in Minnesota and arguably the best point guard in the nation). It’s a match-up of Tyus Jones versus Darrion Strong. But wait!

Don’t expect Strong to guard Tyus Jones to much as Strong’s teammate Xavier Hall is considered by many to be one of the two best on-ball defenders in the state of Minnesota. Of course that means Tyus is in for a big challenge correct? We at the Breakdown say he is the best point guard in American high school basketball and just over a weekend ago Tyus tore through Siyani Chambers (considered to be the other elite on-ball defender in Minnesota) and Hopkins with ease in a highly competitive jamboree victory 52-38.

Apple Valley’s other contributors (Dustin Fronk, Robert Tobroxen, Dennis Austin, etc) played exceptionally well in that Hopkins win as they continue to work to prove themselves as talented compliments to the state’s best player. Harry Sonie sat out that game with the flu but he will be back Saturday to try and slow down Darrion Strong.

The Hall vs. Jones, Strong vs. Sonie match-ups are very intriguing as will be the Tartan defense of Fronk on the wing. Expect guys like Kharie Kirkland and Marshawn Wilson to be all over the junior Eagle shooter. But when it comes down to it, how will Tartan slow down Tyus? Tartan Coach Mark Klingsporn is one of the best defensive coaches in the business and if anyone has an idea it would likely be him. Tartan has several tough and hardnosed guards to throw at Tyus but will Jones run through these guys like he sliced and diced the top of the line Royal defense?