MN 2011 Prospect Rankings: PG

Who is Minnesota's best senior point guard prospect? The improvement at the one position this off-season makes this a tough question to answer. Minnesota Preps checked in with several local high school basketball scouts and the variations of opinion are eye-opening. Post-summer rankings for Minnesota hoopers starts today.

St. Paul Johnson point guard prospect Estan Tyler had a lock on the top point guard spot coming off an undefeated state championship run but in the five months that have passed several local guards have improved their play. Minnesota Preps checked with several local scouts and here is their opinion on the state's best (names have been withheld to allow a true opinion to be shared).

"Terez Van Pelt. He is the most versatile offensively and defensively. That kid wears a big chip."

"Estan Tyler, he can handle it, shoot it, pass it, and has great court vision. He's also a big game player. Remember last year's state championship game? Runner-up is Freddie Young."

"I like Roosevelt Scott, even though he's more of a combo guard. His lack of shooting consistency is made up for by his length and athleticism. He guards like no other. Marcus Alipate and Jayme Moten are both great true points. All three are fearless."

"Estan Tyler is the best 2011 point guard in state. Three years starter, two year state tourney visits, undefeated season with championship. Last year a top five player in tourney!"

"It could be Jayme Moten. Best winner and shooter in the bunch. Realistically nobody else has better offers and other things, not by much. I Like Tyler, Young, Alipate, Moten, and Van Pelt."

"Alipate. The kid can stroke it day by day plus his dribble attack has to be feared after an off-season working with (Mitch) Ohnstad. Some want to compare offers and if Marcus showed more interest in some schools he would have at least triple what others have. Plus he still has more than others."

"Estan Tyler. Best combination of passing, on-ball defense, quickness, and scoring ability."

Minnesota Preps Weighs In

Estan Tyler was the clear number one in Minnesota for senior point guards coming into the AAU season but many have closed the gap. Marcus Alipate had some incredible performances in the spring hitting contested big threes in bunches plus he turned the corner on many defenders that some didn't think he could. Jayme Moten ranks up there with the best shooters as he's one of the toughest points out there and Freddie Young is quicker than anybody. Terez Van Pelt may challenge that statement has few can stay with his shake getting to the rim. Aaron Ziman also deserves to be in the point guard conversation and Clarence Thomas did some great things this off-season as well. However, Estan Tyler still has the edge across the board. When the ball is in his hands Estan runs as smooth an offense as any Minnesota lead guard plus he can shoot it with range and consistency, Estan is a proven winner, and his teammates love playing with him.

Defensive hound……Freddie Young

Most clutch…….Jayme Moten

Most shake……..Terez Van Pelt

Hottest hand…..Marcus Alipate

Best vision……Estan Tyler

Most underappreciated…..Clarence Thomas

Senior Point Guard Prospect Rankings

1. Estan Tyler, St. Paul Johnson

2. Marcus Alipate, Bloomington Jefferson

3. Jayme Moten, New London-Spicer

4. Terez Van Pelt, Osseo

5. Freddie Young, Brooklyn Center

6. Aaron Ziman, St. Louis Park

7. Clarence Thomas, Minneapolis Washburn

8. Levi Abercrombie, Robbinsdale Armstrong

9. Ibrahim Abukar, St. Cloud Apollo

10. Malik El-Amin, Minneapolis North

Others Worth a Note: Michael Stephens of Big Lake, David Stanley of Roseville (likely to be ranked higher in PG sized off-guard rankings coming out in the next week), Riley West of Lakeville South, Shane McSparron of Eastview, Tyler Fleming of Totino-Grace, Anthony Lee of St. Paul Johnson, Al Erickson of Lakeville South, Daron Garvis of Richfield, Shane Taylor of St. Bernards, Brandon Giese of Zimmerman, Caleb Johnson of Marshall

***This is the first in a series of Minnesota Preps basketball rankings that will follow in the next month.