On Saturday, the PBR Illinois team hosted its inaugural Aurora Preseason I.D. showcase at Sports Zone dome where over 140 prospects participated in this open event. On Tuesday, we published rapid analysis coming out of the three events from last weekend, including Aurora’s. Today, we’re detailing the top statistical performers from Aurora’s event specifically.

Keep an eye out in the next few weeks as we edit and post videos in player profiles and publish position-by-position analysis from this event. For now, take a look at the measured data collected in Aurora.

MAX FASTBALL VELOCITY

At 6-foot-6, 195 pounds, uncommitted RHP Mason Kottmeyer (Kaneland, 2020) was one of the biggest takeaways from Saturday’s showcase, literally. He sat 88-89 mph, which was a few ticks better than the next best group. Four juniors topped out at 86 mph, though RHP Mason Telford (Streator) was able to touch that mark multiple times. Sophomores Matthew Cruise (Seneca) and Jake Kohanzo (Barrington) were each able to reach 84 mph, which topped their fellow 2022 arms in attendance. And despite not being listed above, freshman William Ho (Hinsdale Central) topped 82 mph, which was the highest of the 2023s who took the mound on Saturday.

TOP 60-YARD DASH

OF Clayton McKinstry (Grant Park, 2021) was the lone sub-7.00 runner of the day, and he clocked in well below that threshold, recording a 6.81 time in the event. Fellow juniors Matthew Davenport (Normal University) and Payton Matthews (Neuqua Valley) are next up on the leaderboard, ranked back-to-back with 7.01 and 7.02 times. Sophomore Ryan Caccia (St. Charles North) is an athletic catcher and his 7.07 mark in the dash helps support that.

TOP EXIT VELOCITY

A senior and a sophomore tied for the top spot on this leaderboard, with a 96 mph high from the tee. C/INF Jacob Castleman (El Paso Gridley, 2022) and 1B/LHP Jacob Rans (Rockford Christian, 2020) each recorded those above-average marks at this station, and Castleman’s is especially notable for his age. Something similar can be said about freshman Ryan Niedzwiedz (West Aurora), who recorded a 94 mph high himself, tied with two others: Kohanzo and Derek Angelo (Kaneland, 2020).

TOP INFIELD VELOCITY

Aforementioned sophomores Castleman and Cruise both showcased above-average traits elsewhere, after tying each other for the top velocity across the infield, at 82 mph. Angel comes in next at 81, tied with another 2022, Gavin Dobbels (Yorkville). Streator junior Telford naturally lands a spot on this leaderboard, too, reaching an 80 mph high.

TOP OUTFIELD VELOCITY

Oswego East is brewing something interesting with the spring season right around the corner, and the twitchy Austin Miller (2021) should be someone to know ahead of Opening Day. He topped 85 mph from the outfield, which led those in attendance, while junior teammate Camden Ruby also found himself on this leaderboard. Kohanzo and Davenport landed on another leaderboard with their high throws here, while physical Yorkville junior Douglas Burson earned a spot near the top also.

TOP CATCHER VELOCITY

West Aurora’s Matthew Tarr (2022) is a simple, well-rounded athlete who looks the part at the plate and behind it. He recorded the top velo from out of the chute on Saturday and was also atop the leaderboard below. Christian Jensik (Oswego East, 2021) topped 86 mph from the mound and it played at 77 mph from the crouch. Sophomores Caccia and Ethan Rossi (Prospect) each earned mentions in yesterday’s Quick Hits for the defense. Caccia topped 76 mph while Rossi was up to 75.

TOP POP TIMES

Tarr tops this chart again while the unsigned senior Angelo is nearby. Another West Aurora backstop, junior Kyle Williams, showed some above-average defensive skills, too, topping 74 mph and popping a 2.09 low. St. Charles North sophomore Aidan O’Connell is a natural catcher with a quick-twitch bat worth following, as well.

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