By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Another top-ranked 2015 prospect is off the board after RHP Steven Skolarz (Lincoln-Way West HS) verbally committed to Indiana recently. Since his freshman year, when Skolarz pitched a complete game to defeat the state’s No. 1 team in the playoffs, the 6-foot-5, 215-pounder had been earmarked as a high-interest prospect.

His stock skyrocketed late summer and fall when he showed consistent upper-80s velocity and the ability to throw four pitches for strikes. Currently ranked No. 12 in Illinois’ loaded 2015 class and No. 79 overall, Skolarz was a Team Illinois member at the Midwest Future Games, which was held at Indiana University in early August. Fifteen of the top 20 ranked players in Illinois’ 2015 class are now verbally committed.  

In other Illinois recruiting news:

+ Drew LaMotte, a 6-foot, 160-pound MIF from New Trier HS, has committed to Lehigh University. LaMotte showed well at the PBR Top Prospect Showcase in June, when he ran a 7.13 60 and demonstrated smooth infield actions.

+ Brady Roberts, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound C from Marmion HS, has committed to Concordia. Roberts was a recent standout at the Southwest Suburban Prospect I.D. Showcase in November. At the event, Roberts showcased arm strength (81 mph from the crouch) and consistent 2.05-2.13 pop times.

+ Ryan Frye, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound OF from Normal West HS, has committed to Evangel University. An impact performer for Normal West as a junior, Frye ran a 6.94 60 and registered an 89 mph exit velocity at a PBR showcase in August.

+ Tommy Toledo, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound INF from Niles West HS, has committed to Illinois-Springfield.

+ Pat Cashman, a RHP from Heartland CC, has committed to Southeast Louisiana University. Cashman was a former standout at Plainfield North HS, and originally signed at Benedictine University before transferring to Heartland CC.

Send all Illinois recruiting information to [email protected]