Prep Baseball Report

McHenry Preseason I.D.: Infielder Analysis


By Illinois Scouting Staff

On Jan. 27, the PBR Illinois team made its way back to McHenry, Ill., to host its annual McHenry Preseason I.D. event. This was the fourth year the team has made the trip up to host the showcase at Pro Player Academy. Every year, we uncover more and more prospects from this event to add to our watch lists and the same can be said about this year, too.

At the end of January, we posted our rapid analysis on the event in our Quick Hits post and we broke down each of the measured statistics in our Statistical Analysis story.

Over 100 prospects participated in the Pro Player event and over half of them took reps in our infield evaluations. With more than 50 infield prospects to examine and rank, we separated by the day’s ranked participants by their graduation year – 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Sitting atop the ranked juniors is Grant’s big, sturdy two-way prospect Mikal Ashley (uncommitted). The unsigned junior has noticeably trimmed down since we saw him last and it has positively affected all facets of his game, especially his offense. Ashley showed electric bat speed which helps creates a powerful profile at the plate. Despite his extra-large frame, he moves exceptionally well on his feet and should fit into a corner spot neatly.

Three 2021s warranted rankings of their own, including Warren’s Maxwell Thompson (uncommitted), a strong first baseman whose loose, easy swing deserves mentioning. And one freshman managed to earn a ranking below, too: Prairie Ridge’s Braden Thelander (uncommitted). He looks right at home on the infield dirt and has the quick-twitch actions that will play both up the middle and in the batter’s box. Thelander will be one to follow in the coming year's.

For complete reports on each of the outfielders who made it out to the showcase last month, continue on below. This week, we’ve covered McHenry’s catchers and outfielders so far. On deck for tomorrow is pitcher analysis, so keep an eye out for that until then.


Top Infield Prospects

2020

1. Mikal Ashley, INF/RHP, Grant, 2020
6-foot-1, 228-pound, extra-large, physically-imposing two-way prospect. Has lost about 20 pounds since our last look. Offensively, has some of the more impressive raw bat speed in the class. Right-handed hitter, tall, open, relaxed setup, smooth load, leg-kick timing trigger and stays balanced through contact. Loose, fast hands, swings with controlled aggression and looks to drive the baseball with authority. Explosive bat speed, fluid rhythm, natural lift in swing and power potential to all fields. 95 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder. Moves well for size, light on his feet, steady sure hands, clean transfer and plays through the baseball. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws carry across the diamond. 4.51 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, controlled, deliberate wind up works with rhythm and balance. Short, quick arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, straight action, sat 82-83 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, sharp action at times, 69-71 mph.

2. Brayden Childress, INF/RHP, Robinson, 2020
6-foot-3, 205-pound, two-way prospect; physically-advanced wide-shouldered, powerful build. 4.37 runner, home-to-first. Offensively, right-handed hitter, open setup, toe-tap stride and hits off front side. Loose, strong hands, aggressive swing, fast bat, short level bat path and line-drive approach. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, soft hands, feel around the bag and athletic, quick arm action, Throws topped at 82 mph across the infield. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth delivery, works on-line, lands square and finishes athletically. Quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball pounds the zone, straight action, sat 80-82 mph. Throws a slider and curveball. Both work 11/5 and showed better feel for the curveball. Curveball ranged 65-67 mph while slider sat 68-70 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, 73-74 mph.

3. Keegan Garis, INF, Prairie Ridge, 2020
6-foot-3, 190-pound, left-handed hitting infielder; athletic, projectable build with plenty of room for continued physical development. 4.39 runner, home-to-first. Offensively, open narrow setup, stride gets back to square and utilizes lower half in swing. Aggressive swing, loose hands, present bat speed, natural lift in swing and gap-to-gap approach. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, sure handed, clean transfer, plays through the baseball. Loose arm action, can throw from multiple slots and throws topped at 82 mph across the infield.

4. Bryan Belo, INF, Jacobs, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced tall quiet setup, gets separation in his hands and long leg-lift trigger. Loose, aggressive swing, attacks the baseball and creates bat speed. Level bat path, stays through the hitting zone and fluid rhythm throughout. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, active feet, plays with bounce, soft hands and funnels to exchange. Short, over-the-top arm action and throws topped at 78 mph. 4.44 runner, home-to-first.

5. Jack Owens, INF/RHP, Mascoutah, 2020
6-foot-2, 210-pound, two-way prospect; physical, wide-shouldered build. At the plate, right-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Simple swing, creates advanced bat speed, long and level through the zone and gap-to-gap approach. 95 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands at first base. Long arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 81 mph. 4.51 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, linear delivery, works on-line and lands front-toe closed. Arm works long and out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball, downward tilt, thrown for strikes, 79-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball, 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes, 70-73 mph. Changeup, straight action, feel, 73-76 mph.

5. Jonathan Gardner, INF, Barrington, 2020
6-foot-1, 165-pound, right-handed hitting infielder; long, athletic build with plenty of room for continued physical development. Defensively, steady infield actions, soft hands, plays through the baseball. Short, loose, live arm action from a high ¾ slot. Throws carry and topped at 82 mph across the diamond. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, toe-tap stride. Bat stays flat through the zone, ability to backspin the baseball, line-drive approach and 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.75 runner, home-to-first.

2021

1. Maxwell Thompson, INF, Warren, 2021
6-foot-1, 195-pound, right-handed hitting first baseman; well-proportioned, strong build. At the plate, balanced slightly open setup, pre-pitch rhythm, short stride and stays balanced through contact. Creates simple bat speed, level bat path that stays through the hitting zone, consistent hard contact, line drive, gap-to-gap approach and fluid rhythm throughout. 95 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, athletic actions, feel around the bag, soft hands and plays through the baseball. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws carried across the diamond at 82 mph. 4.37 runner, home-to-first.

2. Alex Milone, INF, Prairie Ridge, 2021
5-foot-8, 163-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Ran a 4.30 home-to-first. Offensively, narrow setup, slight leg-lift timing trigger. Natural lift in swing, occasional hard contact and present bat strength; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, charges the baseball, fields out in front of his body, maintains body control on the move. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 81 mph across the diamond.

3. Tyler Castro, INF, Huntley, 2021
6-foot-1, 140-pound, long, lean, left-handed hitting infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. Ran a 4.47 home-to-first. Offensively, open, wide setup, smooth load, short stride and fluid rhythm throughout. Level bat path, quick hands, line-drive pull approach. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, fields deep at times, works through the baseball, can play on the move. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph.

2022

Braden Thelander, INF/RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2022
5-foot-7, 130-pound, wiry-strong, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced wide setup, leg-kick timing trigger and balanced through contact. Swings with intent, quick-twitch, fast bat, path stays through the hitting zone and works gap-to-gap. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural infield actions, sure hands, athletic fielding position and quick release. Short live arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 81 mph. 4.61 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands front toe closed. Short, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight action, sat 79 mph, touched 80. Curveball, 11/5 shape, depth at times, 65-66 mph. Changeup, sat 71-72 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Aidan Alig, INF, Crystal Lake Central, 2022
5-foot-7, 130-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced open setup, smooth load, short stride and simple swing. Repeatable swing, long and level bat path. Line-drive, gap-to-gap approach and 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, clean release, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 69 mph. 4.82 runner, home-to-first.

Tyler Bayless, INF, Metea Valley, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound, lean, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, crunches into backside, short stride, uphill bat path, occasional bat speed and gap-to-gap approach. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, attacks the baseball, plays through, steady hands, throws from a high ¾ slot and throws topped at 69 mph. 4.50 runner, home-to-first.

Jack Bikus, INF, Mundelein, 2021
6-foot-2, 165-pound, athletically-built, long-limbed, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced, slightly open setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and maintains balance throughout. Loose levers, long uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach and fluid rhythm. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, loose actions, fluid footwork, maintains body control. Clean release, long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 81 mph. 4.51 runner, home-to-first.

Owen Brock, INF, Prairie Ridge, 2021
5-foot-6, 135-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. 4.50 runner, home-to-first. At the plate, open setup, short stride gets to square. Uphill bat path., line-drive contact and worked the middle of the field. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, active feet, fields out in front of his body, funnels through exchange. Short arm action, works mostly out of a high ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph across the diamond. 4.50 runner, home-to-first.

William Bryant, RHP/INF, Bloomington Central Catholic, 2021
5-foot-11, 159-pound, long, athletically-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow controlled delivery, works on-line down the mound and lands front toe open. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball straight action, occasional tilt, thrown for strikes, sat 75-76 mph, touched 77. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 62-64 mph. Changeup, fade action, down in the zone, 69-72 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, wide balanced setup, short stride, simple swing, loose hands. Path works short and stays through the zone, line-drive approach and 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.89 runner, home-to-first.

Zach Cantu, INF, Huntley, 2021
5-foot-10, 190-pound, thick lower half, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, wide setup, smooth load and aggressive swing while staying balanced through contact. Present bat speed and bat strength, short, uphill bat path and consistent hard contact to the pull-side gap. 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, short arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 67 mph across the infield. 4.83 runner, home-to-first.

Joey Cauldren, INF, Huntley, 2020
5-foot-7, 160-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. 4.37 runner, home-to-first. Wide, crouched setup and leg-lift timing trigger. Level bat path, line-drive approach and 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, long arm action and throws topped at 69 mph across the infield.

Valentin Cerna, INF, Grant, 2020
5-foot-6, 160-pound, left-handed hitting infielder with a strong lower half. 4.28 runner, home-to-first. Offensively, open balanced setup, smooth load and short stride. Quick hands, short bat path, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, athletic, rangy infield defender, plays well on the move. Fields out in front, maintains body control and soft sure hands. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph across the diamond.

Cody Connealy, INF, Grant, 2021
5-foot-10, 160-pound, well-proportioned, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, balanced through contact, uphill bat path and 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ to over-the-top slot and throws topped at 73 mph across the diamond. 4.56 runner, home-to-first.

Jordan Conti, INF, Wauconda, 2021
6-foot, 155-pound, athletically-built, lean, right-handed hitting infielder. Defensively, fluid footwork on the move, clean release. Short, clean arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 73 mph across the diamond. Offensively, tall setup, short stride, long bat path, pull approach and registered a 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.68 runner, home-to-first.

Patrick Faith, INF, St. Charles North, 2021
6-foot, 160-pound, long and lean, switch-hitting infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. 4.44 runner, home-to-first. Handles the bat equally as well from both sides. Balanced setup, earl load, short stride and stays balanced through contact. Simple swing, uphill bat path and works the middle of the field. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady sure hands, short arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 71 mph across the diamond.

Carter Foat, INF, McHenry, 2020
5-foot-10, 155-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, open setup, smooth load, short leg-kick timing trigger and maintains balance through contact. Simple, compact swing, short bat path, stays through the hitting zone and line-drive approach. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick, fluid footwork, plays on the balls of his feet, soft hands, athletic actions and short arm action, easy effort and 74 mph across the diamond. 4.64 runner, home-to-first.

Braydon Gibour, INF, Crystal Lake Central, 2022
5-foot-8, 150-pound, well-proportioned, left-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, open setup, stride gets to square, short, level bat path and 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands on the infield, long firm arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 67 mph. 4.64 runner, home-to-first.

Josh Giebelhaus, INF, Fremd, 2021
6-foot, 205-pound, strong, wide-shouldered, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, short leg-kick trigger. Violent swing, attacks the baseball, present bat speed, level bat path and power potential. 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 71 mph across the diamond. 4.94 runner, home-to-first.

Charlie Giese, INF, Huntley, 2022
6-foot, 142-pound, long-limbed, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, toe-tap stride, loose levers, long uphill bat path and 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, reliable hands and plays through the baseball. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 69 mph. 5.00 runner, home-to-first.   

Jacob Glomp, INF, Crystal Lake Central, 2021
5-foot-7, 155-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Ran a 4.69 home-to-first. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load and leg-lift timing trigger. Uphill bat path, pull-side approach and 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, short arm action and throws topped at 66 mph across the infield.

Stone Gomberg, RHP/INF, Stevenson, 2021
5-foot-11, 170-pound, well-proportioned, two-way player. Offensively, right-handed hitter, wide setup, pre-pitch movement and leg-kick timing trigger. Level path, occasional lift, gap-to-gap approach and 80 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, active feet, fields out in front, reliable hands, short arm action, high ¾ to ¾ slot and throws topped at 83 mph across the diamond. 4.54 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery. Short, quick arm action, from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, thrown for strikes down in the zone, sat 76-79 mph. Threw a curveball and a slider. Slider featured 10/4 shape, tight spin at times, 64-67 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 64-66 mph.

Josh Good, INF/RHP, Huntley, 2022
5-foot-8, 150-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load and short stride. Creates bat speed at times, level bat path, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, hands work out front, plays through the baseball, long arm action and throws topped at 76 mph. 4.65 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth delivery, stays on-line down the mound and lands front-toe closed. Long arm action, high ¾ with effort at times. Fastball, works mostly straight, occasional running action, sat 74-76 mph. Curveball, maintains arm speed, 10/4 shape, slider action at times, thrown for strikes, 65-67 mph. Changeup, thrown aggressively, feel, 64-67 mph.

Ryan Goudschaal, RHP/INF, Prairie Ridge, 2020
6-foot-1, 190-pound, athletically-built, wide-shouldered, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow paced delivery, works on-line, lands front-toe closed with regular effort throughout. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, around the zone, sat 75-76 mph. Curveball, slurve action, 62-65 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 69-70 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open setup, pre-pitch load and short leg-kick trigger. Simple, handsy swing, easy effort, short, uphill bat path and fluid rhythm throughout. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, active feet, shuffles through exchange, short arm action, throws from multiple slots, 73 mph across the diamond. 4.76 runner, home-to-first.

Robby Gray, INF/RHP, Lake Forest, 2020
6-foot-1, 170-pound, well-proportioned, athletically-built, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open, tall setup, stride gets back to square. Twitchy swing, present bat speed, level path and pull approach. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, works through the baseball, short, firm arm action from an over-the-top slot and throws topped at 77 mph. 4.44 runner, home-to-first. Right-handed pitcher, tilt and topple delivery works with rhythm, stays online and lands front toe closed. Short, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, cutting action, sat 77-78 mph, touched 79. Curveball, sat 64-66 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 68-70 mph.

Colton Howell, INF/RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2021
6-foot-1, 132-pound, lean, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, quick leg-kick timing trigger, long bat path, natural lift and registered a 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, short arm action from a high ¾ slot and throws topped at 68 mph across the diamond. Ran a 4.64 home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, works on-line and lands front toe closed. Clean arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, down in the zone at times, sat 73-74 mph. Curveball 11/5 shape, 66-69 mph. Changeup, cut action, 68-69 mph.

Brandon Jernigan, INF, Huntley, 2020
6-foot, 240-pound, extra-large, strong, right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively, wide setup, pre-pitch load and leg-lift timing trigger. Swings with intent, looks to drive the baseball with authority. Fast bat, short uphill bat path gap-to-gap approach with power potential. 94 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, active feet around the bag, feel for the position, soft hands, clean transfer and strong arm, clocked at 89 mph across the diamond. 4.82 runner, home-to-first.

Kyle Kaempf, INF/RHP, McHenry, 2022
5-foot-11, 140-pound, long and lean two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride and utilizes lower half in swing. Long bat path, line-drive approach, fluid rhythm and 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, quick active feet, works through the baseball, infield actions, sure hands. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 79 mph across the diamond. 4.76 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, athletic drop and drive delivery, stays on-line and lands front-toe open. Short, quick arm action, over-the-top slot and regular effort throughout. Fastball, straight action, sat 75-76 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes, 60-62 mph. Changeup, feel, sinking action, 62-64 mph.

Cole Kersten, INF/RHP, McHenry, 2022
5-foot-9, 180-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, tall, slightly open setup, smooth load and short toe-tap stride. Long bat path, line-drive approach and 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, fields out in front at times, long arm action, high ¾ to ¾ slot and throws clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. 4.72 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stretch-only delivery, stays online down the mound and lands front-toe closed. Long arm action from a high ¾ window. Fastball, thrown for strikes, straight action, 73-75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, slurvy at times, 58-61 mph. Changeup, inconsistent action, occasional fade, 62-65 mph.

Jake Lyon, RHP/INF, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound, two-way prospect, long-limbed, athletic build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher,works from the third base side of the rubber, full wind up, drop and drive delivery, smooth rhythm, works on-line and minimal effort throughout. Long, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, filled up the bottom of the strike zone, slight running action, sat 79-80 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, feel, 66-68 mph. Changeup, occasional fade action, 69-71 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, pre-pitch load and toe-tap stride. Quick-twitch hands, short bat path, opposite field approach and 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady infield defender. Reliable hands, maintains body control on the move, plays through the baseball. Loose arm action, throws from multiple angles and topped at 80 mph. 4.44 runner, home-to-first.

Jonny Marquez, INF/LHP, South Elgin, 2022
6-foot-2, 230-pound, extra-large, imposing, two-way prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, crouched open setup, short stride, level bat path, present strength and 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, reliable hands, throws from a high ¾ slot and throws topped at 66 mph. 5.26 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, on-line and lands front toe open. Short, firm arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, sat 67-70 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 57-60 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed at times, straight action, 61-63 mph.

Gavin Micklinghoff, INF, McHenry, 2022
5-foot-11, 145-pound, right-handed hitting infielder; lean, athletic build. Offensively, open balanced setup, short stride and simple swing. Long bat path, line-drive approach and 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, shuffles through exchange, short arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 68 mph. 5.34 runner, home-to-first.

Nick Model, INF, Huntley, 2022
5-foot-5, 116-pound, left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, simple quiet swing, level bat path and 67 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, clean transfer, short arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 65 mph across the infield. 4.62 runner, home-to-first.

Jared Novak, INF, Benet, 2020
6-foot-5, 200-pound, right-handed hitting infielder with a long, athletic, highly-advanced build. 4.44 runner, home-to-first. At the plate, wide setup, leg-kick timing trigger. Swings with intent, present bat speed, long bat path and gap-to-gap approach. 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, fields out in front in body, long and loose arm action, from a high ¾ slot. Throws carried across the diamond and topped at 86 mph.

Holden Paddock, INF, Belvidere North, 2020
6-foot-1, 185-pound, strong, athletically-built, left-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced, wide setup, heel-raise stride, and maintains balance through contact. Loose hands, level bat path, occasional lift, line-drive, pull approach and registered an 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, works through the baseball, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 69 mph across the diamond. 4.68 runner, home-to-first.

Caleb Rhodes, INF, Conant, 2022
5-foot-8, 170-pound, left-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced slightly open setup, pre-pitch rhythm, short stride, line-drive approach and 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, plays tall through exchange, clean transfer, short arm action and throws topped at 68 mph. Ran a 5.18 home-to-first.  

Luke Roman, INF, Wheaton Academy, 2020
5-foot-10, 160-pound, well-proportioned, right-handed hitting infielder. Defensive-minded infielder. Fluid footwork, maintains body control on the move, fields out front, sure-handed and can throw from multiple angles. Short arm action, throws carry across and topped at 78 mph. Offensively, open setup, coiled loading action, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Loose hands at times, pull approach and 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.58 runner, home-to-first.

Dean Rizzo, INF, Huntley, 2022
6-foot-1, 245-pound, extra-large, right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively, balanced setup, minimal load and short stride. Simple, strong swing, looks to lift and drive the baseball. 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action, ability to throw from multiple angles and throws clocked at 65 mph. 5.75 runner, home-to-first.

Caleb Royer, INF, Grant, 2022
6-foot-3, 155-pound, long and lean, left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, wide slightly open setup, pre-pitch load, short stride, level bat path and 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, clean transfer, short arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 71 mph. 4.84 runner, home-to-first.

Max Scaravalle, INF, Crystal Lake Central, 2022
5-foot-5, 113-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, aggressive swing, long, level bat path, line-drive middle of the field approach. 63 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, attacks the baseball, steady hands, plays through the baseball, clean release. Long arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 70 mph. 4.75 runner, home-to-first.

Luke Seiffert, INF, Palatine, 2021
5-foot-10, 155-pound, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. 4.18 runner, home-to-first. At the plate, balanced, quiet setup, short leg-kick trigger and stays balanced through contact. Simple, handsy swing, short, level bat path, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, active feet, steady hands, packs on exchange at times, short over-the-top arm action and throws topped at 71 mph.

Nate Summy, INF, Marian Central Catholic, 2021
6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced open setup, toe-tap stride, flat bat path, loose quick hands at times, pull approach and 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, funnels to exchange, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 66 mph. 5.11 runner, home-to-first.

Joseph Taylor, INF, Grant, 2022
5-foot-9, 145-pound, well-proportioned, right-handed hitting infielder. 4.54 runner, home-to-first. At the plate, balanced setup, long leg-lift trigger, stays short to the ball and gets off his backside. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, works around the baseball, steady hands, fields out front, works through the baseball. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 73 mph.

Evan Tocmo, OF/INF, Huntey, 2020
5-foot-10, 180-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing multi-positional player, athletic build. Sets up open at the plate, quick leg kick trigger, hands load back, maintains control. Compact swing, loose hands, path works uphill with a gap to gap approach, fluid rhythm through contact. Quick bat speed, exit velocity topped 86 mph from a tee. Easy, athletic actions in the outfield, plays through the ball with fluid footwork. Clean transfers, short, over the top slot, throws carried at 86 mph. Ranges well in the infield, hands work, pats glove at transfer, short, over the top arm action, can drop slot, throws topped 83 mph across. Ran a 4.37 home to first.

John Wagner, LHP/INF, Stevenson, 2021
5-foot-11, 160-pound, long-limbed, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, closed setup, pre-pitch load, short toe-tap stride, uphill bat path and gap-to-gap approach. 82 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, at first base, reliable hands, quick transfer, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 72 mph across the diamond. 4.97 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, linear delivery, works on-line and lands square. Long, over-the-top arm action and normal effort throughout. Fastball straight action, sat 71-72 mph. Slider, 1/7 shape, sat 63-64 mph. Changeup, feel, fade action, 58-60.

Connor Wallace, INF, Richmond-Burton, 2022
Long, lean, right-handed hitting infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. 4.68 runner, home-to-first. At the plate, balanced tall setup, short stride, uphill bat path and 71 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, firm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot and throws topped at 68 mph.  

Nick Zebell, INF, Crystal Lake Central, 2021
5-foot-9, 125-pound, lean, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, open tall setup, stride gets back to square, uphill bat path and loose hands at times;76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, fields out in front, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 60 mph across the diamond. 4.64 runner, home-to-first.

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