The 2nd annual Metro East Kickoff Classic sponsored by Prep Baseball Report is coming to the St. Louis Metro East area in mid-March. The four-day event will take place from March 14 - March 17th (Wednesday-Saturday), featuring 36 teams from around the states of Illinois and Missouri. Games will be played at five locations in the Metro East area; Edwardsville HS, O’Fallon HS, Belleville East HS, SIU-Edwardsville University and GCS Ballpark in Sauget, IL.

The Prep Baseball Report will provide complete coverage of the Kickoff Classic, covering each location with game recaps including insider scouting notes and statistical highlights. The Prep Baseball Report website will host everything you need to know, including schedule, scores game recaps, scout blogs and more.

For entire coverage of the Metro East Kickoff Classic visit www.prepbaseballreport.com/illinois and for up-to-date information throughout the event be sure to follow the PBR Illinois twitter @PBRIllinois

TEAMS (HEAD COACH)

 

 

• Altamont - (Alan Whitt)
• Alton - (Todd Haug)
• Belleville East - (Ryan Wiggs)
• Belleville West - (Todd Baltz)
• Benton - (Brett Blondi)
• Breese Central - (Kevin Crask)
• Breese Mater Dei - (Travis Gebke)
• Brother Rice - (John McCarthy)
• Carbondale - (Scott Hankey)
• Champaign Central - (John Staab)
• Chatham-Glenwood - (Pat Moomey)
• Civic Memorial - (Nick Smith)
• Columbia - (Neil O’Donnel)
• Edwardsville - (Tim Funkhouser)
• Freeburg - (Drew Gericke)
• Harrisburg - (Jay Thompson)
• Joliet Catholic - (Jared Voss)
• Kaneland - (Brian Aversa)
• Lincoln-Way West - (Jake Zajc)
• Metamora - (Eric Stone)
• Moline - (Craig Schimmel)
• Mt. Zion - (Matt Smith)
• Normal University - (Steve Paxson)
• Normal West - (Chris Hawkins)
• Oak Forest - (Ron Czarnecki)
• Oswego East - (Matt Engelhardt)
• O’Fallon - (Jason Portz)
• Plainfield North - (John Darlington)
• Pleasant Plains - (Dave Greer)
• Salem - (Brian Lipe)
• St. Joseph-Ogden - (Josh Haley)
• St. Louis Marquette (MO) - (John Meyer)
• Teutopolis - (Justin Fleener)
• Tinley Park  - (Josh O’Shea)
• Triad - (Jesse Bugger)
• Washington - (Kyle Wisher)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Charlie Erler, RHP, Alton, 2018 - Lipscomb commit will be one of the top arms for Alton this spring. Fastball sits in the low-to-mid 80’s and throws a high-volume of strikes.
• Robby Taul, SS/RHP, Alton, 2019 - Talented junior has been starting on varsity since mid-way through his freshman season. Should hit towards the top of the Alton order and man the shortstop position this spring. Could also see valuable innings on the mound.
• Ben Cruikshank, LHP, Belleville East, 2018 - Missouri State commit. One of the highest-ceiling left-handed arms in the class. Long, loose arm action and has run his fastball into the low 90’s this winter.
• Ryan Culley, LHP, Belleville East, 2019 - Parkland JC commit. Culley gives Belleville East a solid one-two punch at the top of the rotation. Fastball worked 83-86 mph at an event last summer.
• Will Lanxon, SS, Belleville West, 2019 - All-conference selection in 2017 and has been a mainstay on varsity for two years.
• Ian McMahon, LHP, Benton, 2018 - Coastal Alabama CC commit. Competitive left-hander should be the ace of the staff for Benton.
• Sam Jones, INF, Brother Rice, 2018 - Indiana commit. Was a Team Illinois Future Games participant in 2016 and ranked No. 55 in Illinois. Can play anywhere on the infield and should be a middle of the order bat for the Crusaders this spring.
• Joe Payton, RHP, Brother Rice, 2018 - Central Michigan commit. Fastball can get into the upper-80’s and compliments it with one of the better breaking balls in the state. Should throw meaningful innings for Brother Rice this spring.
• Kendall Pettis, OF, Brother Rice, 2019 - Oklahoma commit. Athletic right-handed hitter should take an expanded role this year. Has middle of the order potential with the bat.
• Michael Bolton, OF, Brother Rice, 2019 - Purdue commit. Left-handed hitter, should be in line to hit at the top of the order and man centerfield this spring. Runs a 6.54 60.
• Jack Payton, C, Brother Rice, 2020 - One of the top uncommitted 2020’s in the state. Will compete for the starting job behind the plate. Strong arm and power potential at the plate.
• Cameron Robinson, OF/RHP, Champaign Central, 2018 - John A. Logan CC commit. 6-foot-4, 190-pound, high-ceiling prospect is a legitimate two-way talent. Fastball up to 86 mph and loose right-handed swing.
• Zak Hartleb, SS, Champaign Central, 2018 - John A. Logan CC commit. Left-handed hitting middle infielder. Plays the game the right way and can handle the bat.
• Isaiah Jackson, OF/RHP, Champaign Central, 2020 - A high-follow prospect in the 2020 class. Highly-projectable frame with strong arm.
• Jacob Maton, RHP, Chatham-Glenwood, 2018 - Coastal Carolina commit. Ranked No. 3 in the Illinois 2018 class. Runs his fastball into the low 90’s and has a wipeout slider. Will be a draft follow this spring.
• Evan Rightnowar, RHP, Chatham-Glenwood, 2019 - Thick-bodied right-hander emerged this winter as a high-follow arm in the junior class. Fastball was up to 89 mph in a bullpen with tilt.
• Gavin Wahlbrink, RHP, Chatham-Glenwood, 2019 - Got the fourth most innings on varsity last spring as a sophomore. Pounds the strike zone, three-pitch mix and fastball in the 80’s.
• Geoff Withers, RHP, Civic Memorial, 2018 - McKendree commit. Selected to the 2017 BMO Harris Bank All-Kickoff Classic Team after last year’s event. 6-foot-5, 215-pound right-hander works in the low-80’s, works fast and attacks hitters.
• Shane Wilhelm, RHP/SS, Columbia, 2019 - Missouri commit. Participated in last summer’s PBR Future Games. Athletic, quick-armed right-hander pounds the strike zone behind a mid-to-high 80s fastball and sharp slider.
• Drake Westcott, 1B, Edwardsville, 2020 - Louisville commit. 6-foot-3, 220-pound, left-handed hitter has arguably the best raw power in the class. Was a PBR Second Team All-State selection after hitting .435 with 11 home runs as a freshman last season for the Class 4A runners-up.
• Dawson Taylor, RHP, Edwardsville, 2019 - Taylor has seen his velocity tick up over the winter, now regularly running his fastball into the upper-80’s. If he can consistently throw strikes he should play a big role for the Tigers this spring.
• Dalton Lambert, RHP, Harrisburg, 2018 - Olney Central JC commit. Strong-bodied right-hander pitches in the mid-80’s and should be the ace of the staff this spring.
• Isaac Crabb, C, Harrisburg, 2020 - One of the top uncommitted sophomore catchers in the state. Strong-bodied, three-sport athlete, is advanced behind the plate and should hit in the middle of the order this spring.
• Aidan Tyrell, LHP, Joliet Catholic, 2018 - Notre Dame commit. Athletic, reliable southpaw works in the mid-80’s and can spin a curveball for a strike. Should also help out with the bat this spring.
• Ryan Surin, LHP, Joliet Catholic, 2018 - St. Louis commit. Strike throwing left-hander should take the ball a lot for the Hilltoppers this spring. Mid-80s fastball and quality three-pitch mix.
• Christian Knapczyk, INF, Joliet Catholic, 2020 - Louisville commit. Highly-athletic left-handed hitter started on varsity as a freshman. Above-average runner, makes everything on the diamond look easy and plays with a high IQ.
• Jared Cushing, INF, Joliet Catholic, 2019 - Texas Tech commit. 6-foot-3, 185-pound advanced defender, should start on the left-side of the diamond for the Hilltoppers.
• Gregory Ziegler, OF, Joliet Catholic, 2019 - Missouri State commit, plus athlete does it all on the field, handles the bat in the middle of the order and likely manning centerfield for the Hilltoppers.
• Michael Gurka, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2019 - A new addition to the Hilltopper staff, Gurka is a Minnesota commit who transfers in to Joliet Catholic for his junior season.
• Zachary Gould, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2019 - Memphis commit adds to the uncanny depth of the Hilltopper pitching staff, junior righty is 6-foot-4, 205-pound and sits 84-86 mph.
• Alex Vera, LHP, Joliet Catholic, 2019 - Is a returning varsity arm for the Hill already committed to Illinois. Vera is a crafty southpaw with valuable varsity experience.
• Angel Acevedo, LHP, Kaneland, 2019 - 5-foot-11, 155-pound southpaw is one of the top uncommitted junior lefty’s in the state.
• Robert Jackman, RHP, Lincoln-Way West, 2019 - An emerging arm, Jackman recently touched 90 mph at a Preseason I.D. showcase. Jackman is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound uncommitted right-hander.
• Brody Harding, SS, Moline, 2019 - A savvy defender, Harding is an Illinois commit who hits from the left side. Harding made the All-Kickoff Classic Team last year.
• Daniel Chausse, RHP, Mt. Zion, 2019 - Emerged as a high follow junior arm this winter, Chausse has three pitch feel and runs his fastball up to 87 mph.
• Jacob Mote, INF, Normal University, 2020 - One of the top sophomores in attendance, Mote was a varsity member last season and combines a power bat with above average speed, currently a top 15 prospect in his class.
• McCade Brown, RHP, Normal West, 2018 - Indiana commit, 6-foot-6, 190-pound, highly-projectable, right-hander with a loose arm works mid to upper 80’s.
• Jacob Marti, 1B, Normal West, 2018 - Toolsy first baseman is a plus runner and shows pop in his bat at 6-foot-3, 220-pounds. Marti was an All-Kickoff Classic Team selection last year.
• Connor Oliver, LHP, Oak Forest, 2019 - Committed to Wichita State, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound southpaw just starting to scratch the surface of his potential has been up to 84 mph in the past.
• Collin Witzke, RHP, Oswego East, 2019 - Uncommitted junior will be an interesting follow this spring, 6-foot-2, 175-pounds and sits 84-86 mph, topping at 87 mph.
• Brayden Arnold, RHP, O’Fallon, 2018 - High pitchability right-hander has excellent feel for a mid 80’s fastball and above average secondary stuff.
• Josh Gibson, SS, O’Fallon, 2019 - Missouri State commit, Gibson will man shortstop for one of the top teams in the state and likely hit at the top of the order. Gibson is a premium athlete with soft hands and handles the bat.
• Hayden Juenger, RHP, O’Fallon, 2018 - A top 15 prospect in the state, Juenger is a Missouri State commit with exceptional three-pitch mix and will easily pitch in the upper 80’s. Juenger made the All-Kickoff Classic Team at last year’s event
• Cameron Kissel, RHP/OF, Plainfield North, 2019 - An uncommitted junior, Kissel will be one of the harder throwing arms at the event. Kissel has sat 88-89 and topped at 91 mph last fall. Kissel should also hit somewhere in the middle of the order for the Tigers.
• Brady Miller, RHP, Plainfield North, 2018 - Western Michigan commit, currently a top 30 prospect in the state, Miller has ability to command the zone with a mid to upper 80’s fastball.  
• Giuseppe Mattera, LHP, Pleasant Plains, 2018 - Ace of the staff, Mattera is a Lincoln Land CC commit who we’ve seen 86-88 last fall.
• Austin Cain, INF/RHP, St. Joe-Ogden, 2018 - Cain made eight appearances and did not let up an earned run in 2017. Cain, who may turn into the No. 1 starter this spring is also one of the top returning position players, as he hit 11 doubles last year.
• Jake Hansen, SS, St. Louis Marquette, 2019 - Emerged at last year’s Kickoff Classic as one of the top middle infielders in Missouri’s 2019 class. Uncommitted junior to follow.
• Eric Kremer, RHP, Teutopolis, 2018 - A John A. Logan commit, Kremer is 6-foot-5, 180-pounds and was up to 89 mph last spring in a winning effort in the 2A State Title game.
• Collin Wilma, RHP, Tinley Park, 2019 - Uncommitted junior should be a strong follow this spring, sits 84-86 mph.
•  Luke Markunas, RHP, Washington, 2019 - A big bodied right-handed arm, Markunas gives Washington a strong arm at the top of their rotation with advanced changeup.

PBR GAMES OF THE DAY

Wednesday: Breese Mater Dei vs. O’Fallon (4:00 PM, Blazier Field)

Wednesday: Teutopolis vs Normal U-High (7:00 PM, Grizzlie Stadium)

Thursday: Edwardsville vs. Columbia  (7:00 PM, Tom Pile Field)

Friday: Joliet Catholic vs. Oswego East (5:00 PM, JV Field (Edwardsville HS))

Friday: Plainfield North vs. Brother Rice (7:00 PM, Grizzlie Stadium)

Saturday: St. Joseph-Ogden vs. Joliet Catholic (11:30 AM, Tom Pile Field)

Saturday: O’Fallon vs. Brother Rice (3:00 PM, Blazier Field)

Saturday: Joliet Catholic vs. Moline (5:30 PM, Tom Pile Field)

FULL SCHEDULE

LOCATIONS

• O’Fallon HS - Blazier Field. 718 Parkview Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269
• Gateway Grizzlies Stadium - 2301 Grizzlies Bear Blvd., Sauget, IL 62206
• Belleville East HS - 2555 West Blvd., Belleville, IL 62221
• SIU-Edwardsville - Roy Lee Field at Simmons Baseball Complex. 5200 New Poag Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Edwardsville HS - JV Turf Field. 6161 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Edwardsville HS - Tom Pile Field. 6040 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025

For entire coverage of the Metro East Kickoff Classic visit www.prepbaseballreport.com/illinois and for up-to-date information throughout the event be sure to follow the PBR Illinois twitter @PBRIllinois

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