From July 19 to 21, the PBR Wisconsin team hosted a handful of the best 16U club teams in the Midwest at The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin, Wis. We’ve taken the time to compile and share notes amongst our staff to produce the Scout Blog below, featuring a plethora of this past weekend’s standouts.

Continue on below for in-depth reports on all these prospects representing the 34 teams in attendance.

16U

29ers Baseball

Connor Corrigan, LHP, Benet Academy (IL), 2021
A strong pitching performance by LHP Connor Corrigan (Benet Academy, 2021) helped propel 29ers Baseball to a 6-3 victory over Edge Baseball. The big, physical left-handed Corrigan went the distance, striking out eight and only allowed one free pass. Corrigan’s fastball primarily played between 75-77 mph and worked almost exclusively down in the zone with some run. He showed confidence in his ability to throw his breaking balls, featuring both a slider and a curveball. The slider ranged between 66-68 mph with tight break, thrown from the same arm slot as his fastball. Corrigan’s imposing frame suggests that there’s more left in the tank as he continues to mature.

CBT Wolfpack

Payton Mclowry, OF, Neenah, 2021
Batted sixth and played center field for CBT against Mash Black. Lean and lanky frame with long limbs and room for physical development. Showcased above average speed both in the field and on the basepaths. WIthin the first two innings, Mclowry made 3 diving catches in center field. At the plate, barreled up a ball to straight away center field and was easily able to stretch it into a three bagger. Finished 1-for-3 with a triple and an RBI. 

Will Mattheis, 2B, Laconia, 2021
Left handed hitting second basemen for CBT. In action against Team Heat Mattheis went 3-4 with two singles, a double, and four RBI’s. Mattheis hits from a balanced set up, with a short stride. Showed a middle of the field approach in game with all hits going to center field and the left center field gap. Stays through the ball, regularly forcing hard contact with backspin to all fields.

Carter Stebane, SS, Brillion, 2021
Right-handed-hitting shortstop, Stebane stands at a strong 5-foot-10, 165 pounds. The athletic middle infielder bats in the three hole for CBT and for good reason. In action versus Team Heat, Stebane went 2-for-4 with a single and a triple to the left-center field gap, where he got to showcase his above-average speed. Hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load, small leg-lift tigger, and short stride. Has a smooth quiet rhythm at the plate, with a line-drive approach with some gap-to-gap ability. At shortstop, Stebane moves well in all directions, can get to almost anything hit in his direction, plays through the ball well, also has a strong accurate arm to add to it. Was among the tournament’s top bats, who seemingly barreled baseballs all weekend.

Central Illinois Outlaws

Bryce Bishop, 1B, Metamora (IL), 2021
After crushing a ball over the right-field fence for a home run on Day One, Bishop continued his hot streak with a 3-for-4 performance against STARTERS 16U on Friday morning. The ball jumps off his bat as he consistently finds the barrel and he also showed the ability to spray the ball to all fields, as each of his hits went to a different part of the outfield. Bishop is making a name for himself as the tournament rolls on. 

Noah Campbell, SS, East Peoria (IL), 2021
Athletic, well-proportioned build. 5-foot-10, 155-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Balanced setup, short stride with a slight leg lift. Short, level path to the baseball, makes solid contact on a consistent basis. Defensively, impressed with the glove throughout the tournament. Feel for himself at shortstop, showed the ability to make plays up the middle and to his glove side, intangibles to stick at the position as he gets older. Went 2-for-2 with a walk against STiKS Black on Day One as the leadoff hitter for Central Illinois Outlaws. 

Noah Chase, INF, Illinois Valley Central (IL), 2022
Strong, well-proportioned build. 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting infielder. 2022 grad playing against older competition. Tall, slightly open setup, long stride that squares himself up with the pitcher. Hands start up in a strong hitting position, uphill swing. Went 1-for-2 on Friday morning with a home run and two walks. 

Holt Geltmaker, OF, Illinois Valley Central (IL), 2021
The right-handed-hitting center fielder went 2-for-3 with a walk and drilled a double to straight away center field in his second at-bat of the ballgame. Geltmaker has a sweet and simple swing with little to no moving parts, and a knack for sound contact. He’s also one of the fastest runners in Illinois' 2021 class and uses that to his advantage both on the bases and in the field. He’s certainly a player to follow in his class.

Gus Lucas, LHP, Washington Community (IL), 2022
Strong, projectible build. 6-foot-5, 190-pound left-handed pitcher. 2022 grad playing against older competition. Started on the mound for Central Illinois Outlaws against STiKS Black 16U on Day One. Repeatable delivery, lands closed, works in line with target, throws across his body. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, ball comes out of his hand cleanly. Fastball topped out at 79 mph, sat between 76-78 mph with run. Curveball 61-63 mph, 1/7 shape, late action, feel for pitch. Changeup was used sparingly, played at 65-68 mph, thrown with fastball arm speed, feel for pitch. Highly projectible left-handed arm in the IL 2022 class. 

Travis Lutz, RHP, Limestone (IL), 2021
Lean, projectible build. 6-foot-3, 170-pound right-handed pitcher. Started on the mound Friday morning against STARTERS 16U. Slow, methodical, tall/fall type delivery, tall balance point, level shoulders, works on a downhill plane in line with his target, square landing. Long arm action, over-the-top slot. Fastball touched 80 mph, sat between 77-79 mph with straight movement. Curveball played at 67-68 mph with 12/6 shape, showed feel for pitch. Offensively, works from a balanced setup, wide base, short stride. Level path to the baseball, simple swing with little-to-no moving parts, goes with the pitch, doesn’t try and do to much. Went 2-for-3 at the plate against STARTERS 16U with two singles and two RBIs. 

Edge Baseball

Drew Anderson, RHP, Madison West, 2021
Lean, athletic build. 5-foot-11, 165-pound RHP that started on the bump for Edge Baseball on Saturday morning. Tall/fall type delivery, slight drop in backside, level shoulders, works in line with target, falls towards 1B side, some effort in delivery. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Gets ahead in the count, mixes his pitches well, keeps hitters off balance, throws any of his pitches at any point in the count. Fastball touched 76 mph, played at 74-75 mph, jumps on hitters. Curveball ranged 60-62 mph, 11/5 shape, showed depth. Changeup was thrown with fastball arm speed, showed arm side run, 66-67 mph. Tossed 5 ⅓ innings against 29ers baseball, allowed two earned runs, struck out eight.

Colby Davis, C, Verona Area 2021
6-foot, 170-pound right-handed hitting catcher with room for further physical development. Played catcher and batted in the cleanup spot against Wind Lake on Thursday. Sets up in a tall and balanced stance, hands fall back into load, long and uphill swing path. Lined a two-run single to right field to extend the lead to six, and hit a ball up the middle for an RBI single in his following plate appearance. Finished the game 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and three RBI. 2.25 pop between innings.

James Rae, SS, Verona Area, 2021
6-foot-1, 195 pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Played shortstop and batted third for Edge against Wind Lake. Sets up in a balanced stance, slight leg lift. Showcased quick hands paired with a short and compact swing path. Finished the game 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, including a line drive off the top of the monster. Also drove in a pair of runs and scored once.

Aidan Williams, LHP, Middleton, 2021
Started for Edge baseball and tossed a complete game in winning fashion over Windy City.  Williams scattered five hits and struck out eight in the 7-5 victory. He utilized an effective FB/CB combo all game long. A thick framed body, Williams sports a short, deceptive arm out of a 3/4 slot and attacked the zone all game. Fastball ranged 74-77 mph topped 78 mph with a depthy 1/7 curveball at 57-59 mph. 

Cooper Dreyfus, OF. New Glarus, 2021
Spark plug type player at the top of the Edge Baseball lineup. A left/left prospect who played CF, Dreyfus reached base all four times with a double, single, two walks and a run scored. On the single, he ran a 4.08 down the line, busting hard out of the box. He also showed present pull side pop in the bat for his small stature putting a ball over the right fielders head. Dreyfus can really go get it in the outfield grass, chasing balls down in stride all game long - present speed tool. 

Great Lakes Baseball Academy

Colten Becker, OF, South St. Paul (MN) 2021
5-foot-9, 175-pound left handed hitting outfielder. Batted leadoff and played center field for Great Lakes against ISA Stars Royal. Sets up in an open stance, leg kick stride, smooth loading actions. Showcased quick bat speed as well. Reached base in all three plate appearances. Singled and came around to score in his first at bat, and followed that up with a triple that one hopped the wall in dead center field at Routine. Finished the game 2-for-2 with a pair of runs scored. 

Trett Joles, C, Boyceville 2021
5-foot-10, 195-pound switch hitting catcher. Strong and muscular build with a defined lower half. Ranked No. 40 overall in the state’s 2021 class. Batted fourth on Friday night against ISA Stars Royal. Joles showed off his quick bat speed along with his present bat strength. In his second plate appearance, he hit a line-drive home run to left field at Routine Field that got out in a hurry. He followed that up with a loud line-out to the third baseman in his next at-bat. His bat wields some of the best bat strength in the state’s 2021 class.

Ben North, SS, East Ridge (MN), 2021
6-foot, 190-pound infielder, athletic frame and build. Defensively moves well, showed soft hands and above average actions, reliable defender with above average range. Arm played well on the move, flashed carry across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, quiet setup. Swing looks to do damage, slight uphill with lift approach. Made best contact to pull side, hit two-hole. 

Illinois Dynasty Black

Bobby Atkinson, 1B/OF, St. Rita (IL), 2021
Currently ranked the No. 34 player in the Illinois 2021 class. 5-foot-10, 170-pound left-handed hitting 1B/OF. Balanced setup, smooth load, slight leg lift trigger, maintains balanced through contact. Atkinson provided the offense for Dynasty, going 2-for-3 with four RBIs and two extra-base hits. The left-handed-hitting Atkinson swings a quick bat with some serious pop. High follow in the Illinois 2021 class as he enters his junior season at St. Rita. 

Ty Batusich, C, Joliet West (IL), 2021
Currently ranked No. 23 player in the Illinois 2021 class. Strong, physical build. 6-foot, 180-pound left-handed hitting catcher. Balanced setup, short stride with a leg kick. Twitch in hands, creates explosive bat speed, level path through the baseball, simple swing, consistently makes contact with the baseball. Defensively, presents the baseball well, quick and clean exchange leading to rapid release, comes out the crouch quickly, above-average arm, carry on throws, posted a 2.15 pop time in game, 2.04 between innings. High follow in the Illinois 2021 class. 

Cody Bledsoe, LHP, Morris (IL), 2021
Athletic build. 6-foot, 175-pound LHP. Started on the mound for IL Dynasty against PBA 16U. Rushed delivery, worked with tempo, level shoulders, works in line with target, square landing, upright finish. Long and loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball touched 82 mph, sat between 79-81 mph with run. Curveball was thrown at 64-66 mph, 1/7 shape, confident in himself. Worked through some command issues, interesting player in Illinois 2021 class. 

Kyle Walters, RHP, Minooka (IL), 2021
Currently ranked the No. 27th overall player in the Illinois 2021 class. Walters starred for Dynasty on the mound, starting the game and going the distance, striking out six. He featured a fastball that topped out at 85 mph, sat between 82-84 mph and showed the ability to spot it up on either part of the plate. Walters also showed off an 11/5 curveball that he used sparingly, but played at 73-74 mph. 

Illinois Indians

Matthew Mittlesteadt, OF, Conat (IL), 2021
5-foot-7 160- pound, athletic frame, right handed hitting outfielder. Presents a balanced set up, smooth load, and short stride. Flashes some bat speed, has a middle of the field, line drive approach. Has some pop in his bat with more to come as he begins to fill out his athletic frame. In game play against the Pro Player Canes, Mittlesteadt went 1-2 with a hard hit RBI single through the middle of the field. Shortly after against MKE Elite Mittlesteadt drew two walks and also added a deep sacrifice fly RBI to center field just missing a home run by a matter of a few feet. Also plays a solid defensive center field, covering ground from gap to gap and taking good routes to the baseball whether on the ground or in the air.

Illinois Indians - CHI

Michael Johnson, INF, St. Ignatius (IL), 2021
Athletic build. 5-foot-9, 155-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Slightly open, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, slight leg lift. Short, level path to the baseball, simple and compact swing, fluid rhythm throughout. Went 1-for-2 at the plate on Day One with a single, an RBI, and three stolen bases out of the leadoff spot. Went 4-for-7 on day two with three singles, a double, a walk, two runs scored and two RBI. Showed ability to use all fields, controls the barrel in the zone, knows how to run the bases.

Sam Del Valle, INF, Mount Carmel (IL), 2021
Lean, athletic build. Right-handed hitting infielder for Illinois Indians. Slightly open, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, slight leg lift. Simple swing with little-to-no moving parts, barrel stays through the zone for an extended period of time. Went 1-for-2 with an RBI, two walks, and a stolen base as the two-hitter on Day One. 

Cameron Jones, RHP/INF, Whitney Young (IL), 2020
Athletic, long-limbed right-handed hitting two-way player, upside frame with room for added strength. Started on the mound for Illinois Indians against Nitro Gold going four innings. Coils at balance, work in-line, toe lands closed, athletic footwork with some rhythm involved. Arm plays short and loose out of a high ¾ slot, hides it from hitters, easy effort. Fastball played straight with occasional cut, worked both sides of the plate, ranged 76-78 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, played at 67-68 mph. Easy athlete on defense, moves well with above average range, fluid, confident actions.

Indiana Nitro - Gold 

Cordell Coburn, Evansville North (IN), C, 2021
6-foot-2, 195-pound right-handed hitting catcher, physical and athletic frame. Made the most noise in the 1PM games with a moon shot over the left field fence for Nitro Gold. Sport a short and easy swing that works on an uphill plane showing the ability to lift the baseball to his pull side. Coburn controlled the game behind the plate with receptive hands while being constructively vocal throughout. 

Caleb Koeppen, OF, Harrison (IN), 2021
5-foot-10, 165-pound, left/left outfielder, athletic frame and actions. Started in centerfield and hit leadoff against Illinois Indians - Chicago - made hard contact each time up. Loose hands at the plate, fluid bat path, level through the zone, aggressive approach, hunts first pitch fastball. Pulled a single through the right side and barrelled two baseballs on a line, one to short and one to second base, also flew out deep to centerfield. 

Jackson Micheels, 1B, Carmel (IN), 2021
6-foot-5, 215-pound left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing first-baseman, XL, daunting frame. Served as the designated hitter and hit 7th against Illinois Indians - Chicago, went 1-for-2 with an RBI double, a walk and a run scored. Big swing at the dish, works uphills with some length and present bat speed, strong hands, looks to damage the ball in the air to his pull side,  does not get cheated. 

Hayden Enas, RHP Lawrence North, 2021
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, strong, chiseled, upside frame, present lower half strength. Came out of the pen for Nitro sitting 80-82 mph topping 84 mph with cutting action through the zone. Breaking ball works on a 10/4 plane, sat 75 mph. Easier effort type, strides short and in-line to home. Arm strength type with looseness out front, arm plays short out of a high ¾ slot. Seemingly more in the tank for the 2021 RHP. Follow. 

Hunter Dobbins, C/3B, Mt. Vernon (IN), 2021
6-foot-1, 195-pound catcher, sturdy durable build with strength. Well above average defender behind the dish, hands played soft and showed well above average arm, carried and played on line, showed 2.05 pop between innings. Right-handed hitter, confident setup, athletic in the box, two-hole. Hard contact to pull side in several at bats, roped a double to left-center flashing above average pop.

Indiana Landsharks

Brayden Burgess, RHP, Edwardsburg High School (MI), 2020
Lean, athletic build. 5-foot-10, 155-pound RHP, started on the mound for Indiana Landsharks against Windy City Baseball Club on Saturday morning. Tall/fall type delivery, gets extension on stride, works in line with target, square landing, finishes his pitches, works on a downward plane. Short draw, high ¾ slot. Fastball topped out at 76 mph, worked between 74-75 mph with run. Curveball showed 12/6 shape, played at 62-63 mph, feel for pitch. Changeup was easily best pitch, played at 64-66 mph, thrown with fastball arm speed, displayed arm-side run, worked down in the zone with fade. Showed the confidence in his secondary pitches to work backwards when he needed to.

Zach Strycker, C, Edwardsburg (MI) 2021
6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed-hitting catcher. Started behind the dish and batted fourth against Top Tier North. Sets up in a balanced stance with a leg lift trigger. Showcased present bat strength on a double that was crushed to the left-center field gap. He followed that up with a loud out on another hard hit ball to center field. He finished the game 1-for-2 with a walk, double and RBI. 

ISA Stars Royal

Joshua Blount, 1B/OF, West De Pere 2021
Illinois State commit. Ranked No. 20 in Wisconsin’s 2021 class. 5-foot-10, 160-pound left handed hitting first baseman. Hit leadoff and played first base against Great Lakes. Blount sets up in an open stance, leg kick stride with smooth loading actions. has an advanced approach at the plate, consistently working the count. Reached base in all four plate appearances. Showcased the ability to drive the baseball to all fields, including a line drive double down the left field line that drove in three runs and gave ISA the lead. Followed that up with a hard hit ground ball up the middle for a base hit. Finished the game 2-for-2 with a pair of walks, a pair of runs scored, and three RBI. 

J.P. Gauthier, SS/RHP, De Pere, 2021
Illinois State commit. Ranked No. 11 in the state’s 2021 class. 6-foot-2, 165-pound right handed hitting shortstop. Long and lean frame with projection for physical development. Played shortstop and batted third against Great Lakes Baseball Academy on Friday night. At the dish, sets up in an open stance, leg kick stride, draws hands back into load. Loose hands that generated quick bat speed. Finished the game 2-for-4 with a pair of singles, two RBI, and two runs scored. In the field, showed natural actions at the shortstop position. Soft hands, fluid footwork. Throws showed carry across the diamond. Also started for ISA Impact on Thursday, shutting out Top Tier North in the process. He punched out 11 batters in just five innings of work, allowing just two hits and two walks in the process, consistently dodging barrels all game. He worked with rhythm and tempo and a consistently well-located fastball, sitting 80-83 mph. He also regularly mixed in a curveball, 68-71 mph, that he demonstrated real feel for, dropping it into the zone for strikes and burying it low and away to righties.

Braydon Skenandore, 3B, West De Pere, 2021
6-foot, 200-pound switch hitting third baseman. Strong and solid build. Played third base and batted in the cleanup spot on Friday night. Sets up in a balanced stance, leg lift trigger. Takes aggressive hacks and swings with intent. Skenandore had quality at-bats in all four of his plate appearances. In his first plate appearance he drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, followed by drawing a walk. In his third plate appearance he drove in two on a single to left field, followed by a double in his last plate appearance that one hopped the wall in left-center field. On the mound ran his fastball up to 85 mph, sitting 82-84 mph. Mixed in curveball at 74-75 mph, 11/5 shape. Back on Thursday, Skenandore also crushed a long home run to his pull-side after fouling off eight pitches in a competitive at-bat.

Kaden Kosobucki, C, West De Pere, 2021
5-foot-8, 180-pound catcher, stocky, compact build. Short levers creates compact swing, consistently gets the barrel to the baseball, middle of the field gap to gap approach, showed hard contact to pull-side gap. A simple, quick path to the baseball helps him consistently square the ball up. Defensively, a reliable receiver with sound skills as a blocker. He’s quick out of the crouch which allows his arm strength to play up a tick, too. He’s also a member of Team Wisconsin and will represent the state at next week’s PBR Future Games.

Aaron Rice, RHP, Brillion, 2021
6-foot-2, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, lean frame with sloped shoulders, athletic build. Clean arm path, short draw on back side, over the top slot. Fastball worked 83-85 mph, mostly straight, four seam type. Curveball plays 12/6, 68 mph, ability to drop for strikes. Showed changeup at 77 mph, fading action to arm side. 

Aaron Huibregtse, RHP, Oostburg, 2021
5-foot-8, 135-pound right-handed pitcher. Delivery repeats and pounds the zone, competitive demeanor. Arm action is clean ¾ slot. Attacks hitters with fastball, 81-83 mph, advanced arm side run. Compliments fastball with slider with opposite action, 71-73 mph, 10/4 plane, works out of fastball window and gets chases out of the zone.

Bennett Spaeth, INF, De Pere, 2021
5-foot-9, 140-pound infielder, lean athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, shows feel for the barrel, line drive approach with ability to spray the baseball gap to gap. Hits in the two-hole. 4.55 runner down the line. He swings a loose, aggressive bat with natural barrel awareness and consistently squared the ball up, jumping on fastballs early in counts. On Thursday, he launched a first-pitch fastball on a line over the big fence in left at The Rock’s Fenway replica field. 

SHB Kards

Mason Dado, RHP, St. Croix Central, 2021
5-foot-11, 185-pound with some strength in frame. Coils to balance point, slight hip turn; quick, loose arm working out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 80-83 mph, touched 84 mph, for the duration of his start; straight, some jump out of the hand. Curveball, 68-71 mph, 10/4 shape with above-average action. He shut out CBT through four quality innings before getting in trouble in the fifth, but he finished the game with seven Ks in four-plus innings.

Henry Gathje, C, Chatfield (MN), 2021
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Batted fourth and started behind the plate against Top Tier North. Gathje sets up in a balanced stance with smooth loading actions. Short and uphill swing path, showcased present bat strength. Found the barrel on a loud solo home run that cleared the left field wall with ease at Routine Field. 

Joe Kroeger, UTL, Rice Lake, 2021
Started on the mound and batted sixth for Kards on Saturday morning. He shined especially at the plate, making hard contact in two of his three plate appearances. He sets up in a tall stance, crouches on a long stride, and features an arm bar load. He showcased some serious pull side juice, hitting a deep home run over the wall left-center field in his final at bat. 

MASH Black

Carter Hendrickson, LHP, Farmington (MN), 2021
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound has a projectable frame with room for physical maturity. Pitched and batted second against CBT. The southpaw showcased great arm speed on the bump. He has an uptempo delivery and works in line. Showed short and loose arm action from a high 3/4. Fastball sat 83-85 mph, touched 86 mph once or twice, creates angle and pitched exclusively with fastball. Final pitching line: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K. At the plate, showcased gap-to-gap hitting abilities as well as his wheels, driving the ball the opposite way and stretching it into a triple.

Tyler Wombacher, CIF/RHP, Lakeville North (MN), 2021
6-foot-2, 205-pound two-way prospect. Batted in the cleanup spot and came in relief against CBT. Sets up in an open stance in the right side of the batter’s box. Features a leg kick stride, pulls hands back into load. Showcased present bat strength, finding barrels in two of his three at bats. He ripped a line drive for a loud out to center field, followed up by a line drive over the left field wall for a two-run home run. On the mound, worked in line. Fastball sat 84-86 mph and played straight. Sharp 12/6 shape on his curveball at 73-75 mph that had depth. 

Zach Zaetta, 2B/SS, Minnetonka (MN), 2021
Zaetta started off the game with a bang, driving the first pitch over the center field wall for a home run. He followed that up by doubling off the left field wall in his second plate appearance. Zaetta finished the game at the plate 3-for-5 with a home run, double, a pair of runs scored and a pair of runs driven in. Zaetta sets up in a slightly open stance in the right side of the box, he showcased quick bat speed to go along with wheels as he ran a 4.02 home-to-first. 

Ben Rosin, RHP, Mounds View (MN), 2021
Rosin a 6- foot- 3, 195 pound right handed pitcher presented a physical frame on the mound. Has a drop and drive delivery, with long, loose arm action, from a high ¾ arm slot, lands square to slightly closed, with level shoulders. Used a three pitch mix in action against the Minnesota Millers. Fastball, changeup mix with a fastball sitting at 79- 82 mph, while topping out at 83 mph. Changeup at 75-77 mph, showing fade shape and an arm speed that is at his fastball arm speed. His slider sat between 72-74 mph, with 11/5 shape. Only gave up one run on the day showing control of all of his pitches, but the fastball, changeup combo was his go to throughout the game.

Nolan Johnson, LHP, Lakeville North (MN), 2021
5-foot-11, 153-pound high upside left-handed pitcher, lean wiry frame, loose levers. Delivery repeats with poise on the mound. Easy effort, in command, controls the pace. Arm action is clean and easy, loose action, high ¾ slot. Fastball played 82-84 mph, touched 85 mph, played with slight arm side run, pounds the zone, looks like more in the tank. Curveball played at 69 mph, 1/7 shape, used sparingly. 

Carter Hanson, LHP, Bloomington Jefferson (MN), 2021
6-foot-2, 183-pound two-way player, athletic frame with upside. Competitive presence on the mound, loose easy arm works out of high ¾ slot. Fastball played 79-81 mph, showed feel in the strike zone. Curveball plays 68 mph, drops for strikes. 

Connor Wietgrefe, LHP, Prior Lake (MN), 2021
6-foot-1, 165-pound left-handed pitcher, lanky upside frame, lean and room to fill out. Easy repeatable delivery, gets to tall balance point, loose live arm action out of a ¾ slot. Fastball sat 81-83 mph with arm side run. Curveball played with 2/8 shape and flashed depth at times. 

MASH Cardinal 

Adam Stanton, RHP, Eagan (MN), 2021
6-foot-3, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, imposing frame with strength. Did it all on the mound for MASH Cardinal earning the complete game victory Friday afternoon. Struck out nine in his seven innings of work allowing five hits, all singles, with three walks. Stanton attacked the zone sporting a short, high 3/4 arm slot , more of an arm strength type. His fastball/slider combo was he needed as the fastball finished heavy through the zone with run and occasional sink at 79-81 mph (81 mph in the 7th inning). The slider had swing-and-miss action as it buckled multiple hitters. It worked at 71-73 mph with hard 10/4 biting break with present depth in the strike zone - went to it often. Follow 2021.

Jarod Cook, 3B, Chanhassen (MN), 2021
Right-handed hitting corner infielder, durable frame with present strength. Hit two of the hardest balls of the day for the Minnesota MASH. A physical corner-man at 5-foot-10, 202-pounds, his bat path works short and quick as he looks to damage the baseball to his pull side, which he did. Cook lined out deep to left field in his first at-bat and followed that up with a two run double that rolled into the left field corner. Upside bat, follow 2021. 

Tayden Fredericks, SS, Shakopee (MN), 2021
5-foot-8, 140-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder, athleticism in frame. Started at shortstop and leadoff for Mash Cardinal against the Indiana Landsharks. Showed advanced defensive actions with rangy athleticism, loose and athletic actions, made all plays including a tough high chopper and a backhand play deep to his backhand, soft hands, quick and clean to release. Slappy type hitter at the plate, looks to go to all fields. Came into score on his only time reach via walk, knows how to run the bases.

MKE Elite

Braxton Claypool, SS, Greendale, 2020
Presents an athletic frame, the speedy, athletic shortstop went 3-for-4 on the day with an RBI triple, base hit through the middle of the field, and a two strike rbi single to the opposite field, in action against Nevers Larkin. Is a plus athlete at the shortstop position. Flashed defensive skills to stick at the position. His frame projects with plenty of room to fill out and add more pop to his bat. Shows a middle of the field approach with some current gap to gap ability to allow his speed to play and have a heavy impact on the game. In action against the Illinois Indians Claypool went 0-3, however that did not tell the tale of the skills that he flashed. Flew out three times to deep center field and had times of 4.5 with a turn to first all three times.

Natanael Pinet, RHP, Rufus King, 2021
6-foot-1, 180 pound, slender, athletically framed RHP/SS. Started on the mound for MKE Elite versus Nevers Larkin and batted in the clean up spot. On the mound, Pinet works from a drop and drive delivery with smooth rhythm, long loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, landing is square and in line. Pinet showcased a three pitch mix of a fastball, curveball, and changeup. Fastball ranged from 75-76 mph, topping out at 77 mph, curveball showed 11/5 shape, with some sharpness, ranged from 63-64 mph, changeup ranged from 70-72 mph, keeping his arm speed at or near his fastball. 

Minnesota Millers

Logan Fragomeni, C/RHP, Wayzata (MN), 2021
6-foot-2 195 pound left handed hitting catcher. Presents a balanced set up from the left side of the plate, square stance, smooth load, short stride, balanced through his swing. Shows some whip through the zone. Flashes of pull side power in his bat, mainly works the middle of the field in his approach. Behind the plate Fragomeni shows an accurate arm with a quick release with pop times in warm ups ranging from 2.19-2.34.

Morris Chiefs

Ty Gill, SS, Valparaiso (IN), 2021
Purdue commit. Lean, athletic build. 6-foot-1, 155-pound left-handed hitting shortstop for Morris Chiefs. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, slight leg lift. Quick hands, long, uphill path to the baseball, fluid rhythm through contact, worked competitive at-bats, showed a patient, pull-side approach at the plate. Very projectible as he fills out his frame. Made an appearance in relief against 29ers baseball on Day One as well. Drop/drive type delivery, works in line with target, square landing. Loose arm action, short draw, high ¾ slot, ball comes out his hand cleanly. Fastball touched 81 mph, sat between 78-80 mph with some run. Curveball played at 68-70 mph, 11/5 shape, tight break.

Carter Doorn, RHP, Illiana Christian (IN), 2021
Purdue commit. Built at a big, athletic 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, Doorn took the mound for the Chiefs on Friday and looked dominant his first couple of times through the order of the eventual tourney champs, STiKS Black. In his first two frames of work, Doorn was sitting 84-87 mph, arm-side run, with a curveball that was a separator for him; a late-breaking pitch off an 11/5 plane with plus action, 72-76 mph. Threw a handful of changeups, firm, slight fade, but at arm speed, 77-79 mph. The combination of his frame and present stuff makes the No. 5-ranked prospect in Indiana’s 2021 class a must-follow moving forward. 

Jaden Deel, C, Hobart (IN), 2021
Strong, athletic build. 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride with a leg lift. Quick hands, short, level path through the zone, clear juice in his swing, looks the part. Defensively, presents the ball well, soft block, vocal behind the plate. Went 2-for-3 against 29ers baseball as the cleanup hitter with a double and two RBIs. Interesting follow in the Indiana 2021 class. 

Cal Curiel, C/3B, Crown Point (IN), 2021
Lean, projectible build. 6-foot-1, 160-pound right-handed hitting C/3B. Crouched setup, short stride with a leg kick. Hands start near his back hip, short, level path to the baseball, fluid rhythm through contact. Went 1-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs, and two walks against 29ers Baseball. 

Jack Fiorio, RHP, Lake Central (IN), 2021
Lean, athletic build. 6-foot-1, 158-pound right-handed pitcher. Started on the mound for Morris Chiefs against 29ers baseball. Tall/fall type delivery, athletic on the mound, works in line with his target, lands square, upright finish, worked with tempo throughout his outing. Long and loose arm action, high ¾ slot, throws across body. Fastball touched 80 mph, sat between 77-79 mph, showed some occasional run. Curveball played at 68-70 mph, 10/4 shape, sweeping actions. 

Blake Lemmon, OF, Valparaiso (IN), 2021
Ranked No. 53 in Indiana’s 2021 class. 6-foot-2, 170-pound right handed hitting outfielder with a lean and athletic frame. He started in center field and batted sixth against Starters. Stood out at the plate specifically. Swing has an uphill plane, creating lift on the baseball. Showcased a pull side approach with some pop, hitting a pair of doubles to left field. Finished the game 2-for-2 with two doubles, two RBI, a walk, and a run scored.

Naperville Renegades

Aiden Green, RHP, Neuqua Valley (IL), 2021
6-foot-2, 185 pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame, long-limbs, projectable build with upside. Tossed a gem for the Naperville Renegade in a losing effort going five strong innings. He only allowed one big inning in which back to back doubles plated four total runs. Green has a high-waisted, athletic frame with long limbs using his body to create angle on his offerings. The fastball sat 82-85 mph, topping 86 mph with finish at the bottom of the zone, while spotting to both sides of the plate. His slider shows as a plus offering working in the mid 70’s with 10/4 action and tight spin sweeping across the plate. He finished with six punch outs all coming on the fastball. Follow 2021.

Michael Stotts, OF, Neuqua Valley (IL), 2021
Right/right outfielder, thin frame with athletic actions and upside. Started in center field and hit leadoff for the Renegades against Top Tier North, went 1-for-2 with a bunt single, a walk and a run scored. Compact bat path, controls it in the zone. Placed his bunt perfectly down the third base line. 

Nevers Larkin Baseball

Cameron Hammonds, OF, Champlin Park (MN), 2021
5-foot-5, 140-pound, athletic, stocky frame, right-handed-hitting outfielder. Square, balanced set up, with a short stride, possess quick hands, and fast bat speed. Presents smooth, quiet actions at the plate and gets the barrel on plane early to consistently barrel up baseballs with ease. Favors the pull side gap where the majority of his hits were recorded. In game action Hammonds went 3-6 with two hard hit singles, and a triple. Hammonds is a premier bat in the Larkin line up batting in the three hole.

Jack Widdifield, OF, Southwest Christian (MN), 2021
6-foot-1 160 pound right handed hitting outfielder. Presents a projectable slender frame with room to fill out. Hits from a balanced set up, smooth load, short leg lift trigger, short stride, with bat speed, whip in his swing, and showcases a line drive approach. Could add some gap to gap ability and power when he fills out his frame. In game play versus the Landsharks Widdifield provided thump and consistency in the middle of the order for Nevers Larkin the five hole. Went 2-2 in two official at bats with two singles and three RBI’s, coming through when his team needed him most. 

John Carland, INF, Blake School (MN), 2021
5-foot-9 160 pound right handed hitting infielder. Hitting in the clean up role for Nevers Larkin, Carland hits from a balanced set up, smooth load, and short stride. Flashes some bat speed, gets on plane, line drive approach. In game play went 2-3 against the Landsharks with two hard hit singles and a hard line out to the third basemen.

NorthStar Navy

Alex Ritzer, SS/2B, Stillwater (MN), 2021
Strong, well-proportioned build. 5-foot-11, 180-pound left-handed hitting shortstop. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride with a leg lift, stays balanced through contact. Quick hands, short, level path through the zone, sneaky juice in swing. Hit lead off and hit a no-doubter to right-field for a lead off home run. Plays the game with moxy and confidence. Defensively, feel for himself at shortstop, quick and clean exchange, showed range to both up the middle and his glove side, plays athletically in the field. Quick hands and transfer, advanced hands turning the baseball at second base, arm showed carry and accuracy. Above-average runner. 

Justin Loer, LHP, Lakeville South (MN), 2021
6-foot-4, 162-pound left-handed pitcher, long limbed projectable frame. Delivery works across body, creates angle. Loose arm action, clean circle, ¾ slot. Fastball shows natural cut action at times, has the ability to turn over with two seam action, sat 77-79 mph throughout, held onto velocity in the sixth, even touching 80mph. Slider has 10/4 shape, confident feel, does not hesitate to throw it behind in counts, played 69-72 mph.

PBA

Kyler Arias, C, Antioch (IL), 2021
Built at a thick 5-foot-8, 177 pounds, Arias has demonstrated that he has an innate feel to hit this summer. After a big weekend at the Badger State Battle, Arias was the centerpiece of a team that averaged 12 runs a game in the tournament. He doubled twice and launched a deep home run in the semifinals against STiKS Black on Sunday, going a combined 6-for-17 on the week. He swings a fast right-handed bat with a robust feel to hit, swinging with authority and intent, which complements his premium bat strength.

Brady Katterhagen, C/INF, Union Grove, 2021
5-foot-9 155 pound left handed hitting C/INF. Balanced set up, smooth load, small leg lift trigger, short stride, balanced throughout swing, Line drive type of hitting with some gap to gap potential. At the plate against the Minnesota Millers went 3-for-5 with two singles, and a three-run double to blow the game open for PBA, in total collecting four RBIs. Behind the plate, showed a 2.34 pop time to nail a would-be base stealer. Moves well behind the plate, comfortable in his crouch, quick release, strong accurate arm. Finished the week as arguably the team’s top bat, going 8-for-15 with three doubles and 10 RBIs.

Pro Player Canes - Kostalek 

Cody Connealy, RHP, Grant (IL), 2021
Lean, athletic build. 5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed pitcher for Pro Player Canes. Started against Great Lakes Baseball Academy on Day Two. Drop/drive type delivery, works in line with his target, square landing. Short draw, high ¾ slot. Fastball touched 80 mph, sat between 76-79 mph with run. Curveball was 62-64 mph, 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes. Tossed five scoreless innings, striking out three and only allowing one walk. 

Daniel Contreras, C, Rockford Boylan Catholic (IL), 2021
Strong, physical build. 5-foot-11, 205-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Slightly open, crouched, balanced setup, long stride with a leg lift. Short, level path to the baseball, juice in his swing, elevates the baseball well. Went 1-for-1 as the three-hole hitter against Great Lakes, crushing a double to the left-field wall and driving in two runs. In action against Rockets Baseball, Contreras flashed some power with a home run to center field.

Prospect Training Academy

Jason Brulport, 1B/LHP, Tremper, 2020
Strong, well-proportioned build. 6-foot, 210-pound left-handed-hitting first baseman. Crouched setup, smooth load, short stride with a leg lift. Long, uphill path to the baseball, clear juice in swing, fluid rhythm through contact from the left-side. Went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs as the three-hitter on Sunday morning against Rockets Baseball. Also showed pull-side pop with a home run on Saturday.

Andrew (J.J.) Chapman, SS/3B/OF, Waterford, 2021
Strong build, defined lower-half, premium athleticism in a live frame. 5-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed hitter. Balanced setup, short stride with a leg lift. Long, uphill path through the zone, aggressive swing, elevates the baseball, power potential in swing; tendency to expand the zone, but has an enticing toolset. Strong athlete with plus speed that plays especially well around first, on the turn. Went 2-for-4 with a triple, home run, and five RBIs as the two-hitter against Rockets Baseball. Batted second and played center field for PTA against Naperville Renegades. Showed off his wheels and his gap-to-gap hitting abilities, driving an inside-the-park home run to right-center and a three-run double to the left-center gap. Finished the game 2-for-4 with four RBI and a pair of runs scored.

Isaac Engelbrecht, RHP, Oak Creek, 2021
6-foot-3, 195-pound right handed pitcher. High-waisted, athletic frame. Tall and fall delivery, occasionally creates tilt. Long and loose arm action from a high 3/4 window. Arm works well out front. Fastball plays mostly straight with occasional run at 82-84 mph, touching 85 mph a handful of times. Breaking ball at 70-72 mph with 11/5 shape. Changeup at 71-73 mph with sinking action. Final line: CG, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 11 K, 2 BB. Engelbrecht is another member of Team Wisconsin who we’ll see at the PBR Future Games next week.

Maximus Graetz, RHP, Oak Creek, 2021
Athletic build, defined lower-half. 6-foot, 185-pound RHP, started on the mound Sunday morning against Rockets Baseball. Repeatable delivery, works directly in line with target, lands square, athletic finish. Short draw, high ¾ slot. Fastball touched 79 mph, sat between 75-78 mph, worked down in the zone, plenty of spin on pitch, displayed run, extremely effective inside to right-handed hitters. Curveball played at 62-64 mph, 11/5 shape. 

Gianni Passarelli, 3B/SS, Indian Trail, 2021
Currently ranked No. 48 in the Wisconsin 2021 class. Wiry, well-proportioned build. 6-foot, 170-pound left-handed-hitting 3B/SS. Balanced setup, minimal load, short stride, stays balanced through contact. Short, level path to the baseball, simple and compact swing, consistently barrelled up the baseball, used all parts of the field. Defensively, showed a strong control of his body on a slow roller at third base, consistent clean exchange, above-average arm strength, defends with confidence. Went 3-for-3 with a double and a walk out of the leadoff spot on Sunday morning against Rockets Baseball; led off for PTA Cardinal all tournament.

Derek Stefanczyk, C, Palmyra-Eagle, 2020
Physical, well-proportioned build. Right-handed hitting catcher. Slightly crouched, balanced setup, wide base, minimal load and stride. Long, uphill path through the zone, elevates the baseball, true power potential in swing. Went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs on Sunday morning against Rockets Baseball.

Jacob Hartlaub, SS/RHP, Martin Luther, 2021
High-ceiling frame, 6-foot-2, 160-pound two-way player, long, thin, and lean. Showed actions on the infield, rangy defender. Right-handed hitter, bats in the middle of PTA’s lineup, line-drive type who tallied five hits in the team’s four games last week. On the mound, fastball played 81-83 mph in the first, occasional arm side run. Curveball worked 68-72 mph, 11/5 shape.

Rhino (WI)

Gradin Taschner, 3B, Neenah, 2022
Projectable athletic frame, proportionate body. Taschner hits from a balanced set up, with high hands, smooth load, leg lift trigger, short stride. Fast bat speed, level bat path with extension through the ball, gap-to-gap type. In gameplay against Top Tier North, hit a long home run to left-center field that cleared the tall wall on Fenway by plenty, also added two walks to his line as well. He’s also a high-follow arm in the state’s 2022 class who we have seen a couple times recently, at both the Badger State Battle as well as this past Monday at our invite-only Underclass Games event in Chicago.

Jaden Hackbarth, SS/2B, Neenah, 2021
5-foot-9, 150 pounds, athletic build. Right-handed-hitting middle infielder with a real feel to hit. A simple, patient approach. Weight-shift load back, short stride, loose/active hands help him find the barrel working in conjunction with his feel for the strike zone. Drew four walks on the weekend from the top of the order with a few hits, including one double. His athleticism also works on the left side of the infield, with a dependable glove, lateral range.

Rockets Baseball

Brady Hoppert, RHP, Martin Luther, 2021
6-foot-2, 160-pound right handed pitcher with room for physical development. On the mound showcased long and loose arm action in a dominant performance against Mash Cardinal. Fastball sat 78-80 mph early on, touching 82 mph. Curveball at 63-66 mph with 11/5 shape and depth. Showed feel for his curveball and used it to miss barrels throughout the game. Final line: CG, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K.

Cullen Starker, OF/C, Whitefish Bay, 2021
Strong, well-proportioned build. 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-handed hitting OF/C. Tall setup, short stride with a leg lift. Long, uphill path through the zone, elevates the baseball, ball sounds different off his bat, true power hitter. Went 3-for-3 with a double and a walk on Sunday afternoon against Rockets Baseball. Certainly a name to follow in the Wisconsin 2021 class. 

Jack Stecker, OF/RHP, Whitefish Bay, 2021
Athletic build. 6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting outfielder/pitcher. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride with a leg lift. Quick hands, short, level path through the zone, stays inside the baseball, simple and compact swing. Went 2-for-3 with two singles and a walk Sunday morning against Prospect Training Academy. Started on the mound for Rockets that same day as well. Athletic delivery, level shoulders, falls towards 1B side on finish. Long arm action, over-the-top slot. Fastball touched 79 mph, sat between 76-78 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 shape, played at 66-67 mph, gets under pitch.

Gavin Theis, RHP, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, 2021
Lean, high waisted, projectible build. 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. Came in relief against Prospect Training Academy on Sunday morning. Tall/fall type delivery, works in line with target, lands slightly closed. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball touched 79 mph, sat between 77-78 mph with straight movement. Slider played at 67-69 mph, sweeping actions, thrown at any point in the count, feel for pitch. The RHP sturned in a solid outing of relief for Rockets Baseball in action against Pro Player Canes. Dominated when he took the hill possessing a fastball running it up to 82 mph, consistently sitting 77-81 mph. Also showed a devastating slider which was between 67-68 mph with sharp break, showed he wasn’t afraid to throw it in any count to any hitter. The third pitch in his arsenal is a changeup that sits at 74 mph. 

Bryce Barbian, RHP/3B, Cudahy, 2021
6-foot, 178-pound, right-handed hitting corner infielder, athletic build.  Hit a solo shot in their nightcap game for Rockets Baseball. Barbian used his level stroke aggressively turning on an inside fastball that hit the top of the fence, bouncing over for a round tripper. On the mound, he got the start in the team’s game on Thursday, and in his two innings of work, Barbian dominated from the first pitch. He possesses a fastball-curveball mix, and controls both pitches well for his age. Ran his fastball up to 80 mph, consistently ranging in the mid-to-upper 70s, with his curveball landing in the 65-68 mph range. Presents a drop-and-drive delivery with rhythm, in line with target, and square landing.

Silver Sluggers

Nathan Chesterman, SS, Lakeside Lutheran, 2021
5-foot-11, 165-pound right handed hitting shortstop. Batted third and started and short against Top Tier Americans. Sets up in a balanced stance, leg kick trigger, hands drop into load. Showcased a long and uphill swing path that creates lift to the baseball. Made solid contact in all three plate appearances, including a single smoked back up the middle. Finished the game 1-for-3. 

MN STARTERS

Dustan Green, 3B, Prior Lake (MN), 2021
Played 3rd and batted second for Starters. 5-foot-10, 175-pound right handed hitter. Showcased present bat strength as well as gap-to-gap hitting abilities. Finished the day 2-3 with a line drive single to right and a 3-run shot over the wall in left. In his last at bat, struck a ball well to center field that was fumbled and produced the game’s tying and winning runs.

Teddy Deters RHP/SS, Orono (MN), 2021
The 6- foot- 2 190 pound RHP is an imposing figure on the mound. Presents a physical athletic frame on the mound with broad shoulders, long, loose arm action from a high ¾. Three pitch arsenal of a fastball, changeup, and a curveball. The fastball is arguably his best pitch topping out at 84 mph on the night, consistently sitting 80-83 mph. Worked 5 innings only allowing 2 runs. Showed composure working himself in and out of danger and minimizing damage getting the victory for Starters. Offensively, hit in the three hole for the Starters and shows plenty of confidence at the plate. Knows the zone well and brings swagger into each plate appearance. Went 2-for-3 with a homerun and a double against STiKS Red on Sunday. 

Koby McBroome, 2B/SS, Southwest Christian (MN), 2021
Highly athletic 5- foot- 10, 155 pound middle infielder shows advanced defensive ability at shortstop. Plays through the ball well, moves well in all directions, gets the hops that he wants, and has a strong arm. One play that stands out was a high chopper up the middle and McBroome came and got a short hop making a hard play look easy. At the plate against Top Tier North Duffy McBroome went 2-3 with a walk. McBroome led off the game with a booming double to center field that one hopped the wall, getting the offense going for Starters 16u. 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs against STiKS Red on Sunday.

STiKS Academy Black

Drew Stippich, RHP, Kettle Moraine, 2021
Athletic, proportional build. 6-foot, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. Repeatable delivery, short rocker step into medium lift, easy effort, works in line with target, lands square, rhythm throughout motion. Long and loose arm action, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball touched 85 mph, ranged between 82-84 mph, jumps on hitters. Curveball played at 74-75 mph, tight break, 11/5 shape. Changeup was thrown with fastball arm speed, 76-78 mph, played down in the zone. High follow in the Wisconsin 2021 class. 

Alex Hayes, 1B/LHP, Muskego, 2021
Strong, projectible build. 6-foot-1, 195-pound left/left cleanup hitter for STiKS Black. Tall, balanced setup, short stride, slight leg lift. Hands start in a strong hitting position, twitch in hands, short, level path to the baseball, simple and easy swing, consistently makes contact. Went 2-for-3 with two singles and a walk against Central Illinois Outlaws. Hayes also started a rain-shortened game against NorthStar Navy on Saturday afternoon. He has an extremely easy, low-effort left-handed delivery; clean and over-the-top arm action, works level and square to home. Fastball sat 81-83 mph, mostly straight four-seam type, plays up given his ability to locate. Curveball, 1/7 shape, with depth and occasional late break, above-average action, feel for strikes. Hayes is one of the top two-way prospects in Wisconsin’s 2021 class.

Q Phillips, OF, Brookfield East, 2021
5-foot-10, 170-pound lean/strong, athletic frame. One of the top bats in the Wisconsin 2021 class had a strong showing at the plate all tournament long and was a strong candidate to be named the offensive MVP. Phillips led an impressive offensive attack by STiKS Black in their 11-7 victory over Illinois Indians on Friday. The freshly committed Michigan recruit went 1-for-2 at the plate with three RBIs, two of which came on a deep homer to center. That mammoth home run to straight away center field came with a wooden bat, too. Phillips is one of the top-ranked players in the state's 2021 class and is a high-follow as he prepares to enter his junior season at Brookfield East. He finished the tournament going a combined 7-for-16 with two doubles, a triple, and a home run, all while covering a ton of ground as the team’s primary center fielder.

Grant Ross, INF/RHP, Pewaukee, 2021
Ross finished the tournament as The Rock’s offensive MVP, beginning the tournament with a late-night grand slam and finishing it off with three clutch extra-base hits in the championship game. He has a 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame with compact strength and above-average athleticism throughout. He swings a strong, quick right-handed bat with playable pop that showed up all weekend. He went a combined 6-for-13 with two doubles, two homers, and seven RBIs. Ross is also equipped with a live arm on the mound and made a couple appearances over the tournament, including a gutsy performance in the final game of the weekend. On Thursday, Ross saw his fastball reach 85 mph and sat between 82-84 with the pitch. He also showed a curveball at 70-72 mph featuring some bite off an 11/5 plane and used it to put hitters away. He was more often in the low-80s on Sunday, but was effectively mixing in that same breaking ball and it helped him earn six Ks in seven innings. Ross is another prospect who we’ll be seeing at LakePoint next week when he joins Team Wisconsin at the PBR Future Games.

Joey Spence, C, West Bend East, 2021
Notre Dame commit; No. 2-ranked prospect in the state’s 2021 class. 5-foot-10, 190-pound catcher with a strong, compact, durable build. Spence has some of the best bat-to-ball skills in the Midwest inside the ‘21 class, and it was on full display last weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, Spence went 6-for-9 and was integral to STiKS Black’s climb to the championship. The left-handed-hitting catcher has a smooth, quick swing with natural loft and bat strength. He has all of the actions from behind the plate, too, and is already an above-average receiver with a short, strong arm out of the chute.

Kale Dietz, OF, Burlington, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound outfielder with a strong/lean frame that projects well. He hits in rhythm and tempo and was among the most productive hitters for a STiKS Black team that went the distance at The Rock last weekend. Dietz went 7-for-15 with a pair of triples for the tourney, which does well to showcase his feel to hit. He swings a fast right-handed bat that’s long through the zone and the hand/eye skills that makes his barrel find the ball with relative ease. He also has sneaky gap-to-gap pop, too, with an athleticism that plays well in the outfield.

Zach Peterson, 2B/OF, Oak Creek, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound right/right prospect with twitch evident throughout his game. He has a strong, athletic build and provided STiKS Black with a constant spark all tournament. Peterson combined for 6-for-12 and his six runs scored are evidence of his calculated aggressiveness on the basepaths. He makes level, line-drive contact as an all-fields spray type. Defensively, he’s a versatile athlete who took a couple instinctual routes in left field, but also has the hands, feet, and actions to occupy a spot in the middle of the infield, and his skillset may fit best at second base long-term. Either way, Peterson has become a serious riser on our internal boards this summer, and should debut on the state’s ‘21 rankings next update.

Tyler Hug, RHP, Waukesha West, 2021
Currently ranked the No. 33 player in the Wisconsin 2021 class, Hug battled through some brief command issues in his first inning and went on to dominate a quality Chiefs lineup. Through the first couple of frames, Hug sat 83-86 mph, topping 87 mph a couple of times, with his trademark heavy fastball. His breaking ball featured above-average action at 64-67 mph, with some late bite, and his ability to locate it helped him rack up 10 Ks in his complete-game-winning effort. He has a 5-foot-10, 150-pound lean, athletic build; and that athleticism has allowed him to be a multi-sport standout with untapped potential remaining on the diamond. He has a live, loose, quick arm and it looks like it’s trending in the right direction as the summer season heads to a close.

STiKS Academy Red

Chase Ketterhagen, C, Burlington, 2021
5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed-hitting catcher. Lean frame with some muscle. Batted fifth and started behind the plate against Wind Lake. In the box, sets up in an open stance, short stride, minimal load. Showcased a short and uphill swing path, consistently making hard contact. Finished the game 3-for-4 with a pair of singles and a double. In the field, showcased a strong and accurate arm. Quick out the crouch, pop times were consistently between 2.09-2.18 seconds.

Team Heat Baseball

Kyle Brenig, C/OF, Sauk Prairie, 2021
5-foot-7, 135-pound right-handed-hitting catcher is a highly athletic defender. Moves well behind the plate, relaxed and loose in his crouch. Possesses a strong accurate arm behind the plate with a quick release. Also possesses soft hands behind the plate. Was timed at 2.30 pop time during game play. At the plate, Brenig hits from a balanced set up, with a smooth load, short stride, line-drive type of hitter, that looks to spray the ball all over the field.

Top Tier Americans

Ethan Bowers, SS, Vernon Hills (IL), 2021
6-foot, 185-pound right handed hitting shortstop. Athletic and well proportioned build. Currently ranked No. 52 in Illinois’ 2021 class. Bowers shined at the plate in a victory over Silver Sluggers. He finished 3-for-4 with a pair of singles, double, three RBI, and two runs scored. He features a balanced stance, leg kick stride, and showcased a short and fluid swing. In the field, he showed natural actions at the shortstop position. Soft hands, clean and quick exchange. 

Jeremy Fox, RHP, Riverside-Brookfield (IL), 2021
Currently ranked No. 76 player in the Illinois 2021 class. Athletic build. 5-foot-9, 155-pound RHP. Started on the mound for Top Tier Americans against IL Dynasty Black. Clean, repeatable delivery, level shoulders, works in line with his target, square landing, athletic finish. Short draw, high ¾ slot. Fastball touched 85 mph, sat between 82-84 mph with run. Curveball showed 10/4 shape, hard bite, played at 67-70 mph. High-follow in the Illinois 2021 class. 

Isaiah Thompson, OF/LHP, Sacred Heart-Griffin (IL) 2021
Currently ranked No. 26 in Illinois’ 2021 class. 6-foot, 170-pound athletically built two way prospect. Started in center field and batted sixth for Top Tier Americans against Silver Sluggers. Features an open stance, leg kick trigger, long and uphill swing path that creates lift. Made hard contact in all four of his at bats, including a triple hit to the right field wall in his final plate appearance. Finished 3-for-4 with a pair of singles, a triple, and an RBI. On the mound worked up tempo out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball play 80-81, mph touched 82 mph. Curveball is advanced for age, tight 1/7 action, swing and miss bite, thrown aggressively at 72-73 mph, swing and miss offering.

Danny Nuccio, C/OF, Plainfield North (IL), 2021
6-foot, 190-pound catcher, strong athletic frame, durable build. Competitive right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, confident presence in the box, on time athletic pre pitch. Hit four-hole. Showed ability to work at bats and spoil pitches. Hard contact in game, mostly to pull side. Above average athlete behind the plate, 4.50 runner down the line, quiet receiver average arm strength. 

Lucas Spence, OF, Crete-Monee (IL), 2021
5-foot-7, 130-pound L/L outfielder, lean athlete. Leadoff hitter, showed ability to handle the bat at the top of a lineup. Spray hitter with above average barrel control, very little swing and miss, flashed hard contact to the middle of the field while keeping a spray approach. 

Rance Bryant, RHP, Schlarman Academy (IL), 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound right-handed pitcher, average lean frame, athletic build. Showed off a plus type curveball on multiple outings, played best on first outing, ranged 73-76 mph, tight spin, hard biting action on 12/6 plane, swing and miss pitch. Fastball complimented at 80-82 mph, slight arm side run.

Top Tier North (Duffy)

Nicky Giamarusti, OF, Notre Dame (IL), 2021
The number 46th ranked player in the state for his class, Giamarusti is a 6- foot, 175 pound outfielder for Top Tier North Duffy. A very speedy outfielder that bats in the three hole for Top Tier North. Hits from a balanced set up with a smooth load, leg small leg kick trigger, with a short stride. Possess fast bat speed at the plate, with a line drive approach. Hit second on day 2, hit a hard line drive single to his pull side and scored after a HBP. Also threw a laser from centerfield to home on a potential sacrifice situation, ball carried easily right on top of the plate hitting the catcher in the chest. Super athletic player, upside follow in 2021 class. 

Sammy Dubin, INF, Highland Park (IL), 2021
5-foot-8, 150-pound right handed hitting infielder, small and compact frame, plays bigger than listed size - active type. Hit third in the designated hitter role, went 1-for-1 with a two-run double, a run scored and a hit-by-pitch. Rhythm in his swing, short stroke with an all fields approach. Burned the centerfielder on his double, aggressive runner on the bases. Took an 85 mph fastball off his arm, proceeded to steal second base. Gamer typer.

Top Tier North (Wilhelm)

Nick Varon, 1B, Fremd (IL), 2021
Played first and hit in the three-hole for Top Tier North. Varon reached base in all four plate appearances against Indiana Landsharks. He singled to right in his first at bat, followed by a pair of doubles off the wall in left field in his second and third at bats. Finished the day 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI. Varon showcased quick bat speed to go along with present bat strength. 

Collin Callahan, OF, Lake Zurich (IL), 2021
6-foot-4, 200-pound athlete, long rangy frame, projects well. Right-handed hitter with long levers, creates bat speed and the ball jumps off his bat at times. Game is still raw but has upside athlete and fast twitch abilities. Long strider in the outfield, covers ground, played aggressive coming in on the baseball with well above average range. 2021 follow. 

Wind Lake Screaming Eagles

Tyler Bittman, RHP, Arrowhead, 2021
6-foot-2, 180-pound right-handed pitcher with an athletic/lean frame. Quick-tempoed delivery, works on-line and square to home. High ¾ arm slot, quick and loose out front. On Friday, Bittman battled a talented NorthStar Navy squad, as well as an illness, but was still effective enough to limit them to just three runs in his four-plus innings. He was sitting 78-81 mph through the first couple of innings, keeping NorthStar off balance with a 11/5 breaking ball that flashed late action. His illness clearly affected his stamina, but not his ability to locate, which allowed his fastball to play up and get on hitters.

Isaiah Cerfus, RHP/3B Union Grove 2021
Currently ranked No. 41 in the state’s 2021 class. 6-foot-1, 193-pound two way prospect. Strong and durable build. Started on the bump and batted fourth against Edge Baseball. On the mound, showcased long and loose arm action. Worked from a high ¾ window. Delivery works in line with some effort. Fastball sat 81-84 mph, touching 85 mph once or twice with occasional arm side run. Curveball with 11/5 shape at 69-71 mph. Changeup with fading action at 73-75 mph. Cerfus shined at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double off the monster in left field and two RBI. He sets up in a balanced stance from the right side of the box. Short stride, hands drop into load, showcased a short swing with present bat strength.

Windy City - Kudik

Antoine Harris, OF, Montini Catholic (IL), 2021
Antoine Harris (Montini Catholic, 2021) starred yet again for Windy City at the plate. He was red-hot on Friday and carried that momentum over to Day Three action. The strong, right-handed-hitting outfielder went 2-for-3 out of the three-hole for Windy City in their second game of the day, driving in their only two runs in a 2-0 victory over Indiana Landsharks. Harris crushed a home run over the tall fence on Fenway in his first at-bat and followed that up with a clutch two-strike, RBI double to the wall in his next at-bat. Harris swings a quick bat with strong hands and has some serious power potential who’s been trending way, way up ever since helping his high school win its first-ever state title.

Ryan Smith, RHP/SS, Nazareth Academy (IL), 2021
Windy City got another stellar performance in their second game on Saturday, courtesy of Smith. He put together one of the top pitching performances of the tournament in his start against Indiana Landsharks, tossing a quick complete-game shutout while striking out 14. Smith works at a rapid pace and has a full arsenal, mixing in a couple different fastballs, two separate breaking balls, a changeup, and even a knuckleball. He has a live, loose arm that primarily sat in the 83-85 mph range, touching 87 mph twice in the third, but he would often opt to dial it back to generate more lateral movement and sink. It was a dominant look at a high-follow in the 2021 class.

Jason Cousineau, OF, Glenbard East (IL), 2021
The 6-foot 208 pound right fielder went 2-2 with a base hit and a three- run home run to right field in action versus the Minnesota Millers. The left handed hitting outfielder hits from a tall, balanced, slightly open set up, with a small leg lift trigger, and short stride. Keeps a still head, fluid rhythm, allowing him to get to any pitch and drive it with authority from gap to gap. 

Justin Cappis, C/INF, Niles North (IL), 2021
5-foot-11, 175-pound left-handed hitting catcher/corner-infielder, carries strength well in his game. Confident look at the plate, smooth pre-pitch actions. Path plays uphill with some length, aggressive swing with gap-to-gap lift to all fields, present pull side pop with fluid rhythm through contact. Present pitch recognition, took balls just outside the zone. Drove a sac-fly deep to left field with a hard hit single through his pull side. High-follow 2021 bat. 

Daniel Reischl, RHP, Loyola Academy (IL), 2021
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, long athletic frame that projects. Repeatable delivery showed ability to throw strikes down in the zone, fastball sinks at times, 82-84 mph, touched 85 mph. Curveball plays with 11/5 shape, 63-69 mph, dropped for strikes. Competed deep into game that ended in 2-2 tie. Struck out six in six innings, allowed four hits and two runs, walked three. 

RELATED CONTENT