Prep Baseball Report

Underclass Invitational: Infield Analysis


By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The Underclass Invitational is one of Illinois’ most highly anticipated events on the PBR Illinois showcase calendar. The invitation-only event for the state’s top 2022 and 2023 prospects was held on Feb. 16, at The MAX in McCook, Ill. Over 110 of Illinois’ best freshman and sophomores represented themselves at the sold-out event.

As expected, this was an absolutely loaded event that yielded to us a brand new crop of underclass talent to follow as they continue maturing and developing at the high school level. Soon following the event we released early analysis with our Quick Hits and Statistical Analysis

Today we continue the roll-out of our position-by-position breakdown of the event, by taking a look at the near-50 infielders in attendance.

At the top of the 2022 infield list is Christian Holmes (De La Salle, 2022) who continues to solidify the fact that he is one of the top uncommitted sophomores in the state. Holmes continues to add quality strength to his frame, ran a 6.85 60 and took one of the more impressive rounds of BP on the day. On top of that he has athletic actions fit for the middle infield. 

Behind Holmes on the list is Kentucky commit, Daniel Pacella (Mundelein, 2022). Pacella is a physical left-handed hitting first baseman with arguably the best raw power in the class. Pacella posted a 106 mph exit velocity and consistently barreled baseballs to the pull-side gap in his round of BP. 

When it comes to the top 2023s, Ryan Jefferson (Providence Catholic) led the way. Jefferson is an athletic, left-handed hitting middle infielder with premium actions up the middle and a loose, fluid left-handed swing that will only continue to ascend as he adds strength to his wiry frame.

Read on below for reports on all of the 2022 and 2023 infielders from the event.

TOP 2022 INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Christian Holmes, De La Salle (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot, 180-pounds. Strong, athletic build, proportional frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, relaxed setup, smooth load, short stride, strong balance through contact.  Confident at the plate, clear bat speed, bat stays short and level to the ball, consistent hard contact, line drive type hitter.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Short, loose draw, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Advanced actions, attacks the baseball, athletic feet work in rhythm, maintains body control up the middle, fields out in front. Soft hands, clean exchange, quick release, plays through the baseball, capable of sticking up the middle.
Run: 6.85 runner in the 60. 

2. Daniel Pacella, Mundelein (IL), 2022 (Kentucky commit)
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-3, 205-pounds. Strong, athletic, wide-shouldered frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, wide base, hands stay back, quick toe-tap timing trigger.  Fast bat, aggressive swing, uphill path, consistent hard contact, present pull-side power.
Power: 107 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: LH. INF - 80 mph. Long, loose arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Athletic feet, hands play under center, comfortable around the bag.
Run: 7.03 runner in the 60. 

3. Estevan Moreno, Montini Catholic (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot-2, 185-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame, athletic lower-half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, high leg kick timing trigger, stays balanced through contact.  Loose hands, present bat speed, uphill path, pull-side power.
Power: 94 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 84 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot. Throws produced carry.
Defense: Fluid footwork, rhythm up the middle, patient to the ball. Steady hands, clean funnels.
Run: 6.89 runner in the 60. 

4. Will Plattner, Glenwood (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-foot, 180-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, square setup, pre-pitch rhythm, smooth load and stays balanced throughout.  Compact swing, minimal wasted movement, quick strong hands, repeatable, short direct and level through the zone. Consistent, hard, line-drive contact and uses the middle of the field.
Power: 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ball jumps off the barrel.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. INF - 79 mph. Short, firm arm action plays over-the-top.
Defense: Multi-positional profile; worked out behind the plate and at first base. Behind the plate, clean release, quick glove-to-hand, directional. Soft fundamentally sound blocks; deadens ball in front.
Run: 7.53 runner in the 60. 

5. Owen Murphy, Riverside-Brookfield (IL), 2022 (Notre Dame commit)
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-foot-1, 180-pounds. Athletic, proportional frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup, active pre-pitch movement in hands, smooth load, leg lift timing trigger.  Quick hands, long path, generates easy lift, favored his pull-side, power potential.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic defensive actions, smooth, fluid footwork, fields out in front. Soft hands, clean funnels, quick to release, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.2 runner in the 60. 

6. Victor Izquierdo, Lockport (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-foot-1, 195-pounds. Athletic, strong, wide-shouldered frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth deep load, short stride and utilizes lower half. Swings with intent, fast bat, flashed twitch, stays inside the baseball at times, uphill bat path and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 94 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ball jumps off the barrel. Power potential.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. INF - 72 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot from behind the plate.
Defense: Defensively, showed well at first base and behind the plate. Athletic feet and actions at first base. Plays with bounce, feel around the bag and sure hands. Continues to make strides behind the plate. Quick feet and glove-to-hand release. Flexible hips, low target and steady hands.
Run: 7.47 runner in the 60. 

7. Shai Robinson, Homewood Flossmoor (IL), 2022 (Illinois State commit)
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Athletic, proportional frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, athletic setup, smooth load, short stride.  Loose, simple swing, quick hands, consistently repeats, confident in the box.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Athletic easy infield actions, smooth, feet work in fluid rhythm, plays out in front, soft hands, secure transfer, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60. 

8. Jorgie Vazquez, Mount Carmel (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 168-pounds. Athletic, proportional frame.
Hit: RHH. Quiet, balanced setup, quick leg lift trigger.  Quiet easy swing, lets the ball travel, uphill path, line drive contact, balanced and controlled finish.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws with carry.
Defense: Smooth actions, sure-handed, fields out in front, clean transfer, quick release.
Run: 7.46 runner in the 60. 

9. Nate Voss, Marist (IL), 2022 (Michigan commit)
Positional Profile: C. One of the top prospects in the Illinois' 2022 class.
Body: 5-foot-11, 180-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame with strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, confident look in the box. Balanced setup, smooth load and short leg-lift timing trigger.  Fluid rhythm, loose, quick athletic hands, fast bat, feel for the barrel and uses the big part of the field.
Power: 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Potential pull-side power.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. INF - 81 mph. Short, loose, clean arm, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Natural catcher actions but athletic enough to stick at third base. Behind the plate, easy athletic actions, never in a hurry. Clean and repeatable from the crouch. Squared flexible setup, soft, sure-hands, quiet receiver.
Run: 7.19 runner in the 60. 

10. Nicholas Kolze, Romeoville (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-2, 205-pounds. Strong, proportional frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, hands stay back in strong hitting position, toe-tap trigger, maintains balance.  Easy bat speed, short path, generates easy lift and leverage, gap-to-gap power, fluid rhythm through contact.
Power: 100 mph exit velocity from the tee. Present bat strength and pull power.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady hands, clean funnels, some feel for the bag.
Run: 7.44 runner in the 60. 

11. Ryan Little, Brooks (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot, 167-pounds. Wiry, proportional frame.
Hit: RHH. Slightly crouched, open setup, wide base, short stride, balanced through contact.  Quick hands, occasional lift in swing, consistent hard line-drive, gap-to-gap contact.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short, quick arm action, natural high 3/4 slot, ability to throw from multiple angles. Throws played accurate.
Defense: Athletic infield actions, feet work in rhythm, plays easy and with body control on the move, soft hands, quick release.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60. 

12. Luka Radicevich, Joliet Catholic (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot, 165-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame. Quick twitch athlete.
Hit: RHH. Stands tall in the box, hands stay back, leg kick stride, stays balanced through contact.  Simple swing, fast hands, hard contact to the pull-side, fluid rhythm through contact.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic defender, light on his feet, rhythm on the move, felds out in front of body. Steady two-hand gather, long to release at times, plays through the baseball.
Run: 6.92 runner in the 60. 

13. Cooper Ohlson, Lyons Township (IL), 2022 
Positional Profile: 3B/1B 
Body: 6-foot, 205-pounds. Strong, athletic, well-proportioned frame. 
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, wide base, smooth load, toe-tap timing trigger.  Loose quick hands, present bat strength, uphill path, generates leverage to the pull-side. 
Power: 96 mph exit velocity from the tee. Present bat strength and pull-side power.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot. 
Defense: Quick feet, steady hands, clean release. 
Run: 7.14 runner in the 60. 

14. Braden Thelander, Prairie Ridge (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 155-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, leg kick timing trigger, stays balanced through contact.  Simple swing, quick twitch in hands, level path, steady line drive contact, knack for the barrel. 
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 84 mph. Short, quick arm action, high 3/4 slot. Easy carry across the diamond.
Defense: Feet work in rhythm, hands play out in front of body, sits back at times, secure transfer.
Run: 7.51 runner in the 60. 

15. Jack Scheri, LaSalle Peru (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 185-pounds. Strong, athletic, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup, wide base, short stride to even, maintains balance through contact.  Strong approach at the plate, uphill path, easily generates loft, steady line drive contact.
Power: 99 mph exit velocity from the tee. Advanced bat strength.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Short arm action, threw from both a high 3/4 and 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields low to the ground, plays out in front, confident on the move. Steady hands, clean exchange at times, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.08 runner in the 60. 

TOP 2023 INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Ryan Jefferson, Providence Catholic (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-9, 140-pounds. Lanky, athletic, wiry frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, wide base, smooth load, high leg kick, drives lower half.  Loose fast hands, aggressive swing, uphill path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot, comfortable from multiple angles. Accurate throws with carry.
Defense: Premium actions, confident defender, fields in rhythm, gets around the baseball, maintains body control. Soft hands, clean funnels, quick glove-to-hand release, plays through the baseball. Has all the tools to stick up the middle.
Run: 7.19 runner in the 60. 

2. Amir Gray, Brother Rice (IL), 2023 Purdue
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot, 200-pounds. Strong, proportional, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, wide base, smooth load, short stride, excellent balance through contact. Quiet in the box, loose hands, simple swing, uphill path, easily elevates the baseball, gap-to-gap pop.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions, feet work in rhythm, works around the ball, soft hands, clean funnels on the move, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60. 

3. Benjamin Oosterbaan, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot-2, 145-pounds. Lean, lanky, highly projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride.  Long and level path, steady line drive contact, favored his pull-side.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws with carry across the diamond.
Defense: Athletic actions, fields in rhythm, long strides cover ground. Plays out in front, soft hands, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60. 

4. Trey Swiderski, Joliet Catholic (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 5-foot-11, 155-pounds. Wiry, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, smooth load, toe-tap trigger, twitchy lower half.  Loose hands, quick bat, uphill path, middle-away approach, consistently on the barrel.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic feet, reliable hands, quick double play turn, some feel around the bag.
Run: 7.11 runner in the 60. 

5. J.R. Nelson, Stevenson (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-7, 140-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Crouched, slightly open setup, short stride.  Flashed quick hands, long and uphill path, line drive contact, fluid rhythm.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short, loose arm action, quick draw, high 3/4 slot. Comfortable from multiple angles, throws produced carry.
Defense: Advanced defensive actions, plays fast, fields in rhythm, gets around the baseball, fluid footwork, confident up the middle. Soft hands, clean funnels, smooth double play turn, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60. 

6. Ryan Hussey, Providence Catholic (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 160-pounds. Wiry, high-waisted frame. Plenty of room to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, drives lower half, stays balanced through contact.  Bat speed, uphill path, easily elevates the baseball, gap-to-gap power, fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, works easy. Accurate throws with carry to target.
Defense: Fields in rhythm, gets around the ball, fluid footwork, easy actions. Steady hands, clean transfer, plays tall through exchange.
Run: 7.48 runner in the 60. 

7. Cooper Cohn, McHenry (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-9, 160-pounds. Smaller, athletic, live-bodied frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, slightly open setup, smooth load, short stride and confident overall look in the box. Aggressive controlled swing, loose fast hands, present bat speed. Extension through the baseball, feel for the barrel and sprayed hard contact to all fields.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. INF - 83 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Worked out on the infield and behind the plate. Future looks to be behind the plate. Athletic enough to stick at either spot. Behind the plate, ultra-quick actions for age; played too fast at times. Quick feet and comes out of the chute with effort. Soft hands, flexible, advanced receiver.
Run: 7.52 runner in the 60. 

8. Graham Mastros, New Trier (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot-2, 175-pounds. Wiry, athletic build. Projects.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup, smooth load, leg kick trigger, twitchy lower half.  Quick bat, uphill path, easy loft, gap-to-gap power, consistent hard contact.
Power: 94 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Short, lively arm action, over-the-top slot. Throws played true with carry.
Defense: Works around the baseball, steady hands, secure exchange.
Run: 6.81 runner in the 60. 

9. Tommy Atkinson, St. Rita (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-9, 165-pounds. Proportional frame. Athletic lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, wide base, smooth load, short stride.  Simple swing, quick bat, uphill path, favored pull-side, line drive type hitter.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot. Capable of throwing from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Athletic actions, feet work in rhythm, gets around the ball. Steady hands, clean funnels, quick to release, plays through the baseball, feel for himself in the field.
Run: 6.96 runner in the 60. 

10. Tony Konopiots, Downers Grove North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot, 160-pounds. Lean, lanky build. Projects.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup, wide base, smooth load, short stride to close.  Uphill path, easily elevates the baseball, gap-to-gap contact, repeats.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot. Comfortable from multiple angles up the middle.
Defense: Sits back on the ball, plays out in front, reliable hands, clean transfer, sound double play actions.
Run: 7.68 runner in the 60. 

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Joshua Bell, St. Laurence (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 180-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, strong balance through contact. Fast hands, uphill path, impacts the ball out in front, flashed gap-to-gap power, high power potential, repeats.
Power: 72 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Fields out in front, steady two-hand gather, secure exchange, corner infield profile.
Run: 7.09 runner in the 60. 

Horacio Cabrales Jr, Thornwood (IL), 2022 (Illinois State commit)
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-2, 230-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, active pre-pitch movement in hands, smooth load, toe-tap trigger.  Uphill path, raw bat strength, easily elevates the baseball, some pull-side power.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady hands, smooth exchange, quick double play turn.
Run: 8.43 runner in the 60. 

Patrick Gardner, Lemont (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 210-pounds. Athletic, proportional frame. Projects.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open setup, smooth load, quick leg lift trigger.  Level path, line drive approach, uses all fields.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: LH. INF - 73 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic footwork, fields in rhythm at times, steady hands, plays through the baseball.
Run: 8.06 runner in the 60. 

NJ Gott, Glenbrook North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot, 175-pounds. Compact, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, hands stay back, quick leg kick trigger.  Quick bat, uphill path, line drive type hitter to all fields.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick to the ball, two-hand gather, fields under center.
Run: 7.9 runner in the 60. 

Sebastian Gutierrez, Nazareth Academy (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, open setup, steady leg lift timing trigger, gets back to square.  Quick bat, level path, extension through contact, line drive approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, comfortable on the move, maintains body control, steady hands, fields out front, long to release.
Run: 7.48 runner in the 60. 

William Ho, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 195-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, wide base, smooth load, short stride.  Fast hands, level path, opposite field line drives.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot. Comfortable from multiple angles.
Defense: Patient to the ball, hands play out in front, plays through the baseball at times.
Run: 8.03 runner in the 60. 

Brandon Johnson, Lemont (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 155-pounds. Lanky frame. Projectable.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, hands drop, quick leg lift trigger.  Uphill path, elevates the baseball to pull-side.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws.
Defense: Gets around the ball, hands play out in front, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.29 runner in the 60. 

Camden Kearney, Kankakee (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot, 180-pounds. Lean, athletic, projectable build.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, minimal stride.  Bat takes a long path through the zone.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws.
Defense: Fields under center, steady two-hand gather, long to release.
Run: 7.52 runner in the 60. 

Eli Kieser, University High (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot, 140-pounds. Lanky, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, simple load, short stride.  Long and uphill path, line drive type hitter.
Power: 74 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot. Some accuracy on throws.
Defense: Smooth actions, stays low to the ground, gets around the ball, fields in rhythm, moves well. Soft hands, clean transfer, long to release at times.
Run: 7.62 runner in the 60. 

Alexander Mendes, New Trier (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 180-pounds. Strong, athletic build.
Hit: SH. Tall setup, simple load, quick leg lift timing trigger.  Quick bat from the right side that looks more natural, extension through contact, line drive type hitter.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields upright, steady two-hand gather, clean exchange, long to release at times.
Run: 7.59 runner in the 60. 

Charalambos Nicoloudes, Naperville Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot, 172-pounds. Lean, athletic, projectable build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance through contact.  Quick hands, level path, line drive type hitter, favored pull-side.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot, capable of throwing from multiple angles. Some accuracy on throws.
Defense: Athletic in the field, feet play quick to the ball, steady hands, smooth double play turn.
Run: 7.32 runner in the 60. 

Kerim Orucevic, Maine South (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame. Projects.
Hit: LHH. Athletic setup, wide base, hands stay back, quick leg lift trigger.  Level path, line drive type hitter, flashed juice to pull-side.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws.
Defense: Active feet, gets around the ball, fields out in front, clean exchange.
Run: 7.3 runner in the 60. 

Caleb Parker, Minooka (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Athletic, proportional frame.
Hit: LHH. Stands tall in the box, front foot starts open, long stride to close.  Uphill path, sprayed line drives to all fields.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Hands play near center of body, sound transfer, quick to release.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60. 

Gavin Parkerson, Armstrong (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-9, 170-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced quiet setup, minimal pre-pitch movement, short stride. Swings with controlled aggression, quick twitchy hands, present bat speed, lifts the baseball.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. OF - 84 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot, throws played accurate and flashed carry.
Defense: Worked out on the infield and in the outfield. Actions may be best suited for the outfield. Feet work in rhythm at times in the outfield, plays through the baseball, length through transfer.
Run: 7.18 runner in the 60. 

Easton Rakers, Breese Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot, 145-pounds. Lean, high-waisted build.
Hit: RHH. Quiet, open setup, hands drop, quick toe-tap timing trigger.  Stays short to the ball, line drive approach, pull-side tendency from both sides.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, comfortable from multiple angles.
Defense: Ready to field, plays out in front, steady two-hand gather, quick transfer.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60. 

Sam Ruchala, Andrew (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-1, 185-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame. Broad shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, balanced setup, smooth load, quick leg lift trigger, balanced through contact at times.  Long, level path to contact, pull-side contact.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short draw, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady hands, plays out in front, quick transfer.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60. 

Cal Sefcik, Marist (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 155-pounds. High-waisted build. Projects.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, pre-pitch movement in hands, smooth load, quick leg lift trigger.  Bat stays level, line drive type hitter, consistent hard contact, fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic in the field, quick feet that work in rhythm, strong body control, hands play out in front.
Run: 7.43 runner in the 60. 

Hunter Sefcik, Marist (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-7, 148-pounds. Wide-shoulders. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, quick load, short stride.  Uphill path, line drives to all fields, knack for the barrel.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, fluid footwork at times, fields out in front, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60. 

Tommy Stricklin, Mundelein (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot-2, 205-pounds. Strong, athletic, wide-shouldered frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, hands stay back, minimal stride.  Uphill path, elevates the baseball, pull-side raw power.
Power: 98 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot. Some accuracy on throws.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, fluid rhythm at times, steady hands, quick transfer, smooth double play turn, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.5 runner in the 60. 

James Traficanti, East Leyden (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-2, 250-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, long stride.  Quick bat, level path, knack for the barrel, line drive type hitter.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields upright with two hands.
Run: 8.28 runner in the 60. 

Mitch Thomas, Minooka (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 150-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, wide base, hands stay back, short stride, maintains balance throughout.  Simple repeatable swing, quick bat, uphill path, elevates the baseball, athletic finish.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Clean, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields in rhythm, comfortable ranging to glove side, sure-handed, clean transfers with length at times.
Run: 7.02 runner in the 60. 

Ysen Useni, Crystal Lake South (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 220-pounds. Physical, well-proportioned frame. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup, balanced base, smooth load, steady leg lift trigger.  Physical presence in the box, long, uphill path, opposite field approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot. Lively arm.
Defense: Athletic actions, fields low to the ground, steady hands, some feel around the bag.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Jack Wade, Marist (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-foot-9, 195-pounds. Sturdy lower half.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, wide base, quick leg lift timing trigger.  Quick bat, raw bat strength, uphill path, ball jumps off his bat, gap-to-gap pop.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the baseball, moves well up the middle, clean exchange.
Run: 7.9 runner in the 60. 

David Wilhite, Stillman Valley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot, 140-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, short stride.  Level path to the baseball, steady line drive contact.
Power: 74 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short, compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields out in front, two-hand gather, second base profile.
Run: 7.53 runner in the 60. 

RELATED CONTENT