Underclass Invitational: Statistical Analysis

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 2021 and 2022 prospects was held on Feb. 17, at The MAX in McCook, Ill. Over 115 of Illinois’ best freshman and sophomores represented themselves at the sold-out event last weekend.

After publishing our Quick Hits post yesterday, we’ll turn our attention to the top statistical performers from the invite-only showcase today.

OF Nicky Giamarusti (Notre Dame, 2021) set the pace and a quick one at that crossing the 60-yard dash finish line in a blazing 6.46 seconds. The projectable framed RHH has increased his 60-time by at least one-tenth of a second in each of his last three PBR events. Finishing second, middle infielder William Pauling (Homewood-Flossmoor, 2021) followed suit lowering his time to 6.54 from his previous best 6.65, which he finished at last years Underclass Invite.

Side note, 15 players, all from the 2021 class, finished with a sub-7.00 60-yard dash.

INF Karson Bonaparte (Normal University, 2021) showed off his physical prowess finishing in all three possible categories for an infielder and doing so near the top. He finished third in the 60-yard dash (6.72), second in exit velocity (103 mph) and lead the infield velocity testing by 5 ticks on the radar gun (89 mph). Bonaparte will be a name to watch in Central Illinois in the coming years.

The crop of pitchers was undoubtedly the highlight of the event. Lazaro Marquez (Homeschool, 2021) may have been the biggest winner event-wide being the only arm to eclipse the 90-mph mark maxing out at 91 mph, while tossing seeds at 89 mph from the outfield. Physical RHP Ben Hess (Charleston, 2021) finished second at 88 mph with a trio of Adam Dowler (Oswego East, 2021), Tom Egan (Mount Carmel, 2021) and Alex Stanwich (Lincoln-Way East, 2022) tied for third at 87 mph, respectively. Stanwich also finished second in the OF velocity testing topping 88 mph to home.  

Another side note, nearly half of the arms in attendance, both 2021's and 2022's, topped their fastballs at 84 mph or better. 

Vytas Valincius (St. Laurence, 2021) continues to raise his exit velocity and his draft stock each time he swings the stick. He finished second in last years exit velocity testing at 94 mph and Sunday the  physical RHH topped the chart hitting 107 mph on the gun. 

Seven other players finished with a 100+ mph exit velocity, an uncanny benchmark stat for Underclassmen.

Four catchers eclipsed the sub-2.00 pop-time mark and they will all be ones to watch this spring. Nate Voss (Marist) was the sole '22 backstop to finish under two-flat, while Brian Rapanan (Warren), Sebastian Cabeza (Kaneland) and Missouri State commit Mason Roehr (Granite City) were the three other 2021's to do so. 

Jonny Crowel (Marist, 2021) and Dominic Ferrari (Alleman Catholic, 2021) stood alone atop the catcher velocity testing each topping 79 mph from the crouch, respectively.

Continue reading on below for statistical leaderboards from each measured category taken on Sunday. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for updated video, news, and reports stemming from the Underclass Invite.

CLICK HERE for a sortable stat board of all players in attendance.