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Illinois State Games: Teams 11-20 Takeaways

August 20, 2025
By: Illinois Scouting Staff

On Aug. 5 and 6, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff hosted the fourth annual Illinois State Games at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex in Rantoul, an event featuring the top players in the state, spanning grad classes 2026 through 2028.

For everything you need to know about the event, like stat leaders, historical context, commits, and more, click HERE. To see a full list of the players that attended, click HERE.

Shortly after the event, our staff published a full data dive at this event, where we analyzed several standouts from Tuesday's workout day, as well as the arms who took the mound in Rantoul. You can find both of those here: Position Players | Pitchers.

Now, at the event's conclusion, our staff has compiled our scout notes from our two-day trip. We've already posted our write-ups on Teams 1-10, and today we'll contiune the roll out with Teams 11-20.

TEAM 11 (MAROON)

+ 3B Jonathan Osornio (Mount Carmel, 2026) would show a strong right-handed bat throughout the event, with in-game and showcase power that stood out. Took a quality round of batting practice, producing a max exit velocity of 103.5 mph and an average of 92.1 mph with advanced bat speed that maxed out at 84 mph and saw an average of 76.2 mph. An aggressive, pull-side-oriented approach at the plate, Osornio would find the barrel multiple times throughout the game, with a towering pull-side home run during his first game on Wednesday being the highlight. Strong 6-foot-1, 201-pound frame.

+ Fresh off a strong Midwest Super Sophomore Games, OF/RHP Ryan Pipkins (Champaign Central, 2028) would continue to show one of the more intriguing two-way profiles in the state's 2028 class. At the plate, he showed a controlled left-handed stroke with line drive intent and some present feel for the barrel while flashing some barrel strength during his batting practice, producing a max exit velocity of 97.2 mph. Finished gameplay 4-for-7 with a double, a home run, two RBIs, and four runs scored. Would also show well on the mound, throwing two scoreless innings, showing simple, easy movements on the mound with feel to repeat while working from a high 3/4s slot. The fastball would sit in the low-80s and was thrown alongside an upper-60s-low-70s curveball with sweeping shape and a fading low-70s changeup. Athletic 6-foot, 174-pound frame.

+ RHP/OF Jaiden Ponce (St. Ignatius, 2026) would show an intriguing profile throughout the event with athleticism and strength that consistently showed up on both sides of the ball. Showed lively stuff on the mound with an upper-80s fastball with up to 2700 rpm (2504 rpm avg.) and a tight breaking 78-81 mph curveball. An explosive mover on the mound with a quick arm, Ponce showed developing feel for the zone while working a 3/4s release. Also, had a quality round of batting practice, producing a max exit velocity of 97.1 mph and an average of 92.3 mph while presenting a line-drive oriented right-handed bat and pull-side tendencies. In gameplay, he showed an aggressive approach with a developing feel for the barrel. Showed a strong arm during the workout with a 91 mph outfield velo via a shuffle. Athletic 6-foot, 175-pound frame.

+ A switch-hitter, MIF/OF Lon Roberts (Lyons Township, 2026) would show high baseball acumen throughout the event, with tools that played up accordingly. Took a quality round of batting practice from both sides with a max exit velocity of 91.6 and an average of 84.3 mph. On the left side showed an athletic, compact with line-drive intent and present feel for the barrel. On the right side showed a fluid, balanced swing with a whole field approach and developing feel for the barrel. Defensively, worked out as a middle infielder and showed clean footwork and confident hands. Took reps in the outfield during gameplay and showed quality reads and routes with a strong foundation, should Roberts ever choose to devote more time there. Compact 5-foot-7, 148-pound frame with twitchy athleticism.

+ LHP Owen Rog (DePaul College Prep, 2026) would show quality stuff from the left side during his stint on the mound. Worked from a stretch-only delivery with a cross-body release and athletic movements down the mound. Worked from a compact high 3/4s release with a fastball up to 89 mph, showing life out of the hand and cut. Showed an upper-60s-low-70s curveball with slurvy 10/4 shape with up to 16.6 inches of horizontal movement. Flashed a mid-70s change-up with low spin rates and depth. Athletic 6-foot-1, 172-pound frame with developing endurance on the mound.

+ Fresh off of attending the Future Games as a member of Team Illinois, UTL/RHP Kash VanHouten (Canton, 2027) would continue to show one of the top two-way profiles in the rising junior class. At the plate, he showed an athletic right-handed swing with an aggressive approach and whole field intent while also flashing barrel strength during his batting practice with a max exit velocity of 97.7 mph. Worked out as an infielder, showing athletic movements and a strong arm that was up to 93 mph from across the diamond. Also took reps in the outfield during gameplay and showed fringy instincts with athleticism to project on. Would make a short stint on the mound and showed an athletic, fluid delivery while working a long, loose 3/4s release. The fastball would get up to 91 mph with up to 2519 rpm and 21 inches of induced vertical break. Showed a 75-75 curveball with 10/4 shape, spin rates up to 2475 rpm, and swing-and-miss traits. Also showed a low-80s changeup with arm-side run and some present feel. Athletic 6-foot-1, 181-pound frame.

+ 3B/RHP Layten Gerdes (Fieldcrest, 2026) is an intriguing uncommitted prospect on both sides of the ball. A lean and athletic 6-foot, 186-pound right-handed hitter, Gerdes began the event by posting a 96 mph max EV during batting practice and later collected a loud double during gameplay. He is also a reliable defender at the hot corner with the arm strength (T87 mph INF velo) to stick on the left side at the next level. On the mound, he punched out one over an inning and two-thirds, filling the zone with two pitches. His fastball sat 84-87 mph, playing mostly straight and located to all corners of the plate. Gerdes also turned to a late-breaking slider at 70-72 mph that found the zone 71% of the time.

+ RHP Blake Heyer (Montini Catholic, 2026) turned in an impressive performance at the State Games, striking out four and only scattering one hit in his two innings of work. Presenting a durable 6-foot-1, 206-pound frame with present strength, he showed three different offerings throughout the outing. His fastball got swings and misses in the zone at 85-88 mph (T89) with life and ride through the zone, while going to a sharp slider often at 72-75 mph, and rounding out his arsenal with a 71 mph curveball, playing with an 11/5 shape.

+ RHP Jack Schiek (Lockport, 2026) is a lean, athletic 6-foot-4, 169-pound right-handed pitcher to follow in the senior class. Simple delivery; athletic mover down the mound with a high, coiled leg lift into a directional drop-and-drive move. Occasionally changes up his leg lift to throw off hitters’ timing. Loose, quick arm-action out of a ¾ slot. Fastball sat 84-86 mph (T87) with a max of 18.5 inches of induced vertical break. Slider sat 73-75 mph with some sweep.

+ RHP Patrick Mayhugh (Lincoln Way Central, 2027) ran his fastball up to 87.7 mph at the event. Simple, repeatable delivery with a high leg lift into a tall-and-fall move. Short, compact arm-action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 82-86 mph with an average of 19.9 inches of induced vertical break and a max of 24 inches. Curveball sat 69-73 mph with short horizontal movement and splitter sat 69-73 mph killing spin and creating separation between the fastball (avg. 841 rpm).

+ LHP Andrew Zwemke (Oswego, 2026) is a long-levered 6-foot-7, 207-pound left-handed pitcher who showed an intriguing look at the Illinois State Games. Working only out of the stretch, Zwemke has a simple, fluid delivery with a high leg lift in a directional tall-and-fall move. Utilizes shoulder tilt to create a downhill angle from his big frame. Clean, easy arm-action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 80-82 mph (T83) with a max of 22.1 inches of induced vertical break. Added a hard, cut-shape curveball at 75-77 mph that had an 80 zone %. Rounded it out with a straight changeup with feel at 75 mph.

TEAM 12 (FOREST GREEN)

+ RHP Carson Frerichs (Normal University, 2027) is a filled-out, long-limbed, 6-foot-3, 208-pound Frerichs gave a good look on the mound Wednesday afternoon. Working from an easy, repetitive, high kick motion, with clean, easy, arm action, from a ¾ slot. The right-hander worked with a three-pitch mix. The fastball was sitting in the mid-80s, T87 mph, with an 18.5 IVB. The curveball was 76-78 mph, featuring a 12-6 shape with hard, late break. The changeup was 79 mph, with a slight drop-off from the fastball. Frerichs was able to settle in after the first inning, showing command of his arsenal and keeping hitters off-balance.

+ RHP John Skordas (Stagg, 2026) is a built, 6-foot, 214-pound frame with a strong lower-half, Skordas showed well Wednesday afternoon, showcasing a lively arm, relying on the fastball in-game. The right-hander works from a stretch-only delivery, working down on a line, with drop and drive. Then the arm is loose and whippy, coming easy from the ¾ slot. The fastball was sitting 86-89 mph, with life out of the hand, catching 2200 RPMs. The slider was 76-78 mph, with a sweeper profile gaining -16 inches of horizontal movement. The changeup was 79-81 mph, dropping off from the fastball. In-game, Skordas was attacking early with the fastball and missing barrels with the slider.

+ OF Sammy Atkinson (Providence Catholic, 2026) had a loud showing throughout the week. He was all over the barrel in the workout with a 104 mph peak EV, averaging 95 mph. He continued to swing it well in-game, finishing 2-for-5 with two doubles three RBIs and a run scored. The right-handed hitter stays short to the ball with a twitchy, longer path through the zone with extension. 6.81 runner to pair with quality reads off the bat in the outfield.

+ RHP Dylan Huff (Glenwood, 2026) is an uncommitted, ranked No. 15 overall in the Illinois class of 2026, and a Future game alum. Huff gave one of the best looks on the mound on Wednesday afternoon. The lean and athletic, 6-foot-1, 177-pound frame had complete control of a three-pitch mix, keeping hitters off-balanced and collecting four strikeouts through two innings. The fastball was sitting 86-88 mph, with slight cutting action and 18.4 IVB. The slider was 74-77 mph, with a gyro profile and 2200 RPMs. The changeup was 77-79 mph with arm-side run. In-game, Huff was attacking the zone, able to generate soft contact outs while getting whiffs with the slider and working with a high pace on the mound. The right-hander works out of a controlled, staggered setup, drop and drive, working down the mound. The arm works clean, easy from the ¾ slot. A must-know arm in the Illinois class of 2026.

+ RHP Colin Doyle (Downers Grove North, 2026) is an imposing, long-limbed, 6-foot-7, 215-pound frame, and he showed why he has one of the highest ceilings in the 2026 class. The right-hander on the mound is a loose, easy mover, working on a line with a drop and drive motion. The arm works loose and quick, with full-circle arm action from a lower ¾ slot. Showcasing a three-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 86-88 mph, easy out of the hand, with 18.6 IVB and slight cut with 4.8 inches of horizontal movement. The slider was 72-74 mph, a gyro profile with 2400 RPMs. The changeup was 80-81 mph with arm-side run, dropping of from the fastball. In-game, Doyle showed some command struggles, but was able to find himself deeper into his outing, pounding the zone with fastballs.

+ LHP Aiden David (St. Patrick's, 2026) is a well-proportioned, 6-foot, 185-pound frame, David gave a good look on the mound, striking out two and allowing only two hits through his two innings. The left-hander sets up with a wide base, medium leg kick, and drop and drive motion. The arm works from a clean and quick short arm action from the ¾ slot. Dealing with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 87-89 mph, jumping out of the hand with 19.3 IVB, and the slider was 75-77 mph, with sharp break, working low and away with 2200 RPMs. When David was commanding in the zone, hitters couldn't keep up with the fastball and put on uncomfortable swings with the off-speed.

+ C Monty Chalabi (Notre Dame College Prep, 2028) is a physically-impressive looking sophomore who looks the part behind the dish. At 6-foot, 191-pounds with present strength, Chalabi was among the event leaders in catcher velocity, reaching 78 mph from the chute. In-game, Chalabi posted a pop time as high as 2.09 seconds, showing smooth catch/throw actions. A physically imposing right-handed hitter to pair, he posted a max EV of 98.7 mph with a max distance of 376 feet during batting practice.

+ INF Chase Nelson (Fremd, 2026) is a smooth defender that showed well in gameplay. Soft hands to pair with athletic footwork, quality feel for the position with timing through the baseball, also a 6.81 runner with range to both sides of his glove. Sneaky jump off the barrel with a 101 mph peak EV in the workout, intentful and balanced swing that can drive it all over the yard.

TEAM 13 (COLUMBIA BLUE)

+ OF Omar Avalos Jr. (Father McGivney, 2027) is coming off a strong showing at the Future Games. There’s present twitch in his swing with barrel control, consistently using a line-drive approach while not shying away from using the whole field. High-level defender in the outfield with range and quality reads off the bat, makes difficult plays look easy at times. Sparkplug type that can change the game on the bases as well.

+ C Caleb Hornbrook (Normal University, 2026) consistently shows well for our staff as a hard worker behind the plate. He works to present pitches around the zone for strikes with soft hands and subtle frames, getting under the baseball with ease. During the workout sported poptimes in the 1.88-2.03 second range while getting up to 81 mph from the chute. He also got numerous quality swings off with some power in his right-handed swing - showed intentful hacks while staying on top of the baseball. During the showcase portion, produced a max exit velocity of 100.2 and an average of 93.6 mph.

+ RHP Darren Law (Oak Park-River Forest, 2026; Lewis) showed an elite feel for spin in his two innings, leading the event in spin rate on both his curveball and his slider. Highly projectable, long-levered 6-foot-3, 179-pound frame with room for additional strength. The right-hander was an up-tempo mover on the mound, utilizing a rocker step, with a medium leg lift into a drop-and-drive delivery. He also showed a longer, loose ¾ arm action. Law attacked hitters with his four-pitch arsenal, consistently being able to find the zone with each pitch. His fastball played with ride through the zone at 83-85 mph, topping 86 mph with max HM of 16.6”. His 11/5 curveball played with sharp, late break at 71-72 mph, consistently staying in the 2,900+ rpm range with a max HM of -20.1”. His slider showed a sweeping action at 71-73 mph, showing a spin rate in the ranges of 3,000-3,100+ rpm with a max HM of -20.7”. He also flashed a downer changeup at 74-75 mph with a max HM of 17.4”. Impressive stuff from the recent Lewis commit, who will play a big part in the Husky pitching staff this year.

+ CIF Aksel McKnight (Libertyville, 2027) cemented himself as a must-know name in the state after his showing at the State Games. He was all over the barrel with a couple loud home runs, also reaching up to 102 mph for his EV in the workout with a 380’ max distance. On top of his impressive power display, he also showed above-average awareness and plate discipline with four walks. 6-foot-2, 216-pound frame with power projection, loose hands with strength at impact and the ability to lift pull-side.

+ RHP Lincoln Boersma (Providence Catholic, 2027) is ranked No. 31 in the Illinois class of 2027. Boersma, a wiry, high-waisted, 6-foot-2, 166-pound frame, with more to come, gave a strong showing on the mound Tuesday. Striking out three over his two innings, the right-hander worked from a high-kick, drop, and drive motion, with easy and loose arm action from a lower ¾ slot. Dealing with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting, 83-85 mph, T86 mph, showing lots of arm-side run, and the slider was 75-77 mph, working at the bottom of the zone with 2,500 RPM and tons of sweep. In-game, the slider was the most effective pitch, able to locate low and away, generating lots of whiffs. Giving righties trouble from a difficult slot, Boersma was able to work through hitters with ease, missing barrels and inducing weak groundballs.

+ LHP Gabe Sanders (Yorkville, 2026) is an athletic and wiry, 5-foot-10, 148-pound frame. Sanders gave a strong showing on the mound. The lefty collected three strikeouts over two innings, only allowing one hit and one walk. Working from an easy, quick high tuck motion and an arm working with loose, easy, full extension from the lower 3/4 slot. Showing an intriguing three-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 80-82 mph, with sinking action, the slider was sitting 72-73 mph, with sweep, and the change-up was 71-74 mph, with slight cut. Sanders is an easy mover on the mound, effectively working the changeup down and away, generating whiffs and soft contact outs.

+ RHP Drew Hyland (Nazareth Academy, 2026) is an athletic, 5-foot-9, 164-pound frame. The right-hander works from a fluid and quick, high kick motion, with a quick, whippy, short arm action from a ¾ slot. Hyland, using a three-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 83-86 mph, T88 mph, jumping out of the hand with arm-side run. The curveball was sitting 71-73 mph, 12-6 shape with 2400 RPMs. The changeup was 77-78 mph. Attacking with the fastball, Hyland was not afraid to attack, working effectively off the curveball.

RHP William Houston (Stagg, 2026) is a wiry, 6-foot, 153-pound frame. Houston gave one of the more interesting outings on the mound Wednesday afternoon. The right-hander worked through two innings, striking out three and allowing only two hits. On the mound, he works from a staggered setup, working down the mound, with a high leg kick. The arm works loose and whippy, from a ¾ slot. Dealing with a three-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 88-91mph, life through the zone with 18.7 IVB, the slider was lower 70s, with a sweeper profile, -18.1 inches of horizontal movement, and the changeup was 79-82 mph with a similar profile to the fastball. In-game a great mover on the mound, filling up the zone, relying on the fastball. As Houston continues to develop his secondaries and fill into the frame, he will be an arm to know throughout Illinois.

+ RHP John Strzechowski (St. Laurence, 2026) coming off a strong junior season winning a state championship, Strzechowski showed well striking out two over two innings pitched while not allowing a hit. Athletic delivery with a high leg lift in a directional drop-and-drive move. Short, clean arm-action out of a ¾ slot. Utilized an advanced three-pitch mix keeping hitters off balance. Fastball sat mid-80s running it up to 86 mph with an average of 19.7 inches of induced vertical break. Slider sat 74-76 mph with an average of -15.7 inches of horizontal movement. Changeup capped off his arsenal at 74-76 mph with feel and fade.

+ INF/OF Zach Rubin (Antioch, 2026) should be a name to follow from the event. He was a consistent performer in gameplay, finishing 2-for-6 with a double, run scored and two walks. Consistently attacked pitches in the zone while staying on time, sent 88 mph right back up the middle for a loud single. Athletic hands with a fluid path that creates length out front. 6.80 runner to pair.

+ 1B Joshua Ziemer (Glenbard East, 2026) is coming off a monster spring where he hit .536, and his hit tool continued to shine at the State Games where he finished 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, two runs scored and a walk. There’s present strength with some more power to project on, working up to 100 mph for his EV in the workout with hand/bat-speed to pair. Gets intentful swings off with length through the zone.

TEAM 14 (NEON ORANGE)

+ SS Parker Roop (Normal University, 2027) has been one of the biggest risers and performers for our staff all summer long. There’s plenty of upside in his 6-foot, 158-pound frame with lean and wiry levers, and the left-handed swing continues to trend in the right direction, finding multiple barrels for home runs on the weekend.

+ RHP Jarek Quinn (Richwoods, 2026) impressed in his outing at the Illinois State Games striking out three hitters over 1 ⅔ innings pitched. Fluid, repeatable delivery; an athletic mover down the mound with a high, coiled leg lift into a tall-and-fall move, landing slightly cross-fire. Long, loose arm-action from a ¾ slot. Utilized a four-pitch mix while flashing a fifth offering. Mainly went to a sinker at 82-84 mph with an average of 3.3 inches of induced vertical breaking keeping the ball on the ground. Added a 4-seam fastball as well that played up in the zone with ride (avg. 16.6 IVB). Went to a big breaking ball behind both of those offerings at 71-76 mph with 10/4 shape and depth. Rounded out the four-pitch mix with a cutter at 77 mph with short horizontal break. Flashed a depthy changeup at 74 mph (1169 rpm).

+ INF Michael Arroyo (Plainfield Central, 2026) was a standout from gameplay. Natural, comfortable actions at third base, showed proper timing with fluidity and soft hands, quality arm to pair. Found some success in gameplay, finishing 3-for-7with a home run, double, three RBIs and two runs scored - loose and athletic swing with a flat path, showed the ability to drive the ball with authority to the whole field with his home run going out to right field.

+ C Zolan Wyatt (Lane Tech, 2026) showed some of the best raw power in attendance. He reached an eye-opening 108 mph for his peak EV in the workout, averaging 96 mph with a max distance of 420’. He showed the same power in gameplay with a compact, quick swing with intent to lift, leaving the yard to his pull-side. 6-foot-2, 192-pound frame.

+ LHP Christopher Chittaro (Saint Ignatius, 2027) was efficient in his two innings of work. Lean 6-foot, 164-pound frame. The left-hander operated out of a controlled, deliberate delivery, utilizing a medium leg lift into balance point, finishing in-line. His arm worked out of a compact ¾ arm action. Chittaro worked quickly on the mound, only allowing one hit with two strikeouts and no runs allowed. He was able to induce weak contact with his three-pitch mix. His fastball was 81-84 mph with max IVB of 16.4”. He also showed a 1/7 curveball with depth at 68-70 mph, and a fading changeup at 72-73 mph.

+ Colin Bettenhausen (Lincoln-Way East, 2027) was a winner on the mound from Day Two’s gameplay. High-waisted 5-foot-11, 162-pound frame with room to fill in strength. The right-hander was an up-tempo mover, using a medium leg lift with tuck and coil, into a tall-and-fall lower half, with a clean, high ¾ arm action. Bettenhausen induced plenty of weak contact with his three-pitch arsenal, tossing two scoreless innings and limiting runners on the bases. His fastball sat 83-85 mph with ride through the zone, topping 86.8 mph with a max IVB of 18.2” and a HM max of 17.8”. His slider was 74-77 mph with a slurve profile and a 2,373 rpm max, and his changeup flashed heavy arm-side run at 77-79 mph with an 18.6” HM average.

+ RHP Carsen Dekeyrel (Rockridge, 2026) is an athletic, wiry, long-limbed, 6-foot, 150-pound frame. Dekeyrel has an intriguing look on the mound through his two innings. The left-handed works from a fluid, drop-and-drive high kick motion. The arm works from an easy, clean arm action from the 3/4 slot. Effectively using a four-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 84-85 mph, the sinker was lower 80s, pairing effectively with the fastball. The slider was 75-78 mph with sharp late break, with high spin rates north of 2300 RPM. The changeup was 74-76 mph, dropping off from the fastball with -7 IVB. Dekeyrel had complete control of his four-pitch mix, all of which paired well with separation, able to generate easy whiffs.

+ RHP Reid Hepperly (New Berlin, 2026) is a Lincoln Land CC commit. A tall, filled-out, 6-foot-3, 196-pound frame. Hepperly gave a strong showing working with an effective two-pitch mix. The fastball was sitting mid-80s, T88 mph, easy out of the hand with slight sink, and the curveball was 74-77 mph, with sharp break. Standing tall with a high kick, tall and fall motion, the right-hander worked effectively, filling up the zone with an evident feel of the curveball.

+ RHP Aiden Jaquez (Oswego, 2026) is an athletic 5-foot-7, 153-pound frame. Jaquez finished off the Tuesday nightcap with a loud performance on the mound. The right-hander was working with a three-pitch mix with the fastball sitting 85-87 mph, T89 mph, with a max 21.2 IVB. The slider was 75-78 mph with a sweeper shape and 2500 RPMs. Then the changeup was 79 mph. Jaquez works from a rocker, high kick, fluid motion with a clean, loose, full circle arm action from the 3/4 slot. An easy mover on the mound, Jaquez was dominating with the fastball and filling up the zone.

+ RHP Landon Gray (Dunlap, 2026) is a lean 6-foot, 167-pounds with room for added strength. On the mound, Gray is a fluid mover with a medium leg lift into a directional tall-and-fall delivery. Short, clean arm-action from a high ¾ slot. Two-pitch mix with a fastball that sat 81-84 mph (T85) with an average of 20 inches of induced vertical break and a breaking ball with slurve shape at 70-71 mph.

+ C Asher Cantu (O’Fallon, 2026) finished the event going 2-for-3 in the final game. Lean 6-foot-4, 208-pound frame with room to add strength. The left-handed hitter operates from a wide base with no stride. Compact swing that is long through the zone with pull-side power while having a gap-to-gap approach. Cantu posted a max exit velocity of 102 mph during the workout portion of the event. The catcher connected on a double to the right-center gap and then followed up with a line drive to center field for a single in his final at-bat. Cantu produced at the plate all Spring and continued to shine at the plate during the event.

+ MIF Jackson Ahrens (East Peoria, 2026) finished the event going three-for-four at the plate while drawing three walks, stealing a base, and coming around to score a run. The infielder is listed with a strong 5-foot-11, 170-pound athletic frame. Ahrens ran a 6.79 60 while posting a max exit velocity of 100 mph. The right-handed hitter operates from a wide, balanced base with a toe-tap. Pure swing that is quick through the zone. Ahrens has positional flexibility as he not only played in the middle infield this summer, but also in center field. The three-sport athlete is continuing to shine in front of our staff and will continue to be an uncommitted name to keep an eye on.

+ OF Diego Herrera (Huntley, 2026) concluded his event with a 2-for-2 game while drawing a walk and stealing a base. Herrera is listed with a strong 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame. The right-handed hitter has an intentful swing that flashes bat speed with length through the zone. Herrera connected on a double to left field in the fourth inning and then followed up with a single in the seventh inning.

TEAM 15 (GREY)

+ RHP Langston Booth (Loyola Academy, 2027) was a winner from the event, emerging as a high-follow right-handed pitcher in the 2027 class. Starts with quick tempo before slowing his delivery to effectively disrupt timing. Medium leg lift with some coil into a directional drop-and-drive delivery. Short, compact arm-action from a ¾ slot. Featured a lively fastball with ride at 86-89 mph (T90) playing up in the zone (max 18.8 IVB). Topped it off with a hard, gyro shape slider with tight break at 79-81 mph. Athletic 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame.

+ OF Cole Brent (Normal University, 2027) would continue to cement himself as a must-follow left-handed bat within the state’s rising junior class. Presenting a narrow, athletic with a short & simple stride, Brent would show athletic hands and a present for the barrel. Took a quality round of batting practice, produced a max exit velocity of 102.1 mph and an average of 95.2 mph. Also showed athletic tools that consistently showed well throughout the event. Produced a 6.67-second 60-yard dash and a 28 inch vertical jump. Athletic 5-foot-11, 183-pound frame.

+ Presenting a twitchy 5-foot-9, 142-pound frame, SS/RHP Nicholas Chiarodo (Edwardsville, 2028) would emerge as a name to follow within the state’s rising sophomore class. At the plate showed a twitchy right-handed swing with present feel for the barrel and line-drive intent. Took a quality round of batting practice, producing a max exit velocity of 91.7 mph and an average of 85.6 mph. Finished gameplay 4-for-4 with three doubles and three walks. Also showed some intriguing showcase tools with a 6.88-second 60-yard dash and 83 mph infield velo. Chiarodo then hopped on the mound and showed to be an upside follow for the coming years. A dynamic mover down the mound, he showed three pitches; headlined by a 78-80 mph (T81) fastball, that played clean out of the hand and was in the zone consistently. He had above-average feel for a 66-67 mph curveball.

+ OF Connor Krumrei (Oak Park-River Forest, 2027) would provide one of the more dynamic toolsets of the event. Standing in at 6-foot, 212-pounds, the rising junior would take an impressive round of batting practice, producing a max exit velocity of 103.6 mph with an 96.3 mph average while also sporting a max of 80 mph bat speed and a 76.2 mph average. Showed a wide setup and a minimal stride with power to all-fields that would result in 405 foot max distance. During the showcase portion, would also run a 6.57-second 60-yard dash and was 84 mph from the outfield. Must know name in the state’s rising junior class.

+ RHP Charley Spour (St. Anthony, 2027) is a must-know right-handed pitcher in the 2027 class who continues to show well. Spour punched out three in just over an inning of action. A long-levered 6-foot-3, 188-pound frame with more room to fill out. Athletic mover who operates only out of the stretch, starting slightly closed off with a high leg lift into a directional, tall-and-fall delivery. Long, loose arm-action out of a ¾ slot. Utilized a quality two pitch mix. Fastball sat 88-90 mph topping out at 91.1 mph with life out of the hand. Slider sat 76-79 mph with sweep.

+ C Sam Webb (Providence Catholic, 2026) would continue to show a physical right-handed bat in the state’s rising senior class. A controlled, aggressive approach with line-drive intent and a present feel for the barrel, Webb would finish gameplay 2-for-5 with two doubles. Also took a quality round of batting practice, producing a max exit exit velocity of 99.1 mph. Strong 6-foot-1, 206-pound frame. Recent Wisconsin-Parkside commit.

+ RHP/1B Isaac Wendler (Father McGivney, 2026) is a strong 6-foot-1, 219-pound two-way performer. On the mound, Wendler works only out of the stretch with a high coiled leg lift into a drop-and-drive delivery. High ¾ slot with a quick arm. Worked with a strong fastball/changeup combination while mixing in a breaking ball. Fastball sat 85-87 mph (T88) with some ride/run. Killed spin on the changeup at 73-75 mph with major depth (avg. 1.1 IVB). Rounded out his mix with a breaking ball at 66-70 mph with 11/7 shape and depth. Would also show an intriguing right-handed bat with loft-based intent and an ability to use the whole field. Present a spread out base, Wendler utilizes a minimal stride to get into a position of launch with a steep bat path. Took a quality round of batting practice, producing a max exit velocity of 97.5 mph and an average of 88.3 mph. Defensively showed advanced footwork, consistently working around the baseball while also showing a loose 3/4s arm action that would get up to 83 mph from across the diamond. Uncommitted name to follow.

+ INF/RHP Nathan Cera (Maine South, 2026) is an uncommitted senior whose game continues to trend in the right direction with each look our staff gets. A trim, high-waisted athlete standing at 6-foot, 159-pounds, Cera was on the barrel during gameplay, collecting a couple base-knocks, while also stealing a bag when he reached. Defensively, he plays with bounce and handles the hot corner well. Cera also ran a 6.61 60 time, shedding 0.58 seconds off his time since we last saw him in July. Showed an interesting look on the mound as well. Features a drop-and-drive delivery landing cross-fire. Clean arm-action with a side-arm slot. Strong two pitch mix. Fastball sat 81-83 mph with sink and slider sat 72-75 mph with a max spin rate of 2811 rpm with sweep and feel.

+ RHP Nicholas Kois (Montini, 2026) is an uncommitted right-handed pitcher with arm strength. Up tempo, high coiled leg lift into a directional drop-and-drive delivery. Clean arm action out of a ¾ slot. Ran the fastball up to 88.5 mph while sitting 86-88 mph with ride up in the zone and sink when down. Added a curveball at 71-74 mph with some depth and a changeup at 73-78 mph killing spin (avg. 1292 rpm).

+ LHP Callum Morrison (Lake Forest, 2026) is an uncommitted senior left-handed pitcher to know. Hybrid delivery with a medium, coiled leg lift into a tall-and-fall move, landing directionally after getting closed off. Short arm circle out of a low ¾ slot. True three-pitch mix. Attacked the zone with the fastball at 83-86 mph with an average of 18.7 inches of horizontal movement. Added a slider at 72-75 mph with short horizontal break and a changeup at 75-77 mph with depth (avg. 3.9 IVB). Lean, athletic 6-foot, 169-pound frame with more to come as the frame fills out.

+ RHP Jackson Heideman (Harlem, 2026) is an uncommitted arm with a long-levered 6-foot-2, 182-pound frame. His fastball topped at 87.3 mph with 20.2 inches of induced vertical break, and he paired it with a curveball that showed depth and feel. Heideman controls his levers well, creating natural deception that consistently induced awkward swings from hitters.

TEAM 16 (WHITE)

+ 1B/OF Evan Adamczewski (Maine South, 2027) came away as the MVP of the entire event. Adamczewski went five-for-six at the plate while drawing one walk, driving in two runs, coming around to score two runs, and connecting on four extra-base hits. Adamczewski is listed with a strong 5-foot-9, 177-pound frame. The left-handed hitter has an intentful swing that has strength at impact with bat-speed. Adamczewski had an average exit velocity of 90.7 mph with a max exit velocity of 98.2 mph during the workout. He posted a 60 time of 6.80 while having a max run speed of 20.5 mph. The outfielder connected on a home run during the first game of the event. He would then follow up with three doubles on day two as he showed a gap-to-gap approach. Adamczewski was the biggest winner of the event and will be a name to keep an eye on in the future.

+ RHP Owen Novak (Lincoln-Way Central, 2026) attacked hitters in his two innings of work. Possessing a broad-shouldered 6-foot-3, 226-pound frame with present strength in the lower half, Novak was efficient on the mound. Mechanically, the right-hander was an up-tempo mover, showing a medium leg lift into a drop-and-drive delivery, landing in-line. He showcased a full arm circle, from a loose ¾ slot. Novak showed some swing-and-miss stuff with his three-pitch mix, collecting four strikeouts without allowing a single run. His fastball sat 83-85 mph, topping 86.3 mph with a max IVB at 17.8” and a HM max at 18.1”. He also employed an 11/5 curveball at 73-76 mph with a 2,312 rpm max spin rate, and a cutter with late action at 78-81 mph.

+ RHP Nic Bralts (Champaign Central, 2028) has continued to show above average metrics on the mound in event. Athletic 6-foot, 171-pound frame with room to fill in. The right-hander possessed a simple, controlled delivery, moving athletically down the mound, with a high leg lift into a tall/fall finish. He also showcased a quick, compact ¾ arm action. Bralts didn’t allow a single run or hit through his two innings of work. The right-hander was efficient in his second inning of work, working a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts to end the inning. His fastball played with arm-side run through the zone at 82-84 mph, topping 85.9 mph with a IVB max of 20.2” and a HM max of 15.9”. His curveball was 71-72 mph with a max spin rate of 2,225 rpm. He showed a feel for spin with his slider at 74-77 mph that was 2,400+ rpm. He also flashed a changeup at 75 mph with some arm-side run and a HM max of 15.5”.

+ LHP Devin De Loach (Crystal Lake South, 2026) is an uncommitted senior arm that showed some swing-and-miss stuff on the mound, collecting six whiffs through two innings. Sturdy 6-foot-2, 252-pound frame with strength present throughout. The left-hander worked out of a drop-and-drive delivery, exploding down the mound, with a strong ¾ arm action. De Loach was able to pound the zone with both of his pitches, effectively keeping hitters off-balance throughout his appearance. His fastball played with heavy arm-side run and sat 84-87 mph, topping 87.9 with a IVB max of 20.7” and an IVB average of 18.5”. He also utilized a tight slider at 78-80 mph that got hitters to chase multiple times.

+ C/MIF Brady Dunnett (Oswego, 2027) would emerge as a versatile, left-handed bat to follow within the state’s rising junior class. Showing a compact left-handed swing, the Oswego product was on the barrel throughout gameplay, after sporting a 91 mph max exit velocity during his batting practice. Defensively showed quality instincts both behind the plate and on the dirt. During the workout, produced poptimes within the 2.00-2.15 second ranges showing clean transfers and confident glovework. On the dirt would show athletic actions and an arm up to 84 mph from across the diamond. Compact 5-foot-7, 166-pound frame.

+ 3B Sage Lelm (Morton, 2028) is a physical right-handed hitter that connected on a couple hits throughout the two-day event. Lelm is listed with a strong 5-foot-10, 192-pound frame. The third baseman finished his event with a double back up the middle. During the workout portion of the event, Lelm had an average exit velocity of 90.9 mph with a max exit velocity of 98.2 mph with an average bat speed of 76.1 mph with a max of 79.1 mph. The third baseman posted an 84 mph infield velocity while having a 7.08 60 time and a vertical jump of 28.7 inches. Lelm is an interesting name to keep an eye on going into his sophomore year.

+ LHP Lance Cuddy (Coal City, 2026) is an uncommitted crafty left-handed pitcher to know. Lean 6-foot, 158-pound frame with room for added strength. Athletic mover with a high coiled leg lift into a directional tall-and-fall delivery. Clean, full arm circle with a ¾ slot. Featured a quality two-pitch mix. Attacked with a riding fastball (max 17.6 IVB) at 82-83 mph that generated swing-and-miss up in the zone. Mixed in a high spinning breaking ball with a max of 2,547 rpms at 67-69 mph with feel to throw it in any count. Struck out two over two scoreless innings.

+ RHP Grayson Coughlin (Tri-Valley, 2026) showed a quality three-pitch mix with a strong fastball and two high-spinning breaking balls with distinct shapes. Repeatable, directional drop-and-drive delivery with some shoulder tilt creating a downhill angle. Long, full arm circle with a ¾ slot. Attacks with the fastball at 84-86 mph (T87) with a max of 21.2 inches of induced vertical break. Went to the curveball behind it with sweep and some depth (max 2462 rpm). Mixed in a slider with cut-shape at 75-77 mph (max 2403 rpm).

+ OF Clancy Rogers (Glenbrook South, 2026) displayed some of the top power throughout the showcase portion of the event. Rogers is listed with a strong 6-foot-2, 202-pound frame. The right-handed hitter has a bat path that is direct to the ball with natural loft and jump off the barrel while having a whole field approach. Rogers connected on multiple triple-digit EVs while having a max of 101 mph. He showed off said power during day two as he connected on two hits, one to left field and the other to right. The outfielder posted an outfield velocity of 88 mph.

TEAM 17 (LIME GREEN)

+ A summer standout for our staff thanks to his defensive toolset, highlighted by soft hands, a high motor behind the plate, and advanced catch-and-throw, C Beckett Breseman (Prairie Ridge, 2027) would continue to cement himself as one of the better defensive backstops within the state’s rising junior class. During the showcase portion, produced poptimes within the 1.84-1.88 second range. At the plate, presented a line-drive oriented right-handed swing, showing loose hands while producing a max exit velocity of 91.8 mph. Also produced a 3.45 max RSI (second highest of the event). Athletic 5-foot-10, 162-pound frame with room for added strength. Name to follow as he continues to refine his offensive toolset.

+ RHP Cameron Barnes (Oak Park-River Forest, 2026: Eastern Illinois) pounded the zone with his three-pitch arsenal. Physical 6-foot-4, 208-pound frame with strength present throughout. The right-hander possessed a moderate drop-and-drive delivery, displaying a rocker step, with a high leg lift with tuck and coil, moving athletically down the mound. He also showcased a longer arm action with an over-the-top slot. Barnes tossed two innings in his outing, only allowing one hit and one walk with a strikeout. His fastball played with life out of the hand at 85-88 mph, topping 88.7 mph with a max IVB of 16.7” and a HM max of 15.3”. He also utilized a 12/6 curveball at 74-76 mph, and a splitter that he killed spin on at 79-81 mph with a max spin rate of 983 rpm. Another strong performance from the right-hander, who has impressed our staff throughout the summer.

+ LHP Jacob Manos (Brother Rice, 2026) was lights out in his two innings of work. Projectable, long-levered 6-foot-3, 204-pound frame. The left-hander operated primarily out of the stretch, utilizing a medium leg lift with tuck, into a drop-and-drive lower half, and a longer at the back, loose ¾ arm slot. Manos tossed two scoreless innings, only allowing two hits while collecting four strikeouts. His fastball played with some sink and sat 85-87 mph, touching 88 mph with an IVB max of 18.5” and a HM max of -17.7”. He also showed a curveball at 74-76 mph with a slurve profile, and a slider at 74-75 mph that flashed sweep with a 2,332 rpm max. An impressive performance from the uncommitted left-hander, who looks like he play a key role in an already strong Brother Rice rotation.

+ OF Tyler Manning (Geneva, 2028) is an intriguing incoming-sophomore to follow from the event. Standing at a high-waisted 6-foot-2, 178-pounds, the right-handed hitter took quality at-bats on day two of gameplay. He showed the ability to lay off borderline pitches out of the zone, and get strong swings off on pitches in the zone. When he reached base, he also flashed the ability to swipe bags with ease.

+ C Isaiah Wolter (Oswego East, 2028) shined in all aspects of the event. Wolter is listed with a strong 5-foot-10, 175-pound athletic frame. Wolter started off the event posting a 60 time of 6.83. Defensively, the catcher posted a pop time of 1.96-2.09 while having a catcher velocity of 78 mph. The right-handed hitter has an intentful swing with a flat bat path and easy jump off the barrel while having a line drive approach. Wolter had an average exit velocity of 91.7 mph while having a max exit velocity of 105 mph. He had an average bat speed of 73.9 mph while having a 77 mph max with an average hand speed of 22.4 mph while having a 23.9 mph max.

+ OF Carter Gaskill (Triad, 2026) showed well at the event as he got on base in each game. Gaskill is listed with an athletic 5-foot-9, 159-pound frame. The left-handed hitter has a balanced finish with loose hands while being fluid with a flat bat path. Gaskill had an average exit velocity of 86.6 mph while having a max exit velocity of 92.2 mph. Had an average batted ball distance of 218 feet (344 ft. max). Gaskill also stole a few bases to show off his in-game speed. Defensively, Gaskill posted an outfield velocity of 85 mph. Gaskill committed to the University of Illinois-Springfield shortly after this event.

+ OF Ashton Miner (Newman Central Catholic, 2027) shined during the workout portion of the event. Miner is listed with a strong 5-foot-10, 184-pound athletic frame. The right-handed hitter stays on-plane with bat speed and has jump off the barrel. Miner had an average exit velocity of 89.4 mph (96.3 mph max EV) and an average batted ball distance of 200 feet (332 ft. max) with 70% hard hit percentage. Miner showed off his athleticism with a vertical jump of 26.1 inches. Miner had a strong Spring season and should be a name to keep an eye heading into next season.

+ 3B Ryan Rodriguez (Batavia, 2027) showed some loud tools over the course of the two-day event. Rodriguez is listed with a strong 6-foot, 181-pound athletic frame. The right-handed hitter has a flat path with length through the zone and generates jump off the barrel with natural carry. Rodriguez generated plus bat speed as he averaged 78 mph (82 mph max) and had an average hand speed of 24.2 mph (25.3 mph max). He had a max exit velocity of 100.4 mph with a 56% sweet spot percentage. Rodriguez showed off his athleticism by posting a 6.75 60 time while having a vertical jump of 24.7 inches.

TEAM 18 (BROWN)

+ RHP Connor McKay (Nazareth Academy, 2026) is a projectable, 6-foot-3, 179-pound frame who gave a solid look on the mound Wednesday night, striking out two and allowing zero hits through his two innings of work. The right-hander works from the stretch only, with a quick medium leg lift, quick down the mound. Then the arm works from a lower ¾ slot, staying loose with long extension in the back half. McKay would show a solid two-pitch mix with the fastball sitting 86-88 mph, playing with sink, 19 inches of horizontal movement. The slider was 77-79 mph, with a gyro profile, gaining positive vert with an average of 6.4 IVB. In-game, McKay was fastball-heavy, attacking low and pitching to contact outs. The slider was on point, creating bad swings.

+ RHP/OF Ben Auer (St. Charles North, 2026) is an uncommitted two-way to know from the event. Athletic 5-foot-11, 171-pound frame. The right-hander possessed a medium leg kick into balance point, working in line to the plate, with a short arm action from a ¾ slot. Auer kept hitters off-balance with his three-pitch mix, finishing with two scoreless innings and two strikeouts. His fastball played with arm-side run at 83-86 mph, topping 86.8 mph with a max IVB of 22.1” and an average IVB of 17.4”. He also employed a sharp slider at 76-77 mph with a spin rate in the ranges of 2,600-2,700+ rpm, and a downer curveball at 67-71 mph with a -16.3” HM max. The right-hander also showed well at the plate during his round of BP, ending with a 92.1 mph max exit velocity and a 310-foot max distance.

+ INF Julio Ayala (Montini, 2027) is an intriguing left-handed hitting infielder to know from the event. He has loose, athletic actions on both sides of the ball, and he was taking quality at-bats in our brief look, hunting early in the count and remaining on-time, getting consistent good swings off. Upside operation with loose hands, short to the ball and long through the zone. Smooth, athletic defender with the actions to stay on the dirt at the next level.

+ LHP Isaac Harris (Joliet West, 2026) was able to effectively miss barrels with his three-pitch mix. Trim, athletic 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame. The left hander operated from the stretch, with a medium leg kick into a drop-and-drive lower half, showing a full arm action from a ¾ slot. Harris went on to toss two scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks with three strikeouts. He showed vertical carrying action on his fastball at 83-86 mph, flashing a max IVB of 21.9” and an average IVB of 17.6”. He also employed a big-breaking 1/7 curveball at 68-69 mph with a max IVB of 10”, and flashed a changeup at 78-79 mph with some downward fade. A still uncommitted left-handed arm to follow.

+ RHP Russell Hengels (Maine South, 2027) is a lean 6-foot-4, 208-pound frame. Hengels showed an interesting profile on the mound Wednesday afternoon. Through his outing, the right-hander struck out two and allowed zero hits. Working with a high pace on the mound from a stretch only drop and drive motion, with an arm working long, clean, and quick from a lower ¾ slot. Hengels showed confidence in his two-pitch mix, able to go after hitters earlier with his slider. The fastball was sitting 85-88 mph, with a max of 20.5 IVB, and the slider was sitting 76-78 mph, sharp gyro profile with slight sweep. In-game, Hengels was not afraid to attack with the slider with a heavy reliance on it, able to mix in the fastball, freezing hitters.

+ INF/OF Braxton Yates (Triad, 2026) had a strong showing at the plate throughout gameplay. A scrappy right-handed hitter, he showed to be a tough out with each at-bat. He fouls pitches off and doesn’t chase much out of the zone, while using a whole-fields approach, unafraid to take what the opposing pitcher gives him to hit. He tallied three hits, two walks, and three stolen bases throughout the event. Yates also had a quality showing during the workout, running a 6.91 60 and posting an average EV of 87.5 mph during batting practice.

+ RHP/OF Easton DeBernardi (Marquette Academy, 2027) was dominant in his two innings of work, grabbing four strikeouts with his fastball-slider combo. Trim, athletic 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame. The right-hander worked with a rocker step into a medium leg kick, working in-line to the plate, with a full ¾ arm slot and present armspeed. DeBernardi finished with two scoreless innings, only allowing one hit and one walk with four strikeouts. He showed a high feel for spin with his two-pitch mix, landing both consistently for strikes. His fastball was 85-87 mph with a spin rate in the ranges of 2,400-2,500+ rpm, and his slider showed a sharp sweeping action at 75-77 mph with a spin rate in the ranges of 2,500-2,600+ rpm and a HM max of -12.3”. A left-handed hitter as well, DeBernardi had a quality showing offensively at the event. During the workout, he maxed out at 99 mph off the bat with a 354 foot max batted ball distance, and also reached 89 mph from the outfield. He would go on to tally a couple hits throughout gameplay including a double.

+ C Zach Ohlund (Wilmington, 2026) is a physical right-handed hitter to know from the event. He had one of the louder rounds of BP for the entire event, standing at a strong 5-foot-11, 236-pounds. He averaged 89.8 mph in batting practice, maxing out at 98.3 mph, and posted a max batted ball distance of 383 feet (avg. 286 feet). Ohlund’s barrel strength also carried over into gameplay where he was on the barrel multiple times, while also showing a motor on the basepaths. An uncommitted name to follow moving forward.

+ OF Brayden Robertson (O’Fallon, 2026) is coming off a break-out high school season and continues to shine at the State Games. Robertson is listed with an athletic 5-foot-9, 155-pound frame. The right-handed hitter has an easy, balanced swing with a long path and a line drive approach to the whole field. Robertson had an average exit velocity of 89.2 mph (95.4 mph max) with a sweet spot percentage of 60%. Defensively, Robertson graded out well as he posted an outfield velocity of 89 mph. He showed off his athleticism by posting a 6.93 60 time while having a vertical jump of 24.6 inches. Robertson is a name to keep an eye on as he heads into his senior season.

TEAM 19 (NAVY)

+ LHP/1B/OF Hayden Adamowicz (Schaumburg, 2027) fresh off his strong outing at the Future Games, Adamowicz topped out at 88 mph from the left-side. Simple, fluid delivery with a high coiled leg lift into a tall-and-fall delivery starting closed off landing directionally. Long, fluid arm-action out of a low ¾ slot. Relied heavily on a combination of a fastball/changeup while mixing in a big breaking ball. Fastball sat 84-88 with life out of the hand. Changeup sat 69-71 with depth and ASR (avg. 4.4 IVB and -16.4 HM). Mixed in a breaking ball at 63 mph with slurve shape and depth. Would also continue to show a physical left-handed bat, taking a quality round of batting practice in which he produced a max exit velocity of 97.4 mph, an average of 92.4 mph, and a max distance of 374 feet. A short and direct swing, Adamowicz showed a present feel for the barrel that would also show up in gameplay. Strong 6-foot, 224-pound frame.

+ 3B/RHP Brady Jones (Metamora, 2028) stands out with a long-levered, 6-foot-5, 196-pound frame and plenty of room for added strength. At the plate showed an easy & balanced left-handed swing. Took a quality round of batting practice, producing a max exit velocity of 95.5 mph and an average of 92.2 mph. Would finish gameplay 2-for-6 with two singles. On the mound, he attacked the zone with an 86 mph fastball featuring late ride, pairing it with a swing-and-miss curveball that showed depth through the zone. His easy, repeatable windup and projectable frame point to a high ceiling.

+ MIF Mickey Lotus (St. Laurence, 2026) would showcase an athletic switch-hitting profile within the state’s senior class, producing a 6.59-second 60-yard dash and an event-best 3.58 max RSI. An athletic, narrow setup with a fluid, controlled load, Lotus would show a present feel for the barrel throughout his rounds of batting practice. From the left-side showed fluid hands with barrel control and line-drive intent. From the right side showed a direct and simple operation with similar line-drive intent. Athletic defender who was also up to 82 from across the diamond. Twitchy 5-foot-9, 137-pound frame.

+ RHP Logan O’Dell (Collinsville, 2026) showed well in the nightcap of the Illinois State Games. Simple, fluid delivery; athletic mover down the mound with a high coiled leg lift into a directional drop-and-drive move. Short, quick arm-action out of a high ¾ slot. Strong two-pitch mix with a developing third offering. Fastball sat 85-88 mph (T89.8) with life out of the hand (avg. 18.2 IVB). Added a high-spinning, sweeping breaking ball at 70-76 mph with a max of -18 inches of horizontal movement (max 2501 rpm). Flashed a straight changeup at 78 mph.

+ LHP Samuel Chin (St. Laurence, 2026) boasts a long-levered, 6-foot, 162-pound frame with room to add strength. He commands an 85 mph fastball with late run, working it consistently down in the zone. Chin pairs it with a sweeping slider and a 76–78 mph changeup that shows reduced spin for added deception. His delivery is smooth and efficient, landing in-line and balanced while showing a confident feel for the strike zone.

+ RHP Wes Thompson (Normal University, 2028) features a strong, athletic 5-foot-10, 168-pound frame. He commanded an 86 mph fastball from a high release point, consistently keeping it low in the zone. Thompson mixed in a sweeping curveball and a 76–77 mph changeup with arm-side fade, both playing well off his fastball. His easy delivery and ability to hide the ball on the backswing add to his effectiveness. With his present stuff and clean mechanics, Thompson has a high ceiling and is a name to watch in the coming years.

TEAM 20 - PROCASE (VEGAS GOLD)

+ INF Lucas Simulick (Joliet Catholic, 2026) continues to get better and better each time we see him. His right-handed swing is consistently on-time with twitchy hands and length through the zone. High-level defender with an up-the-middle profile, soft and fluid hands with clean transfers, easy timing through the ball with proper angles on ball to both sides of his glove. Quick, clean release with carry across the diamond, T90 mph across but T87 mph in this look.

+ RHP Tre Cole (Champaign Central, 2026) was catching eyes on the mound. Cole showcased an electric fastball Wednesday night, striking out two over his two innings of work. The right-hander would show a two-pitch mix with the fastball ramping up to 93 mph, sitting 88-91 mph, playing with lots of ride and run through the zone. The slider was 75-77 mph, with a sharp gyro profile. While struggling with command early in his outing, Cole showed the ability to adjust and settle in, not afraid to attack hitters. The high-waisted, 6-foot-2, 189-pound frame showed why he has some of the highest upside in the Illinois 2026 class.

+ RHP Josh Jones (Normal University, 2026) had an interesting outing on the mound Wednesday night, showing a heavy reliance on a bully fastball. The right-hander was tossing with a three-pitch mix, the fastball was living upper 80s, T91 mph, life through the zone with 19 inches of IVB, the curveball was 79-81 mph, with a more gyro profile, sharp break up to 2300 RPMs, and the changeup was lower 80s, with -13.8 inches of horizontal movement dropping off from the fastball. Jones would work out of a relaxed and easy high kick motion, followed by clean, quick, arm action from a high ¾ slot. As the 6-foot-1, 188-pound frame continues to develop on the mound, Jones will be a 2026 arm to follow.

+ RHP Henry Humes (Homewood, 2026) is set to rise in our rankings following a dominant appearance on the mound Wednesday night, Humes put together an eye-opening two-inning performance, striking out three and not allowing a single hit or walk. The right-hander worked with a three-pitch mix, the fastball sitting 88-90 mph, playing well out of the slot with 18.1 inches of horizontal movement. The slider was upper 70s, a gyro profile with slight sweep, 2200 RPMs. The changeup was mid-70s, killing spin, with a drop off getting -4.7 inches of IVB. The lanky, 6-foot-6, 185-pound frame with tons of room to fill out, worked out of a staggered setup, with the arm working long and loose from a lower ¾ slot. Humes, through his outing, showed complete dominance, showing a clear feel for his three-pitch mix, not afraid to go to his slider or changeup for out pitches.

+ RHP Ryan Duncheon Jr (East Peoria, 2026) is an Illinois State commit who capped off a strong summer season with an excellent showing on the mound Wednesday night. Dunecheon Jr tossed two innings, striking out three and allowing only two hits, working with tons of confidence. Showing a solidified three-pitch mix, the fastball was up to 91mph, sitting upper-80s, playing clean out of the hand with 21.7 inches of IVB. The slider was upper 70s with a sharp gyro profile, 2400 RPMs. The change-up was upper-70s, killing spin and sropping off from the fatsball with arm-side run. Working out of a staggered setup, driving down the mound with intent and a quick, whippy short arm action from a ¾ slot. Dunecheon Jr worked with high intent through his outing, collecting whiffs with the fastball, showing no fear on the mound.

+ RHP/OF Kaeden Schatsiek (Brimfield, 2026), the Northern Illinois commit, capped off the Illinois State games with potentially one of the lousiest performances on the mound Wednesday night. The built, 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame tossed his two innings, collecting six strikeouts and allowing one hit, in a dominant performance. The right-hander worked out of the stretch only, working quick down the hill with a high leg kick. Then the arm worked quick and easy with short arm action from a ¾ slot. Working with an electric two-pitch mix, the fastball was up to 92mph, sitting lower 90s, playing with tons of life, getting up to 23 inches of IVB. The slider was dominant, sitting lower 80s with a sharp gyro profile with 2300 RPMs. Beating hitters with ease, Schatsiek was working with tons of confidence on the mound, getting whiffs with the slider and making hitters look uncomfortable. Schatsiek also showed upside on the position-side of things throughout the event. He topped out at 94 mph from the outfield (2nd highest for the event), while leading the entire event in max EV (108.3 mph) and also posting an average EV of 95.2 mph - all with a wood bat. Schatsiek’s bat would show well in-game as well, collecting a couple hits while being on the barrel on more than one occasion.

+ OF Dominic Battista (Oswego East, 2026; Illinois-Chicago commit) continued to stand out in all facets for our staff. A lean athlete standing at 6-foot, 157-pounds, the left-handed hitter was a big winner during the workout portion of the event; running a 6.57 60, reaching 90 mph from the outfield, and averaging 92.2 mph off the bat (T99 mph) during batting practice. He has a hitterish presence in the box, shows an advanced understanding of the strike zone, and showed minimal swing and miss in the zone. A willing and aggressive base-stealer, Battista also grabbed five bags in the three games during the event. To round out his stellar performance, Battista continued to play advanced defense in centerfield that our staff has become accustomed to seeing in the past. A high-level player who could garner pro interest next spring.

+ C Brandon Thomsen (Saint Viator, 2026; Purdue commit) is one of the top defensive backstops in the region, and he continued to show those qualities at the State Games. Presenting a strong 6-foot-2, 199-pound frame, he led the event in pop time posting times as low as 1.78 seconds and also led the event in catcher velocity (84 mph). A quality receiver to pair, he has a soft glove and a loose wrist that allow him to help steal pitches on the corners. A right-handed hitter with barrel strength, Thomsen averaged 97.6 mph off the bat with wood during BP (T102.3 mph) while also reaching a max distance of 388 feet (avg. 308 feet). Another impressive stat from Thomsen’s workout is that he posted a 6.77 60 time, cutting nearly two-tenths off his time since we last saw him in March. During gameplay, he finished with two extra-base hits, three RBI, and a stolen base.

+ INF Hunter Baugh (Edwardsville, 2026) is fresh off a commitment to Lindenwood, and he’s long been one of the top two-way prospects in the state. There should be more to come in his lean and wiry frame, and his actions on the infield project him to stick on the dirt at the next level with crisp hands/transfers and a strong arm to pair. He’s an athletic right-handed hitter with quality bat-to-ball skills, manipulating the barrel to shoot the ball around the yard. On the mound, Baugh’s fastball topped at 87 mph with an impressive 23.5 inches of induced vertical break. He complemented it with a late-breaking slider and a deceptive changeup, giving him a well-rounded arsenal. Baugh moves with ease on the mound and consistently fills up the zone.

+ RHP/OF Frank Costabile (Stevenson, 2026) is one of the toolsiest players in the entire state. He creates loud contact from his flat and twitchy right-handed swing, peaking at 101 mph in the workout with a 96 mph average. High-level BLAST metrics with an average of 74 mph for his bat-speed and 24 mph for his hand-speed. Plus arm from the outfield, topping at 99 mph. Recorded a 6.77 in the 60, explosive first step and powerful runner. On the mound, his fastball reached 91 mph and carried life through the zone. His most impressive offering, however, was a sharp 79–81 mph slider that spun up to 2,985 RPM and generated consistent swing-and-miss results throughout his outing.

+ INF Jailen Veliz (Yorkville, 2026) is one of the top uncommitted names on the market in the state. The right-handed hitter has an athletic stroke that is quick from launch, finding a barrel for an RBI single in the nightcap, aggressive swing with some uphill intentions. High-level defender that will be able to stick up the middle on the dirt, can change the game on the basepaths, aggressive runner always looking to take the extra base.

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