Prep Baseball Report

Peoria Preseason ID: Position Player Analysis


Illinois Scouting Staff

On Wednesday, February 21st, our staff hosted the Peoria Preseason ID at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria, Illinois. This event has consistently provided our staff a look at players from the central/southern parts of Illinois over the last few years, and this year was no different with nearly 70 players in attendance. 

We start our post-event content today with a look at all of the position players from the event, including a top-10 ranking of who our staff deemed as the top prospects on the day, found below. 

A couple names to mention that showed well are OF Cade Danko (Tri-Valley, 2025) and C Hudson Lovell (Morton, 2027). 

Danko had some of the louder tools on the day, leading the entire event with a 6.68 in the 60. He also showed some sneaky strength in his right-handed bat, reaching up to 92 mph for his max EV. 

Lovell will be a freshman to follow throughout his prep career. He’s listed at 6-foot, 175-pounds, and there’s plenty of room to add on strength throughout the coming years. He has a strong right-handed swing that worked up to 91 mph for his max EV with a max distance of 332’, and he also put up an impressive 78 mph max bat-speed and 23.5 mph max hand-speed. 

TOP POSITION PLAYERS

1. Kash VanHouten, Canton (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Athletic build with strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide, athletic setup, small, up/down leg lift. Hands stay short to the ball with a slightly uphill path, showed above-average bat speed. 70.6 mph bat speed with 16 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 84.1 mph. 272’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 88 mph. Long, quick arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Soft hands, fields ball to body, moves well to both sides, clean double play turn.
Run: 7.53 runner in the 60. 

2. Landon Gray, Dunlap (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Athletic frame, high-waisted.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, slightly open front foot, works back to even with a long stride. Loose hands, flat path, easy effort, uses levers well to elevate. 71.7 mph bat speed with 18 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 86.5 mph. 331’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 83 mph. Loose and clean arm action out of a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the ball in-stride, athletic actions, moves well around the ball.
Run: 7.01 runner in the 60. 

3. Tyler Humphrey, Washington (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 200-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, high leg lift with minimal stride, hands load back. Short to the ball with intent to lift, works middle/pull-side. Above-average bat speed at times. 71.6 mph bat speed with 6 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 80.5 mph. 344’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Easy life and carry, clean/compact arm, high 3/4 release.
Defense: 1.97-2.02 pop times. Clean glove to hand, quick transfer, gains ground, throws on a line, soft block.
Run: 7.60 runner in the 60. 

4. Carson Butler, Sacred Heart-Griffin (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/C
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Athletic and strong frame with projection.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, slightly crouched setup, small leg lift with minimal stride. Fluid load. Hands drop slightly, stays short to and quick through the zone with a slightly uphill path, looks to elevate the ball. 66.5 mph bat speed with 10 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 80.1 mph. 327’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. INF - 80 mph. C: Quick arm, 3/4 slot, throws on the bag. INF: Loose, long arm path, plays from multiple slots.
Defense: 1.95-2.09 pop times. C: Quick, clean transfer, plays with leverage, athletic actions, feet work, soft blocker. INF: Sure-handed, fluid, athletic footwork, moves well to both sides, has some bounce.
Run: 7.27 runner in the 60. 

5. Anson Zaiser, Washington (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 175-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Strong, athletic setup, open stance, toe-tap into a long stride. Fluid, easy load, controlled aggression on the swing, looks to elevate the ball up the middle/pull-side. 72.7 mph bat speed with 13 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 88.1 mph. 356’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Short, compact arm path, over the top slot.
Defense: 2.21-2.30 pop times. Quick and clean transfer, athletic in the crouch, clean blocker.
Run: 7.42 runner in the 60. 

6. Brady Booth, Tremont (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Athletic frame with room for more to come.
Hit: RHH. Tall, slightly open setup, high leg lift into a long stride. Short to the ball, long through the zone, controlled aggression, mostly flat path. 76.3 mph bat speed with 20 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 87.8 mph. 361’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Lone, loose, quick arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, athletic actions to both sides, clean transfer.
Run: 6.92 runner in the 60. 

7. Noah Convery, Carlinville (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 215-pounds. Upper-half strength, well-proportioned.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, short and simple load, minimal, up/down leg lift. Easy, short to the ball with a flat path, backspin, used middle of the field. 69.1 mph bat speed with 10 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 85.3 mph. 296’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm path, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, fields ball to body.
Run: 7.41 runner in the 60. 

8. Sean Jenkins, Normal West (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 200-pounds. Well-proportioned build with strength.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, works back to even with a medium stride. Fast hands, stays on plane through the zone, compact, strong stroke. 74.1 mph bat speed with 20 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 81.7 mph. 332’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 82 mph. Long, loose arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields ball out front with a one-handed stride, works in-line on throws. Easy mover.
Run: 7.14 runner in the 60. 

9. Nico Ojeda, Galesburg (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 5-11, 210-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: LHH. Simple setup with a high leg lift, foot hangs into a small stride. Strong hands, some feel to hit and use the whole field, steep path. 69.4 mph bat speed with 23 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 87.6 mph. 355’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 76 mph. Loose, quick arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Soft hands, two-hand gather out front, clean and quick transfer. Moves well around the bag.
Run: 7.81 runner in the 60. 

T10. Jude Parnham, Morton (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds. Wiry, projectable build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, crouched setup, high leg lift with short stride. Short, flat path through the zone, above-average bat speed. 64.8 mph bat speed with 9 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 79.2 mph. 300’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Medium arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays with some bounce, two-hand gather, fields ball to body, clean transfer.
Run: 7.32 runner in the 60. 

T10. Sam Mitre III, Marquette Academy (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 220-pounds. Athletic build, long levers.
Hit: RHH. Hands rock back with rhythm into footstrike, medium stride. Strong hands, on the barrel to the whole field, looks to stay through the ball the other way. 76.8 mph bat speed with 29 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 90.8 mph. 303’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather, fields ball to body, clean transfer, accurate throws.
Run: 7.54 runner in the 60. 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

Colton Allen, Galesburg (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-3, 205-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: LHH. Quiet setup, starts tall with an open setup, small leg lift with minimal stride. Steep path, loose hands with extension through the zone, looks middle/away. 66.6 mph bat speed with 7 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 max exit velocity, averaged 79.2 mph. 271’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. High, over the top release.
Defense: 2.26-2.40 pop times. Quick, deliberate transfer, works in-line.
Run: 7.49 runner in the 60. 

Keaton Ariano, Geneseo (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds. High-waisted frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, gets foot down early with a short stride. Short, direct to the ball, quick hands, whole field approach with line-drives. 63.7 mph bat speed with 14 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 79.2 mph. 284’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 83 mph. Long, over the top slot.
Defense: Attacks the ball, moves laterally with ease, crow hops into throws.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60. 

Alfred Ayala, Galesburg (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-9, 170-pounds. Strong and athletic build.
Hit: RHH. High leg lift, hangs foot into a short stride. Quick, strong hands, controlled aggression, uses the whole field, 68.2 mph bat speed with 10 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 80.7 mph. 305’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. INF - 81 mph. INF: Short, quick arm, over the top slot. C: Easy carry and life, short to the ear, high 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.08-2.15 pop times. INF: Has some bounce, moves well up the middle, athletic footwork. C: Quick release, works in-line, athletic, quick mover.
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60. 

Andy Ballard, Morton (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Well-proportioned frame with strength.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, minimal leg lift and stride, controlled. Looks to go the other way with it, keeps the ball on a line. 61.9 mph bat speed with 6 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 80 max exit velocity, averaged 70.7 mph. 239’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 79 mph. Short, compact arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the ball, works in-line, moves well laterally.
Run: 6.97 runner in the 60. 

Brady Bolen, Pekin (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-7, 165-pounds. Well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, slightly open and works back to even, gets foot down early. Strong hands, flat path, quick from load, looks to elevate to the pull-side. 64.2 mph bat speed with 12 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 78.3 mph. 327’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Quick, short arm path, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields ball out front with a two-hand gather, quick and clean transfer, moves well up the middle.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Tucker Bond, Roanoke-Benson (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds. Well-proportioned, strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, gains ground to the mound with a long stride. Downhill path, looks to stay on top of the baseball, pull-side approach. 66.1 mph bat speed with 13 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 73.3 mph. 240’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Compact arm path, over the top slot.
Defense: Plays low, two-hand gather out front, fields ball to body.
Run: 7.75 runner in the 60. 

Andrew Brooks, Morton (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 6-0, 178-pounds. Athletic frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, small leg lift into short stride. Fluid load, hands stay short and direct to the ball, looks to elevate the baseball. 65.8 mph bat speed with 15 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 80.6 mph. 317’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 80 mph. Loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields ball in-stride, athletic actions, works well laterally, shuffle steps on throws to home.
Run: 7.51 runner in the 60. 

Braley Burford, Galesburg (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/OF
Body: 5-10, 195-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Simple setup and load, minimal leg lift with a short stride. Flat path, looks to keep the ball on a line to the whole field. 72.2 mph bat speed with 20 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 83.5 mph. 301’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short, compact arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays low to the ground, sure-handed, fields ball to body, moves well.
Run: 7.44 runner in the 60. 

Cameron Crawford, Morton (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-1, 220-pounds. Well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Wide, open base, toe-taps into a long stride. Strong hands with extension through the zone, on the barrel up the middle. 67.7 mph bat speed with 13 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 88.5 mph. 319’ max distance.
Arm: RH.
Defense:
Run: 8.46 runner in the 60. 

Cade Danko, Tri-Valley (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds. Wiry, long levers.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, relaxed setup, minimal/short stride, rocks hands back in-stride. Downhill path, looks to stay on top of the ball and keep it on a line. 69.1 mph bat speed with 16 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 78.4 mph. 299’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 82 mph. Compact arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields ball out front and in-stride, works in-line to home, crop hops on throws.
Run: 6.68 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Duncheon Jr., East Peoria (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Well-proportioned frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, hangs foot into a medium stride, hands work mostly short to the ball. Flat path, steep at times, uses the whole field, flashed bat-speed. 72.4 mph bat speed with 10 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 85.5 mph. 318’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Short to the ear, high 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.14-2.20 pop times. Soft hands, quick glove to hand, easy transfer, soft blocker, moves well.
Run: 7.85 runner in the 60. 

Tanner Dye, Rockridge (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 171-pounds. High-waisted frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, lift and place stride, hands rock back and create separation into footstrike. Uphill path, one-handed finish, loose hands, elevated the ball up the middle. 68.9 mph bat speed with 22 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 85.9 mph. 336’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short arm path, side arm slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather, fields ball to body, clean transfer.
Run: 7.53 runner in the 60. 

Cannon Foster, Washington (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-1, 240-pounds. Well-proportioned with strength.
Hit: LHH. High leg kick into a long stride, active hands pre-pitch. Downhill path, looks to use the whole field and go with the pitch. 72.4 mph bat speed with 14 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 77 mph. 322’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 71 mph. Compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields ball to body, quick to release, steady actions.
Run: 8.60 runner in the 60. 

Isaiah Giganti, Normal University (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds. Wiry build with athleticism, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, slightly crouched setup, small leg lift with a medium stride. Athletic hands, fluid load with rhythm, controlled aggression, whole field approach. 71 mph bat speed with 12 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 88 mph. 345’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Long arm path, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, fields ball to body, clean transfer.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60. 

Collin Grosenheider, Williamsville (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 145-pounds. Wiry build, long levers.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, short stride, gets foot down early. Downhill path, looks to work on top of the baseball. 63.6 mph bat speed with 6 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 74.6 mph. 242’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long, loose arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather, fields ball to body, clean transfer, moves well up the middle.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60. 

Christian Hansen, Washington (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 1B/OF
Body: 5-10, 189-pounds. Well-proportioned build with strength.
Hit: LHH. Tall, narrow setup, slightly open, medium leg lift into long stride. Easy, fluid path, stays slightly uphill, all field approach. 61.7 mph bat speed with 2 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 83 max exit velocity, averaged 72.6 mph. 268’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 63 mph. Short, compact arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather, steady hands, fields ball to body, easy mover.
Run: 8.36 runner in the 60. 

Haydon Hawksworth, Washington (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds. High-waisted build, athletic look.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced base, toe-taps into a long stride. Quiet hands work into a flat path, looks to stay middle/pull-side. 64.3 mph bat speed with 13 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 81.2 mph. 295’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. OF - 85 mph. OF: Long, loose arm path quick quickness, 3/4 slot. INF: Shorter arm path, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: OF: Attacks the ball in-stride, works in-line, shuffle step throws. INF: Sure-handed, fluid footwork, works well to both sides, clean double play turn.
Run: 7.54 runner in the 60. 

Sammy Heer, Morton (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 190-pounds. Study frame, well-proportioned.
Hit: RHH. Relaxed, tall setup, high leg lift into medium stride. Strong hands, quick and loose hands through the zone with a flat path. 71.4 mph bat speed with 15 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 78.5 mph. 313’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Plays with carry and easy life, accurate on the bag.
Defense: 2.14-2.25 pop times. Clean transfer, works in-line on throws.

Mason Hoyland, Morton (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-8, 180-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced base, fluid hand load. Flat path, looks to use the whole field, balanced finish. 64.2 mph bat speed with 13 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 max exit velocity, averaged 75.9 mph. 197’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short to the ear, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.15-2.32 pop times. Clean and easy transfer, works in-line, soft block.
Run: 7.60 runner in the 60. 

Nolan Hunter, Roanoke-Benson (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Well-proportioned frame with room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, toe-tap with short stride. Hands drop slightly and work uphill through the zone, flashed bat speed. 67 mph bat speed with 14 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 79.4 mph. 314’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Short, compact arm, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.09-2.15 pop times. Gains ground in-line with second, clean glove to hand transfer.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60. 

Brody Kenney, Brimfield (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide, open setup, small leg lift with short stride. Hands extend through the zone with an uphill path, elevates to the middle/pull-side. 65.1 mph bat speed with 9 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 71.5 mph. 292’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short, compact path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays with bounce, sure-handed glove, athletic and fluid mover up the middle, clean actions.
Run: 7.80 runner in the 60. 

Gavin Kleist, Limestone (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/C
Body: 5-11, 215-pounds. Sturdy frame with strength.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, short and quiet load, hands stay short to the ball, uses the whole field. Hands load back, bat path is steep at times, but mostly flat. 68.5 mph bat speed with 19 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 76.8 mph. 319’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short, to the ear, high 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.14-2.31 pop times. Clean transfer, works in-line on throws.
Run: 7.98 runner in the 60. 

Hudson Lovell, Morton (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Strong frame, well-proportioned.
Hit: RHH. Slight crouch, feet shoulder width apart, toe-tap stride, hands load back. Longer path through the zone, slightly uphill at times, looks to work the middle/pull-side of the field. 75.7 mph bat speed with 20 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 85.2 mph. 332’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Easy life and carry, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.06-2.25 pop times. Clean transfer, agile in the crouch, accurate throws to the bag.
Run: 7.58 runner in the 60. 

Noah Lusher, Illinois Valley Central (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10, 185-pounds. Well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow setup, small leg lift with long stride. Hands drop into an uphill path, strong hands, easy effort, looks to use the whole field. 72.9 mph bat speed with 15 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 83.8 mph. 349’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short to the ear, 3/4 slot, throws on the bag.
Defense: 2.16-2.25 pop times. Starts high out of the crouch, works in-line, gains ground through release.
Run: 7.92 runner in the 60. 

Simon Malcolm, Dunlap (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-8, 140-pounds. Wiry build with long levers.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, tall setup, high leg-kick into a long stride. Some barrel tilt into an uphill path, looks to elevate to the pull-side/middle of the field. 63.9 mph bat speed with 12 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 73.5 mph. 296’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Compact, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather, athletic feet, moves quick to both sides.
Run: 7.28 runner in the 60. 

Evan Marcy, Bloomington (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-4, 180-pounds. Long levers, wiry build.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, gets foot down early with a medium stride. Hands rock back into a flat path, uphill with intent to lift to pull-side at times. 73.1 mph bat speed with 10 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 84 mph. 354’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Longer arm path, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays low to the ground, steady hands, fields ball to body.
Run: 7.15 runner in the 60. 

Drake Paul, Morton (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-11, 150-pounds. Wiry build with long levers.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup, bowed front knee with weight in back leg, short stride, hands work to stay short into the zone. Flat path, stays short to the ball, looks to go the other way. 67.8 mph bat speed with 15 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 75 mph. 260’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Loose, quick arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic, quick actions, clean footwork, moves well to both sides.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

Isaac Perez, Washington (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-9, 165-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced base, slightly open and works back to even with a medium stride. Loose hands, flat path, looks to elevate the ball up the middle/pull-side. 60.9 mph bat speed with 7 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 max exit velocity, averaged 76.9 mph. 207’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short and loose arm path, plays from multiple slots.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, fields ball to body, shuffle step on throws.
Run: 7.79 runner in the 60. 

Sam Peters, Washington (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds. Wiry, high-waisted build.
Hit: RHH. High leg-kick into a long stride, loads hands into footstrike. Easy effort, flat path, slightly steep at times, pull-side approach. 67.2 mph bat speed with 3 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 75.8 mph. 272’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. OF - 78 mph. OF: Long, loose arm path, 3/4 slot. INF: Shorter arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: OF: Attacks the ball in-stride, athletic mover, big crow hop on throws to home. INF: Two-hand gather, clean footwork, has some bounce.
Run: 7.71 runner in the 60. 

Hampton Petska, Shelbyville (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-3, 225-pounds. Sturdy build, well-proportioned.
Hit: RHH. Simple setup with slight crouch, small leg lift with minimal stride. Strong hands, steep path, quick from launch, looks to elevate the ball up the middle. 69.6 mph bat speed with 7 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 80.4 mph. 306’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Short path, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields ball out front with a two-hand gather, fields to body, clean transfer.
Run: 8.16 runner in the 60. 

Drew Phelps, Moline (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-11, 185-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, small leg lift with short stride. Strong hands, intent to elevate pull-side, aggressive through contact. 72.8 mph bat speed with 15 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 83.4 mph. 317’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short, compact arm, over the top slot.
Defense: Athletic, fluid actions, two-handed gather out front, moves well to both sides.
Run: 7.56 runner in the 60. 

Mason Phillips, Washington (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 195-pounds. Strong frame, well-proportioned.
Hit: RHH. Crouched, narrow setup with a slightly open stance, small leg lift into a long stride. Quick hands and bat through the zone, stays through the ball the other way, keeps the ball on a line. 65.6 mph bat speed with 12 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 82.6 mph. 311’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Long arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather, fields ball to body.
Run: 8.01 runner in the 60. 

Zachary Ponce, Pleasant Plains (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-4, 189.8-pounds. Room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, toe-taps into a medium stride. Steep path, looks to stay middle/opposite field. 66.6 mph bat speed with 11 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 81.9 mph. 321’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Plays with life out of the hand, plays around the bag.
Defense: 2.06-2.19 pop times. Clean transfer, works in-line, easy actions, soft blocker.
Run: 7.64 runner in the 60. 

Bek Powers, Morton (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-8, 150-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Simple setup, repeats a short stride. Athletic hands, fluid load, balanced finish. 65 mph bat speed with 11 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 78.9 mph. 257’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. OF - 73 mph. Short arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: OF: Two-hand gather out front, athletic mover. INF: Two-hand gather out front, fields ball to body, clean transfer, works quick up the middle. Shuffle steps on throws.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

Gage Ratliff, Williamsville (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 150-pounds. Wiry build, long levers.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, medium stride, hands drop into load at footstrike. Flat path, elevates middle/away. 57.2 mph bat speed with 7 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 72.6 mph. 268’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm path, over the top slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather, fields the ball out front.
Run: 7.81 runner in the 60. 

Evan Reed, Bloomington (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 180-pounds. Well-proportioned, long levers.
Hit: RHH. Wide, open base, hangs foot with control into a medium stride. Loose, controlled swing looks to keep the ball on a line, flat path, balanced finish, opposite field approach. 68.3 mph bat speed with 18 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 77.3 mph. 288’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Long arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays low to the ground, sure-handed, fields ball to body, fluid footwork.
Run: 7.33 runner in the 60. 

Chase Rhodes, Tremont (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-1, 160-pounds. High-waisted, wiry frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup with a wider stance, minimal leg lift, stays balanced. Twitchy, direct to the ball with a slightly uphill path, showed bat speed at times. 65.5 mph bat speed with 6 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 81 max exit velocity, averaged 74.4 mph. 205’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 87 mph. Long, loose arm path with quickness, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Lets ball travel, fields out front with easy actions.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60. 

Caden Riley, Galesburg (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-3, 190-pounds. Wiry, high-waisted frame, long levers.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, minimal leg lift with a long stride. Direct to the ball, flat path through the zone. 66.4 mph bat speed with 8 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 80.7 mph. 285’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 79 mph. Long arm path, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields ball out front, works in-stride, easy actions, crow hops on throws.
Run: 7.54 runner in the 60. 

Dominic Rosa, Midland (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Athletic frame, well-proportioned.
Hit: RHH. Relaxed, tall setup, high leg lift with long/controlled stride. Flat path, looks to use the whole field, elevates up the middle. 70.3 mph bat speed with 9 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 81 max exit velocity, averaged 71.1 mph. 250’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short, quick arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields ball out front, sure-handed, athletic mover to both sides, clean double play turn.
Run: 7.50 runner in the 60. 

Ajay Runkel, Rochester (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 240.3-pounds. Sturdy frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, short stride, simple and repeats. Strong hands, quick from launch, short to the ball, longer through the zone. 72 mph bat speed with 13 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 82 mph. 326’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short, side arm slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, fields ball to body, clean transfer.
Run: 7.63 runner in the 60. 

Kaeden Schatsiek, Brimfield (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds. High-waisted frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open setup, works back to even with a long stride. Hands load back, looks to elevate the ball to the middle/pull-side. 74.9 mph bat speed with 14 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 85.3 mph. 363’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Short arm path, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, fields ball to body, clean double play.
Run: 7.66 runner in the 60. 

Damien Snell, Galesburg (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 5-11, 175-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, minimal stride, simple hand load. Flat path, looks to stay on top of the ball and keep it on a line. 67.5 mph bat speed with 12 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 87 mph. 273’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Compact, quick arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Stays low and has some bounce, steady hands, fields ball to body with a clean and quick transfer. Moves well to body sides.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

John Timmons, Champaign Central (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Wiry build with room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, slightly open base, small leg lift into short stride. Quick hands, looks to stay through the ball the other way, on the barrel to the opposite/middle of the field. 62.4 mph bat speed with 14 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 77.5 mph. 294’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short arm path, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.16-2.32 pop times. Quick, deliberate transfer, gains ground through release.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60. 

Ethan VanOpdorp, Normal Community (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 150-pounds. Lean, wiry build.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, long stride, hands load with footstrike. Flat path, drops shoulder and moves uphill at times, looks to use the whole field. 67 mph bat speed with 14 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 83.4 mph. 348’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Long, loose arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields ball out front, plays with some bounce, easy mover.
Run: 7.14 runner in the 60. 

Drew Ward, Sacred Heart-Griffin (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 6-0, 173-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, weight on outside of his knees, controlled and repeatable stride. Downhill path, looks to stay on top of the baseball, elevates with authority to pull-side. 68.3 mph bat speed with 11 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 77.2 mph. 319’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short, clean arm path, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions, fluid footwork, has some bounce, sure-handed, moves well to both sides.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Lane Wheelwright, Farmington (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds. Wiry build, well-proportioned.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup, hands start low with a simple load, high leg-kick into a long stride. Loose, whippy hands through the zone. 69.3 mph bat speed with 14 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 81.5 mph. 294’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Short, quick arm out of a low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady hands, fields ball to body, athletic actions laterally.
Run: 6.83 runner in the 60. 

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