The Illinois Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more. Simply put, the Illinois Scout Blog is loaded with information …

Saturday, May 18th

No. 3 New Trier vs No. 25 Stevenson

By: Pete Hamot
Assistant Director, Illinois & Wisconsin

James Novakovic, SS, New Trier, 2024
Purdue commit. Currently ranked No. 38 in the state. Lean, athletic frame, 6-foot-1, 190-pounds with room to add on more strength in the coming years. Started at shortstop and hit out of the two-hole for the Trevians. The right-handed hitter was on the barrel three times in this look but was only rewarded with one hit, making a couple loud outs with a fly-out to right and lineout to center. Athletic stroke, quick/fast hands that stay through the zone with looseness in his operation. Quality awareness of the strike zone, works the count and waits for his pitch. Above-average defender on the dirt with fluid actions, moves well laterally with range to both sides of his glove, should be able to stay on the infield at the next level.