The Illinois Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the Prep Baseball 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 …

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Thursday, MAY 14th

Riverside-Brookfield vs. South Elgin

By: Tyler Defibaugh
Manager, Content & Operations/Area Scout

Zach Barkho, RHP, South Elgin, 2026
Elgin CC commit. Athletic, proportional 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame. Got the ball to start for the Storm. Barkho works athletically downhill throwing from a quick, high ¾ slot. His fastball worked 82-85 mph with late life through the zone, and he showed immense feel for a 69-71 mph breaking ball with top-to-bottom shape that he could go to often and in any count. He was pitch-efficient throughout the outing and induced weak contact consistently. He threw 76% strikes and 71% first-pitch strikes on the day. Line: W, CG SHO, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K.