Jack
Mahoney

Stepping up for the Gamecocks while Sanders has struggled and Noah Hall was lost for the season with an injury, Mahoney spun a gem during game two of the Arkansas’ series. He survived a few attacks by the Razorback hitters playing pepper with his shoe tops on high EV batted balls to post seven shutout innings on 90 pitches. He scattered five hits with two walks and six strikeouts. A big-time competitor, Mahoney showed control of four above average to better pitches. The strong-framed 6-foot-3, 210-pound right-hander attacked downhill with a 92-95 mph fastball that touched 96 a few times. The pitch had strong sink down in the zone and solid carry when elevated. He kept the Hogs off-balance with a well-located changeup to both sides of the plate. It was a plus pitch with sink and low-spin (1450-1650 rpm). Mahoney also showed two better than average breaking balls in his 78-80 mph curve and mid-80s slider. After missing all of the 2022 season with Tommy John surgery, he has continued his rise to become a potential top two round prospect for this summer’s draft. A very good athlete who was a two-way player as a freshman, Mahoney should be picked in the same area on Day One as his teammate Sanders.

South Carolina commit, currently ranked No. 4 in the Illinois’ 2020 class and No. 106 overall. 6-foot-2, 200-pound, broad-shouldered, well-proportioned, right-handed pitcher. Started on the mound for St. Viator. Confident, poised demeanor on the mound, made some of his best pitches of the day, with runners in scoring position. Athletic tall and fall delivery, stays on-line and lands square. Clean, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, works straight, thrown for strikes, tries to work the bottom of the zone, sat 88-89 mph throughout, touched 90. Mixed in a breaking ball, 12/6 shape, average depth, strikes, 74-76 mph. Changeup, straight action, will throw to right-handed or left-handed hitters, 82-83 mph. Final Line: 6.2 IP, 6 H, R, 8 K, BB. Solid overall outing for one of the top junior arms in the state.

5.7.18 - South Carolina commit, currently ranked No. 1 in the Illinois’ 2020 class and No. 58 overall. 6-foot-1, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, long athletic frame, broad shoulders with room for continued physical development. Started on the mound for St. Viator and continued to solidify himself as one of the top 2020 prospects in the Midwest. Highly-athletic on the mound, advanced mound presence, works quickly, competitive and showed a three-pitch repertoire; all three offerings have plus potential in the future. Athletic delivery, slight drop and drive, strong at balance point, utilizes lower half, works with rhythm, repeats and stays on-line. Arm works short, clean and uninterrupted on the backside; quick and loose out front, comes out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, thrown for strikes, worked primarily away to hitters, gets late run and occasional sink, life through the hitting zone. Flashed tilt when down in the zone and also has ability to elevate with two-strikes; sat 88-89 mph, touched 90 in the first inning. Settled in anywhere from 86-88 mph, still had 87 in his sixth and final inning. Went to his changeup frequently, showing supreme confidence in it. Threw it to right-handed and left-handed hitters. Throws it aggressively, hard to pick it up out of the hand, good feel, locates at the bottom of the zone, late fade and received a number of swing and misses. Already has the makings of a plus offering, sat 78-82 mph. Also, mixed in a curveball. Maintains arm speed, tight spin, average depth, worked 11/5. Was used more as a get-me-over pitch than a swing and miss pitch. Did flash one, that back-footed a left-handed hitter for a swinging strikeout. Has a chance to be a plus pitch in the future. Overall, extremely impressive outing given his age. Threw a high-volume of strikes and worked extremely efficiently. In his six innings of work threw 70 pitches, with 73% of them landing as strikes. Final line was: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 6K, 0 BB. High-level 2020 right-handed pitcher.

4.11.18 - South Carolina commit. Ranked No. 1 in Illinois’ Class of 2020 as a right-handed pitcher. 6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Athletic-build, moves with looseness, high waist, long limbs, wide-shoulders, has plenty of room to fill out. Offensively, open setup, relaxed demeanor. Swing is loose with easy effort, line drive approach, sprayed line drives during batting practice, stays on top of the ball. Gets out of the box at full-go, reached base safely on a bunt for hit. Made hard contact in at-bats, finishing 3-for-3 with three runs scored, and one run batted in. Defensively, showed advanced body control, soft hands, quick footwork, throws carried across the diamond, arm is loose and whip-like.

10.16.17 - Verbally committed to South Carolina.

2017 Future Games (8.2.17) - 6-foot-1, 170-pound, athletically built, wide-shouldered, two-way prospect. Opened eyes and put himself on the map as one of the top 2020 arms in the Midwest in his one-inning stint on the mound. The strong right-hander showed an advanced repertoire, pitchability and composure on the mound. Highly repeatable, stretch-only delivery, stays balanced, on-line and works with rhythm. Athletic arm action, works clean and quick. Consistently pounded the bottom of the strike zone with a fastball that sat 86-88 mph, touching 89. Fastball has late life and flashed run and sink. Mixed in a tight breaking ball with late action and good feel at 75 mph. Threw a changeup in warmups with hard run and sink, down in the zone. Highly advanced and projectable 2020 arm. Offensively, relaxed, open setup and short stride. Loose swing, creates whip, easy effort and middle of the field approach. Stays on top of the baseball, advanced hand/eye, rarely swings and misses. Did not strike out in 11 at-bats on the weekend. Barreled a double over the center fielders head in the final game of the weekend. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, makes all the routine plays, reliable hands, occasionally fields deep into body, clean exchange. Arm works loose and from a ¾ slot. Throws clocked at 85 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.25 laser-timed 60.

7.14.17 - 6-foot-1, 170-pound, athletically built right-handed pitcher. One of the top arms in the tournament. Started at shortstop on varsity for 3A state champion St. Viator this past spring. On the mound, athletic, repeatable delivery, pounded the strike zone. Clean, quick arm. Fastball sat 82-86 mph. Mixed in a slider at 74 mph. High follow 2020 two-way prospect.

5.15.17 - 6-foot, 170-pound, lean, athletically built, right-handed hitting shortstop. Starts on varsity as a freshman for St. Viator who finished fourth in the state last year in Class 3A. Defensively, sure hands, arm works short, accurate arm with carry across the diamond. Offensively, even, crouched setup, short stride, keeps head still throughout and has a short swing. Tracks the ball well, advanced knowledge of the strike zone, laid off tough pitches. Follow 2020 infielder.