2024 Prep Baseball Illinois Third Team All-State
June 21, 2024
By: Illinois Staff
Just yesterday, the Prep Baseball Illinois team released its Second-Team All-State honors for the 2024 IHSA season. Today, we’re announcing the recipients of our Third-Team All-State honors. Given the amount of talent residing in the state, the Third-Team roster is stacked with selections representing all corners of Illinois.
Without further ado, here is the roster for the 2024 PBR Illinois’ Third-Team All-State.
PITCHERS
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Ethan Bagwell RHP / Collinsville , IL / 2024
| RHP |
48.1 |
4-3 |
24 |
90 |
20 |
1.59 |
0.142 |
From 4/16/24: "Mizzou signee, ranked No. 10 overall in the state’s senior class and No. 152 nationally. Highly physical and professional 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame that’s packed with muscle throughout. Punched out six and allowed an earned run on three hits for the Kahoks in five innings of work. Works only out of the stretch, lead leg lifts inward into a hip coil to start his movement downhill. Gets onto his backside and rides it down the mound, glove arm tucks and finishes onto his front heel through release. Quick arm that’s continuous on the backside, finishes out of a ¾ slot. Fastball pitched in the low-90s, touching 93 mph early, and touched 92 mph in the fifth near the end of his outing. Cut it at times, best when he stays behind and backspins it up in the zone. Slider showed out-pitch potential in this look; flashed sweep and bite at times at 77-80 mph that grabbed several uncomfortable swings-and-misses against a good lineup. A strong-armed, physical senior that’s garnered MLB Draft attention throughout the spring."
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Luke Mensik RHP / Lincoln-Way Central , IL / 2025
| RHP |
51 |
8-0 |
32 |
65 |
16 |
1.09 |
0.168 |
From 5/6/24: "Xavier commit. Currently ranked No. 27 in the state and listed at an athletic 6-foot-1, 180-pounds. Mensik got the start for the Knights and was stellar in his six innings of work. Perhaps what stands out the most with Mensik is his competitive fire on the mound, pitching with no fear and an apparent confidence in himself. He is an athletic mover downhill with a simple and methodical delivery, paired with a short and quick arm. Mensik kept hitters off-balance throughout his start with his two-pitch mix. HIs fastball had juice behind it in the first inning, sitting 90-91 mph, before settling in at 86-88 later in his start. His out-pitch in this game was a 75-80 mph breaking ball with 2600+ rpm on average. Mensik showed the ability to manipulate the shape of the breaker; throwing it with more bend and depth at times, or throwing a sharper late-breaking one when needed. Mensik has shown better with each look and the ace of the Knights will be one to continue to follow as we start tournament-play across the state soon. Final line: W, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 1 ER, 6 K."
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 |
Joe Olson LHP / St. Laurence, IL / 2025
| RHP |
42.2 |
8-1 |
21 |
66 |
23 |
0.49 |
1.03 |
From 5/1/24: "Louisville commit. Olson had a big week on the mound for the Vikings, leading them to a 4-0 week with a sweep over No. 5 Providence Catholic. In both games against the Celtics, Olson collected a win and a save on seven scoreless innings, while allowing five hits and three walks, and striking out nine batters. On Tuesday, he picked up the save in a 3-2 win over the Celtics tossing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. Then on Thursday in their 2-0 win, Olson got the start and tossed six scoreless, allowing four hits and three walks, while punching out seven."
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 |
Max Kaplan LHP / New Trier, IL / 2024
| RHP |
57.1 |
9-0 |
47 |
73 |
16 |
1.09 |
1.09 |
From 3/16/24: "USC-Upstate commit. Currently ranked No. 59 in the Illinois’ 2024 class. 6-foot-1, 184-pound, left-handed pitcher with a well-proportioned frame. Got the start on the mound and continues to look like one of the more polished left-handed arms in the class. Starter profile, true three pitch mix with all kinds of pitchability. Can throw any pitch in any count and goes often to a swing-and-miss changeup that has advanced action, running away from a right-handed hitters barrel; advanced feel and sat 73-75 mph. The changeup makes his 81-83 mph fastball play up and he also mixed in a 66-67 mph curveball that flashes depth off a 1/7 plane. Threw 49-70 (70%) pitches for a strike. Ended up going five innings, five hits, one run, struck out six and did not walk a batter. Quality look at the talented southpaw."
|
 |
| RHP |
56 |
9-0 |
33 |
83 |
20 |
1.00 |
0.94 |
Bestrick dominated all spring long on the mound en route to his Third-Team All-State selection. The Southwestern Illinois JC commit had a perfect 9-0 record on the mound, and finished the year with a 1.00 ERA agaist strong competition this spring.
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Jacob Gimbel LHP / Joliet Catholic, IL / 2024
From 3/28/24: "Heartland CC commit, currently ranked No. 137 in the state. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound southpaw showed well once again in front of our staff, taming a talented Providence lineup and firing a complete game (seven innings) with just three hits allowed, no earned runs, one walk and four strikeouts. Gimbel worked with some pace on the mound, attacking hitters with three pitches throughout his entire outing. He has a repeatable delivery that coils slightly into a medium balance point, dropping into his lower-half while working in-line with the plate. High ¾ slot that plays from a lower release height, creating carry on his 82-85 mph fastball up in the zone. He showed clear confidence in his breaking ball, playing in the 71-73 mph range with late break and some sweeping action, thrown for strikes and for swing/miss. He flashed a changeup both in warmups and throughout the game in the 79-80 mph range, showing the ability to control it to his arm-side and playing with some fade at times. Look for Gimbel to help lead a talented Joliet Catholic staff throughout the course of the spring."
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CATCHER
 |
| C |
.418 |
10 |
1 |
6 |
31 |
30 |
23 |
.724 |
.992 |
7 |
From 5/15/24: "Oklahoma State commit. Currently ranked No. 4 in the state, No. 178 nationally. Strong, 6-foot, 197-pound frame, round shoulders with strength throughout, room to add on more in the coming years. Started behind the plate and hit out of the three-hole for the Wildcats. Impressive right-handed hitter, took a 3-0 pitch off the scoreboard for an opposite field home run. Loose, strong hands, gets in his legs throughout his load and uses them through impact, stays through the zone with a flat path, easy power the other way, takes balls out of the zone with confidence. Natural defender behind the plate, soft receiver that works to steal strikes, above-average catch/throw. Arm plays with easy life down to second, plays true and on the bag. High-level backstop to follow in the state."
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FIRST BASEMAN
| |
Braxton Waller / St Joseph-Ogden, IL / 2024
| 1B |
.487 |
14 |
1 |
7 |
64 |
29 |
13 |
.583 |
.814 |
1.397 |
From 5/8/24: "Danville Area CC commit. Waller went 10-for-17 on the week with two home runs, three doubles, 11 RBIs, eight runs scored and three walks. His most impressive game of the week came in their 12-5 win against Tolono Unity, going 3-for-5 with a home run, double, four RBIs and one run scored. In their 14-4 win over Paxton-Buckley-Loda, he went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored to help clinch the IPC Conference Championship."
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MIDDLE INFIELD
 |
Blake Crancer SS / Normal West, IL / 2024
| SS |
.374 |
13 |
2 |
1 |
25 |
51 |
16 |
.474 |
.549 |
58 |
Crancer had a big spring season, especially on the basepaths where he stole 58 bags, while only being caught stealing once. The Des Moines Area CC signee also boasted an OPS of over a thousand (1.023), and fielded his position well (.942) to make for a well-rounded 2024 season.
|
 |
Jackson Spring SS / St. Charles North, IL / 2024
| SS |
.400 |
12 |
3 |
4 |
27 |
52 |
15 |
.580 |
28 |
From 3/26/24: "(St. Charles North IL, 2024) was on the barrel from the get go for the Stars. Spring hits out of the leadoff spot for St. Charles North and he made his presence known from the top of the first with a leadoff double to start the game. Later in his next two at-bats, Spring would have yet the same result, starting the game off three-for-three with a trio of doubles. Before scoring their sixth run later in the game, the Wisconsin Whitewater recruit was responsible for all five runs that had scored, he had four RBI’s and would come across to score once as well. Jackson Spring enjoying a hot start to his spring season."
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Jude Warwick SS / Downers Grove North, IL / 2024
| SS |
.391 |
14 |
6 |
5 |
26 |
51 |
13 |
.469 |
1.180 |
22 |
From 4/24/24: "Michigan State commit. Currently ranked No. 20 in the state. Lean and ultra-projectable 6-foot-1, 152-pound frame. Hit out of the leadoff spot and took some quality L/L at-bats against a premium arm, also making some highlight-reel plays at shortstop. The left-handed hitter has above-average zone awareness and was making quality swing decisions all-game, not recording a hit on the day but finding the barrel twice which included a sharply hit lineout to center. It’s an easy, simple swing that stays flat through the zone, working short to the ball with some extension through impact. Advanced defender on the infield, working with easy range to both sides of his glove, making plays both up the middle and to his backhand easily, including a Jeter-esk jump throw play in the ⅚ hole to nab the runner at first. Soft hands play with confidence on the dirt, fields with rhythm and timing. Arm plays with life and accuracy across the diamond with a quick release. High-ceiling left-handed hitting shortstop who’s best days are still very much ahead of him."
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THIRD BASEMAN
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James Love 3B / Joliet West, IL / 2024
| 3B |
.456 |
15 |
1 |
6 |
44 |
46 |
4 |
.572 |
.796 |
1.368 |
5 |
From 3/16/24: "Eastern Illinois commit, had a loud showing with his bat and his arm on Saturday afternoon. The No. 34 player in the state, displays a ton of confidence when he steps into the box at a physical 6-foot-1, 205-pounds. Love used the entire field at the plate and showed pop to all parts of the field as well, nearly leaving the deepest part of the field in his first at-bat with a double. He hopped on the mound for the last two innings of play and showed a strong arm, topping out at 89 mph with his fastball. In the second game of the day, Love doubled to the opposite field and homered."
|
 |
Daniel Coyle 3B / St. Laurence , IL / 2026
| 3B |
.410 |
9 |
4 |
34 |
32 |
13 |
2 |
.504 |
.580 |
1.084 |
13 |
From 4/25/24: "Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 29 in the state. Compact, 5-foot-7, 149-pound frame with plenty of room for added strength. Started at third base and hit out of the three-hole as only a sophomore. The right-handed hitter takes scrappy at-bats, working to get his pitch to hit and taking advantage when he gets it; relaxed setup, hands have some rhythm throughout his load and work into a direct/flat path. Impressed defensively in this look, boasting smooth actions with a clean transfer, showing quality range with a quick first step, comfortable to his back-hand, sets his feet and makes strong throws across, also had a diving catch to his glove side. High-follow 2026 in the state."
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OUTFIELDERS
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Chase Petersen OF / Glenbrook North , IL / 2025
| OF |
.470 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
20 |
46 |
10 |
.565 |
.692 |
34 |
From 5/16/24: "Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 64 in the state. Stands in at a physical and sturdy 5-foot-8, 179-pounds; started in center field and batted second for the Spartans. Petersen impressed all-around on Thursday and showed a versatile playstyle; in his first at-bat he swatted a solo shot to left-center field, the next half-inning he made a diving grab in the outfield, and in his final at-bat he laid down a well-placed bunt down the third base line for a single. The right-handed hitter has a crouched setup with rhythmic pre-pitch movement in his hands, that load back with a short stride. He has a strong, compact swing with a slightly uphill path that looks to elevate the baseball. Defensively, Petersen displayed the ability to cover ground to both his left and right, and also showed to be a savvy runner on the basepaths. The uncommitted junior will be one to continue to keep tabs on entering the summer."
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 |
Wyatt Wawro OF / Downers Grove South, IL / 2025
| OF |
.500 |
12 |
7 |
3 |
39 |
29 |
8 |
.559 |
.927 |
1.486 |
7 |
From 5/8/24: "Uncommitted. Wawro had an impressive week at the plate going 10-for-15 with a triple, two doubles, eight RBIs and five runs scored, helping lead DGS to a 4-0 week. In their 11-1 win over Addison Trail, he went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs. He capped off his week with a 3-for-4 performance, collecting a double, two RBIs and two runs scored in their 5-2 win over Glenbard West."
|
 |
| OF |
.482 |
10 |
6 |
2 |
19 |
47 |
.564 |
.757 |
1.292 |
35 |
Phillips had a big senior year which led to his Third-Team All-State selection. Appearing in all 36 games for Hersey this season, Phillips set the school record for triples (6), on-base percentage (.564), and stolen bases (35-for-36) in a single season in 2024.
|
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Gavin Bailey OF / Mahomet-Seymour, IL / 2025
| OF |
.421 |
5 |
2 |
9 |
47 |
36 |
27 |
.757 |
100% |
From 4/17/24: "Uncommitted. Bailey had an impressive week at the plate going 10-for-19 with three home runs, one double, 13 RBIs, seven runs scored and four stolen bases. His most impressive game of the week came in their 4-3 win over Effingham. He hit a grandslam in the top of the seventh, and he finished the day 2-for-3 with a grandslam, four RBIs, one run scored and a walk. In their 9-0 win over Charleston, Bailey went 2-for-3 with a home run, four RBIs, two runs scored and a walk, and he added another home run in their 11-1 win over Charleston, finishing the game 1-for-3 with a home run, four RBIs, two runs scored and a walk. Bailey is hitting .476 on the season."
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Brendan Tunink OF / Newman Central Catholic, IL / 2024
From 9/20/23: "OF Brendan Tunink (Newman Central, 2024; Notre Dame Commit) stands in one of the more athletic frames in the 2024 class at 6-foot, 180-pounds. The strength in his frame continues to grow, and he runs the bases well. Tunink has loads of power in his left-handed swing with well above-average bat speed. Ranked No. 6 in Illinois, he is one of the top prospects in the state."
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UTILITY
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Sean Cody SS / Richards, IL / 2025
| SS |
.460 |
6 |
9 |
4 |
27 |
50 |
.553 |
.874 |
1.427 |
31 |
| RHP |
47.2 |
6-3 |
25 |
101 |
8 |
1.17 |
0.94 |
Cody had eye-popping numbers on both sides of the ball in 2024, which led to him earning Third Team All-State honors. The future UIC Flame had an OPS of 1.427 at the plate while also punching out 101 batters over 47.2 IP on the hill.
|
 |
| OF |
.490 |
7 |
1 |
8 |
35 |
62 |
.581 |
.833 |
1.415 |
21 |
| RHP |
51.1 |
7-2 |
20 |
115 |
13 |
1.77 |
0.79 |
From 8/8/23: "One of the top prospects in the state’s 2025 class, OF/RHP Tanner Thomas (Arcola; Louisville commit) has tools and athleticism packed within a strong, compact 6-foot, 180-pound frame. Thomas, who’s a 6.74 runner in the 60, sprayed line drives to all fields in BP, showing athleticism, balance, and polish throughout. He did so from a short, simple right-handed stroke that owns barrel feel (67%) and flashed juice (95.7 mph, 347 ft.), too. Aside from his offensive efforts, Thomas peaked at 92 mph from the outfield, tying for the event’s highest mark. He hopped on the mound on Wednesday night in the rain, running his fastball up to 87.1 mph, while pitching at 84-86 mph. Thomas spun a low-to-mid-70s breaking ball with tight spin off an 11/5 plane and his changeup flashed out-pitch potential, playing in the upper-70s with low spin and natural arm-side run (T16.1 HM”)."
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Cooper Eggert RHP / Providence Catholic, IL / 2025
| OF |
.417 |
9 |
5 |
5 |
25 |
43 |
.504 |
.713 |
1.217 |
14 |
| RHP |
36 |
4-1 |
34 |
45 |
13 |
2.53 |
7 |
From 5/1/24: "Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 24 in the state. Trim, athletic build that stands in at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds. The left-handed hitter continues to perform in front of our staff, finishing the day with a backspin single up the middle, an RBI and a run scored. Relaxed setup with his hands, hangs foot with a high leg-kick for timing, unloads from launch position with a direct path. Quality feel for the barrel with the ability to cover the plate."
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Chase Knebel LHP / Highland , IL / 2025
| 1B |
.340 |
6 |
38 |
16 |
.443 |
.402 |
| LHP |
69 |
11-0 |
38 |
63 |
3 |
0.31 |
7 |
From 10/17/24: "1B/LHP Chase Knebel (Highland, 2025) was another two-way to show well at Saturday’s event. Knebel was on the barrel throughout his bp round from the left side of the dish, working with some of the quicker hands at the event (avg 23.2 mph), while posting a max EV of 89 mph. On the bump, Knebel showed some pitchability within his three-pitch mix. His fastball sat 81-82 mph (T83) with arm-side action (avg -16.9” HM), while his curveball had advanced feel for the zone (75%) at 61-62 mph, and he threw his arm-side fading changeup for strikes 67% of the time at 69-70 mph."
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+ CLICK HERE to view this year's Player of the Year story.
+ CLICK HERE to view all the episode's of the IHSA Podcast.
+ CLICK HERE to view our Final Power 25 Update of the 2024 season.
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