On Wednesday, July 7, the PBR Illinois staff travelled to Ozinga Field in Crestwood, IL, to host the 2025 Top Prospect Games. This 2025 invite-only event featured around 30 of the top 2025 prospects in Illinois, that we have seen to-date. The event helped sort out some of top prospects in the state at an early age, as well as serving as a last chance identifier for the Junior Future Games at LakePoint in Cartersville, GA, July 29 - Aug 1.

Shortly after the event’s conclusion, our staff published several post-event content pieces where we detailed some of the day’s top performers, stat leaders, and more. You can find all of those by clicking HERE. 

We’ll start to wrap things up by rolling out our scouting reports from the day, starting with the position player group. Here are a few names that stood out amongst their peers: 

+ One of the highest-ceilings at the event belongs to INF/RHP Jack Wheeler (Morris, 2025). Wheeler has a 6-foot-3, 165-pound, long lanky build with quick twitch qualities. Wheeler excelled in all facets of the day, Offensively he has a short, compact swing with good extension and generates backspin line drives that carry to deep areas of the park. Wheeler flashes advanced bat speed in his swing and it allowed him to barrel and drive baseballs consistently. Defensively he is athletic, especially for his size. Wheeler has clean, quick feet and sure-hands on the infield. His arm plays loose, quick and strong which translates to the mound. 

+ OF Ezra Essex (Marian Catholic, 2025), a 5-foot-7, 140 pound right-handed hitting outfielder, should be a high-follow in the 2025 class after he displayed premium athleticism and skill. Ezra started the day off by running the best 60-time on the day, a 6.69. Offensively he put together one of the best rounds on the day as well, consistently barrelling line-drives in the middle of the field. He has a simple, repeatable swing that allows him to stay balanced and strong throughout his swing. Defensively he shows advanced footwork in the outfield. His routes are precise and confident. He has a loose, accurate arm that will get stronger with age. He delivers from a high ¾ slot and his throws have carry. 

+ Another OF, Omar Coleman (Plainfield North), displayed high-level athleticism at the event as well. Coleman, a 5-foot-6, 130-pound right-handed hitter, ran the second-best 60-time of the event coming in at 6.92. Coleman has quick-twitch to his overall game and has a loose, right handed swing. He showed some barrel awareness during BP and was direct to contact. He also flashed bat speed and sneaky juice to the pull side. Coleman’s BP translated to the game where he tripled to right-center field. Athletic 2025 outfielder to follow.

+ INF/RHP DaMaurion Butler (N/A, 2025) 5-foot-4, 146-pounds is another high-end athlete. Butler, who ran a 7.25 laser-timed 60 has a stocky build with a strong lower half. Defensively he has smooth, quick, athletic actions fit for the middle infield. He has quick, active feet and showed off his range on several occasions. He also has a quick, strong arm that plays well across the diamond. Offensively he has a compact uphill swing. He has the ability to get the barrel to the ball that resulted in hard hit line drives in the middle of the field.

+ Switch-hitting outfielder, Henry Murray (Lane Tech, 2025), is listed at a strong, athletic, 5-foot-9, 160-pounds. Offensively Murray took an advanced round of batting practice from both sides of the plate. Murray has a compact repeatable swing on both sides. His advanced approach includes a strong top hand which allows him to control his barrel. He peppered line drives in the center of the field and showed advanced bat speed to the pull side. Murray ran a 7.10 in the 60 yard dash which translated to confident actions in the outfield. He took direct routes and showed quick, athletic footwork. He has an above average arm that is loose and quick. He has a long arm stroke and delivers from an over the top slot. His throws have life and carry at 77 mph. 

+ Another physically impressive two-way prospect was 3B/RHP AJ Putty (Huntley, 2025). Putty has a mature, strong, 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame. At the plate, he shows polish and power potential from the right-side of the plate. Putty repeats his swing, has a feel for the barrel and makes consistent hard contact, especially in game to the pull-side of the diamond. Advanced 2025 two-way prospect.

+ CIF/RHP Aidan Nohava (Brother Rice, 2025) 6-foot, 166-pounds has a strong frame and uses it to his advantage. He is physically advanced for his age with a knack for the barrel. Nohava has a short compact, repeatable swing with advanced bat speed and a level swing. He was able to backspin baseball to all areas of the field. Defensively he has a loose arm that delivers from a high ¾ slot his throws have carry.

Read below for all the individual player analysis from this event.  

POSITION PLAYERS (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Liam Arsich, Lincoln-Way Central (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 135-pounds. Long, loose-bodied frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, short stride, minimal lower half. Path is short to the baseball with natural lift, quick hands.
Power: 82.17 max exit velocity, averaged 75.12 mph. 277’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 79 mph. Loose/whippy high 3/4 slot, quick arm.
Defense: Athletic outfield actions with a clean transfer.
Run: 7.34 runner in the 60. 

Brady Booth, Tremont (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/
Body: 5-11, 152-pounds. Thin, wiry frame.
Hit: RHH. Open stance, weight on back side, short rhythmic stride, hands load back. Long path at times, works uphill.
Power: 81.43 max exit velocity, averaged 72.34 mph. 273’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. High 3/4 slot, short out of the glove.
Defense: Soft hands with a quick/clean transfer, fluid footwork through the ball.
Run: 7.34 runner in the 60. 

Brett Bounds, Morris (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Subtle reverse toe tap stride, tall setup. Handsy swing, work the middle of the field, slight uphill path.
Power: 82.97 max exit velocity, averaged 70.98 mph. 253’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, above average arm strength.
Defense: Soft hands with athletic infield actions, fluid footwork, covers ground easily.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60. 

DaMaurion Butler, N/A (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-4, 146-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic set up, quiet in the box, short stride. Short compact swing with bat speed, athletic strong hands with a line-drive approach.
Power: 81.7 max exit velocity, averaged 76.85 mph. 296’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short quick arm action, efficient release athletic arm can play on the move.
Defense: Soft hands with athletic infield actions, fluid footwork, covers ground easily.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

Gabriel Ciralsky, University School of Milwaukee  (WI), 2025
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 5-9, 135-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Athletic setup, leg-kick timing trigger into a long stride. Loose arms with a level path to the ball, line-drive approach.
Power: 84.94 max exit velocity, averaged 74.71 mph. 229’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 72 mph. Long/loose 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions with fluid footwork, athletic into the crow hop.
Run: 7.29 runner in the 60. Quick first step.

Omar Coleman, Plainfield North (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 5-6, 130-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Relax set up, balanced, short stride. Short path, slightly uphill, singles type contact with a whole-field approach.
Power: 82.52 max exit velocity, averaged 72.07 mph. 300’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 73 mph. Short, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic outfield actions with quick feet, clean transfer.
Run: 6.92 runner in the 60. Quick feet, quick first step, gets to his top end well.

Ryan Dabe, Huntley (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-1, 160-pounds. Lean build.
Hit: RHH. Open stance, lifted stride. Aggressive swing off of backside with loose/long arms, uphill path.
Power: 84.88 max exit velocity, averaged 78.93 mph. 291’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Above average arm strength, long windup release.
Defense: Sure-handed with a clean transfer, plays through the ball.
Run: 7.56 runner in the 60. 

Jimmy Downs, Brother Rice (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 3B/2B
Body: 5-8, 154-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup, short leg-lift into a medium stride length.  Loose arms with a level path to the ball, swings with intent, quick/strong hands.
Power: 84.77 max exit velocity, averaged 81.69 mph. 287’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Long firm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Sure-handed with a clean transfer, works through the ball.
Run: 8.10 runner in the 60. 

Ezra Essex, Marian Catholic  (IN), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-7, 140-pounds. High-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall narrow setup, moderate stride, relaxed hands, subtle load. Quick trigger bat speed, quick twitch hands, middle of the field approach, hard off the barrel.
Power: 86.75 max exit velocity, averaged 78.5 mph. 288’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 76 mph. Loose arm with a high 3/4 slot, arm plays with carry and accuracy.
Defense: Athletic outfield actions, quick first step, reliable hands with a clean transfer.
Run: 6.69 runner in the 60. Plus runner, gets out of the start gates quickly, quick first step, highly-athletic.

Connor Gibour, Crystal Lake Central (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 155-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Slightly open setup, minimal load with a short stride. Long/loose arms with a level path to the ball, line-drive approach.
Power: 86.38 max exit velocity, averaged 73.77 mph. 281’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 71 mph. Long, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Sure-handed defender with a clean transfer.
Run: 7.79 runner in the 60. Long strider

Braden Green, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-8, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Static setup, short lift and replace stride, hands drop into load. Path works with some length, slightly uphill, showed some bat strength.
Power: 84.85 max exit velocity, averaged 78.84 mph. 305’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Soft hands with a quick transfer, quick/athletic footwork, plays through the ball.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60. 

Aadden Guerrero, Lyons Township (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-7, 130-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic base, moderate stride, subtle hand load Quick hands to the ball, level path with a line-drive approach.
Power: 76.22 max exit velocity, averaged 60.61 mph. 206’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. OF - 71 mph. Short, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: From the infield; fluid footwork with soft hands, moves well side to side, athletic infield actions. From the outfield; Soft hands with a clean transfer, athletic footwork around the ball.
Run: 7.56 runner in the 60. 

Mason Hirsch, Deerfield (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-5, 110-pounds. Small, wiry frame
Hit: RHH. Balance setup, moderate stride, weight shift to front side. Loose arms with quick hands, level path to the ball, line-drive approach.
Power: 72.15 max exit velocity, averaged 62.43 mph. 152’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Short, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Sure-handed with a clean transfer, moves athletically side-to-side.
Run: 7.81 runner in the 60. Athletic start.

Vincent Ippolito, Willowbrook (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-9, 180-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, toe-taps into a long/gliding stride. Present bat speed with a level path to the ball, swings with intent.
Power: 87.84 max exit velocity, averaged 78.55 mph. 310’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.27-2.45 pop times. Directional footwork out of the crouch with a quick exchange.
Run: 7.89 runner in the 60. 

Cole Lockwood, Libertyville (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-5, 110-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Narrow stance, relaxed setup, easy, simple loading action. Easy repeatable swing, line drive spray hitter, athletic hands, above average barrel control.
Power: 75.9 max exit velocity, averaged 68.74 mph. 228’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic defender with ease range to both sides, soft hands with a clean transfer.
Run: 7.47 runner in the 60. 

John McAuliffe, Marist (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, toe-taps into a short stride. Bat speed present, loose arms with a level path to the ball, bat-strength to his pull-side.
Power: 85.35 max exit velocity, averaged 76.3 mph. 300’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. INF - 76 mph. Arm action plays long, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.20-2.35 pop times. Quick/athletic footwork out of the crouch with a clean exchange.
Run: 7.05 runner in the 60. Athletic runner.

Benjamin Mitchell, Hampshire (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds. Durable with present strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set up, short stride, tall stance, partial lower half. Bat speed present, works slightly uphill, lifted contact, hard off the barrel.
Power: 89.95 max exit velocity, averaged 76.3 mph. 336’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.25-2.31 pop times. Directional footwork out of the crouch with a clean exchange.
Run: 7.90 runner in the 60. 

Henry Murray, Lane Tech (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 5-9, 160-pounds.
Hit: SH. Slightly open stance, leg kick trigger into a long stride. Aggressive, violent left-handed swing, intent to do damage. Right-handed swing works off of front foot with aggression throughout.
Power: 94.6 max exit velocity, averaged 84.77 mph. 351’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 77 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Sure-handed defender with a clean transfer.
Run: 7.10 runner in the 60. 

Aidan Nohava, Brother Rice (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-0, 166-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set up, short lifted stride. Quick/strong hands with a level path to the ball, showed bat strength, mature presence in the box.
Power: 89.96 max exit velocity, averaged 83.2 mph. 288’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Above average arm, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Sure-handed defender with a clean transfer, fluid footwork around the bag.
Run: 7.89 runner in the 60. 

Chance Payne, Mt. Pulaski (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 5-8, 174-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Slightly open setup, toe-taps into a long stride.  Short/direct path to the ball with a slightly uphill path.
Power: 80.53 max exit velocity, averaged 72.23 mph. 279’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 74 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot
Defense: Sure-handed with a clean transfer.
Run: 8.35 runner in the 60. 

AJ Putty, Huntley (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 200-pounds. Extra large/strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Starts in a slightly open setup, leg-kick timing trigger into a long/gliding stride, creates separation with load. Loose arms with a level path to the ball, swings with intent, quick/strong hands.
Power: 95.84 max exit velocity, averaged 84.74 mph. 311’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short/quick high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady hands with a clean transfer.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60. 

Brady Rosenkranz, Stevenson (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 185-pounds. Tall, slender build, highly projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall set up, short stride, slight dive. Long path, slightly uphill with above average strength.
Power: 83.98 max exit velocity, averaged 80.12 mph. 304’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. High 3/4 slot, athletic arm.
Defense: Sure-handed with a clean transfer, ability to keep the ball in front to both sides.
Run: 9.10 runner in the 60. 

Easton Ruby, Oswego East (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, short stride with a fluid load.  Loose/repeatable swing, level path to the ball with the ability to maintain balance after contact, mature presence in the box.
Power: 85.1 max exit velocity, averaged 75.37 mph. 296’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 66 mph. Short, over-the-top slot, accurate throws on the bag.
Defense: 2.25-2.44 pop times. Directional footwork out of the crouch with a quick/clean exchange.
Run: 7.87 runner in the 60. 

Calen Scheider, Hampshire (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-6, 120-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup with weight on back side, short stride, hands set low and load up into position. Quick bat with a slightly uphill path to the ball, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 80.54 max exit velocity, averaged 74.29 mph. 286’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Short high 3/4 slot, flashed carry.
Defense: 2.08-2.19 pop times. Fluid footwork out of the crouch with a quick exchange.
Run: 7.75 runner in the 60. 

Caden Sladek, Huntley (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 215-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Open setup with a leg-kick timing trigger, aggressive lower-half.  Loose arms with a level path to the ball.
Power: 81.49 max exit velocity, averaged 66.48 mph. 303’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 75 mph. Long/quick arm, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady-handed with a clean transfer.
Run: 7.72 runner in the 60. 

Karson Stiefer, Prairie Ridge (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 147-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Open setup, knee-knocks into a long stride.  Loose/level path to the ball with a line-drive approach.
Power: 83.04 max exit velocity, averaged 71.35 mph. 269’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 74 mph. High 3/4 slot.
Defense: Soft hands with a clean transfer, fluid footwork around the bag.
Run: 7.47 runner in the 60. 

Evan Stinson, N/A (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 5-9, 158-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride, small loading action. Long/loose arms with a slightly uphill path to the ball.
Power: 81.21 max exit velocity, averaged 74.48 mph. 291’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 75 mph. Loose, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Athletic outfield actions with fluid footwork through the ball.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60. Easy runner.

Alek Terlecki, Glenwood (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-11, 150-pounds. Thin, lean frame.
Hit: SH. Balanced setup, short lift and replace stride, hands drop into load. Short to the ball with a level path through the zone, line-drive approach.
Power: 81.85 max exit velocity, averaged 68.84 mph. 258’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 63 mph. Short arm action out of a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Soft hands with a clean transfer, plays on the balls of his feet.
Run: 7.92 runner in the 60. 

Jack Wheeler, Morris (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-3, 165-pounds. Long, lean, projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup with a leg kick trigger. Path works slightly uphill, on plane from a lower hand position, pull-side approach.
Power: 90.11 max exit velocity, averaged 82.77 mph. 291’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Well above average arm strength, high 3/4 slot, arm showed ability to play athletically.
Defense: Soft hands with athletic infield actions, fluid footwork, covers ground easily.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60. 

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