By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

Change of Venue Alert

The Illinois/Wisconsin Top Prospect Showcase has been moved from Standard Bank Stadium indoors to The MAX in McCook, IL due to the threat of thunderstorms in the Crestwood area tomorrow. The MAX is located at 4750 S. Vernon Ave, McCook, IL 60525.

The Illinois/Wisconsin Top Prospect Showcase is one of the summer’s most heavily attended events in Illinois. Since 2007, this event has drawn between 70-100 colleges from across the country. This event is so heavily attended for one reason: the players. Year in and year out, the best talent in Illinois and Wisconsin is represented at this event.

This is an invite only event and is exclusive to the top 2016 prospects in the state. The showcase will be featured on the Prep Baseball Report website, which is subscribed to by more than 350 colleges. Event information including statistics and scouting reports will also be posted on the Prep Baseball Report’s website, at www.PrepBaseballReport.com. Top players will be identified and ranked. Players’ edited videos will also be hosted in the players’ profile along with scouting reports and statistics.

Last year, 29 pitchers were 85-plus on the mound, while six touched 90 mph or better. Each year we strive to improve the event, and this year should be no different with the type of talent our scouting staff has assembled.

CLICK HERE to view last year’s roster, which currently boasts 81 college commitments that have been reported to PBR.

Lincoln-Way North’s Liam Jenkins sat 90-92 mph, eventually making a commitment to Arizona State University. Jacobs’ Brenden Heiss, an Arkansas commit, also sat 90-92 mph with feel for three pitches.  

Whitney Young’s David Craan stood out both in the outfield (90 mph arm), and behind the plate, reeling off several pop times under 2.0 seconds, with a low of 1.91. The athletic Craan also ran an event best 6.55 60, and parlayed his performance into a scholarship to Illinois.

This year’s roster is sure to unveil the same type of talent, with 120 prospects currently registered. Click Here to view the current roster for tomorrow’s event.