Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Illinois State Games: Takeaways

August 15, 2022
By: Illinois Scouting Staff

This past week, Aug. 9 and 10, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the inaugural Illinois State Games at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex in Rantoul, Ill. – a central location allowing prospects from all corners of the state to meet in one place to perform and compete alongside and against each other.

For this event, we invited the top players in Illinois, spanning grad classes 2023-2026. Our mission is to bring the highest level talent in the state to one location for this two-way event. Rosters and teams will be composed of players from each grad class, setting the table to see who are, pound-for-pound, the state's top prospects.

To see which players attended, click HERE. For all of our up-to-date coverage of the event, click HERE.

Late last week our staff looked into the numbers from this event and published the statistical leaderboards, found within our ‘Data Dive’. Today, we’ll take a look at an abundance of prospects that caught our attention across the two-day event, whether it was during the workout or gameplay. 

Read below for scout notes on more than 50 players from the first ever Illinois State Games. 

TEAM 1 (ORANGE)

+ RHP/OF Michael Boyce (Naperville Central, 2023) put up some noteworthy metrics from a two-way standpoint that are worth mentioning. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound, strong-bodied, outfielder and right-handed pitcher ran his fastball up to 88 mph in gameplay, was 92 mph from the outfield and also took a quality round of BP in the showcase; reaching a max exit velocity of 92.7 mph with a max distance of 355 feet. Boyce creates leverage in his swing and is ready to hit the fastball.

+ At 6-foot-4, 200-pounds, OF Collin Jennings (Marist, 2023) is an upside uncommitted left-handed bat to follow from this event. Jennings took a loud round of BP on the workout day as one of the first players to hit, averaging 87.5 mph off his bat with a 97.4 mph peak and 349 foot max distance. His inherent strength translated to gameplay, as he barreled two balls up to the pull-side and hit a ball to the warning track that wasn’t on his barrel. A 6.87 runner, Jennings also swiped a pair of bags throughout the event. 

+ RHP Owen Kelly (Belleville East, 2023) started the first game of the event and left a positive impression over a clean three-inning stint. Built at an upside 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame, Kelly’s fastball sat 85-87 mph from a loose, clean ¾ slot and the physical projection left to come on his body suggests there’s plenty more to come. He mixed in a firm 78-81 mph slider at 2,259 RPM on average, killing both spin and lift on a 79-81 mph changeup, too. Kelly is one of the top uncommitted prospects from Southern Illinois. 

+ MIF Aidan Thaxton (St. Ignatius, 2023) has advanced infield actions and throughout the three games, solidified himself as one of the better defensive infielders in attendance. In gameplay, Thaxton made multiple above-average plays at shortstop, including going up and getting a line-drive at its highest point. He also was comfortable on the move making a number of plays to both sides look relatively easy. Thaxton also was on the barrel throughout the two days finishing 3-for-5 with a double, walk and a run scored.

+ Iowa commit 3B Cash Campbell (Montini, 2024) continues to show an elite left-handed bat in the Illinois’ 2024 class. Campbell never seems to be in a hurry and takes consistent calm, competitive at-bats. Listed at 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, he creates easy bat strength with a heavy barrel and loose hands. Drove balls with authority to all fields and does not get sped up in the box - also going 2-for-2 with a run scored in gameplay on day one.  

+ Arguably the most effective and efficient arm for Team 1 throughout the entirety of the event was RHP Anthony Lott Jr. (Brooks, 2024). Lott didn't overpower with velocity but he consistently landed three pitches for a strike and only allowed one hit in his three innings of work with three strikeouts. Lott pitched to contact throughout his first two innings of work before striking out the side in his third inning. Lott’s fastball played around 76 mph with arm-side-action and he went to a changeup at 67-69 mph and a curveball at 70-71 mph. 

+ MIF Joshua Wicker (Fenwick, 2024) is a heady middle infielder with a feel for the game in all areas. Defensively, he is a steady defender with the ability to make the highlight-reel play, going up the middle of field while playing second base and completing the play with a jump turn and throw that was on the bag for the assist. Wicker also finished the event 1-for-3 with two walks, an RBI, run and also threw two innings, allowing one run.

+ RHP Tadgh Callaghan (Brother Rice, 2025) had a strong showing throughout his gameplay with a quality three-pitch mix. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound right-hander pitched at 81-83 mph, topping out at 84 mph. He went to a slider at 73 mph and changeup at 75-76 to pair off his fastball. The 2025 struck out three and did not allow a run in his three innings of work at the event.

+ OF Derrion Howard (Thornwood) is an athletic, 6-foot-2, 152-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder in the 2025 class who ran a 6.76 laser-timed 60 to go along with two in-game base hits and an RBI. 

+ Missouri commit RHP Brady Rosenkranz (Stevenson, 2025) settled in nicely after some command struggles early on in his first inning of work; striking out four hitters in his next two innings- three of which came in his second inning of work. The 6-foot-6, 200-pound right-hander showed the ability to land three pitches for strikes; a fastball in the 82-84 mph range, a curveball at 69-71 mph and a changeup with advanced arm-side sink at 78-80 mph. 

+ C Quinn Schambow (LIbertyville, 2025) looks to be able to stick behind the plate in the coming years. Built with a strong 6-foot, 180-pound frame, Schambow is defensively advanced for his age and back-picked two runners at second base during gameplay. Offensively, the right-handed hitter took a sound round of BP which translated into gameplay, barrelling line-drives to centerfield multiple times throughout the event. 

TEAM 2 (PURPLE)

+ RHP Austin Brown (Triad, 2023) provided our staff with an upside look during our first up-close view of the 6-foot-5, 155-pound right-hander. Brown toed the rubber for three innings, pumping his fastball relatively easily at 84-87 mph early with 17.8 inches of vertical carry, topping at 20.4 with plenty more velocity to come. The separator for him, however, appears to be a true swing-and-miss slider with late sweeping action at 75-76 mph, averaging 2,587 RPM and breaching the 2,700+ RPM mark. Brown’s confidence and ability to spot his slider up to both handed hitters is noteworthy, and it’s certainly a pitch that’ll miss bats at the next level with consistency. Still uncommitted, Brown was one of the higher ceiling arms we saw at Rantoul this week. 

+ RHP Danny Cihocki (Princeton, 2023) gave an intriguing look on the mound with a jumping fastball up to 86 mph from a deceptive high ¾ window. He also went to two different breaking balls; a slider at 72-75 mph and a curveball at 72-73 mph. To finish off his arsenal, Cihocki went to a changeup at 76-78 mph. Cihocki struck out three in his three innings of work. 

+ RHP Alex Day (Andrew, 2023) flashed an uptick in velocity than what we’d seen from him in the past, topping at 87 mph and settling into the low-to-mid-80s with his fastball. A 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete, Day also threw a curveball and changeup to round out his arsenal. Day did not allow a hit, or a run in his two innings of work while striking out one. 

+ OF Dylan Harer (St. Viator, 2023) took one of the more notable rounds of BP throughout the event, boasting a max exit velocity of 95.8 mph from the left side with a 50% sweet-spot percentage. He also showed well in gameplay on day one, roasting a single for an RBI. To pair off his left-handed stroke, Harer possesses above-average speed - cruising to a 6.81 60-time during the workout. 

+ Still uncommitted, and despite bouncing around and playing on a few different teams throughout the event, OF/LHP Dylan Mayer (New Trier, 2023), was one of the biggest winners from the Illinois State Games. Physically built at 6-foot-3, 195-pounds, Mayer turned heads with a loud round of BP on the workout day, averaging 96.3 mph off the barrel and 321 feet per batted ball. He hit a ball that traveled 393 feet at 102.5 mph, something that we haven’t seen done much since TrackMan was integrated into our events. Mayer’s inherent strength showed in his first game, where he squared a loud lineout to center field and doubled off the right field fence. He later hopped on the mound, pitching in the low-80s, topping at 85 mph with hard angle and tilt while spinning an upper-60s breaking ball at 2,504 RPM. 

+ LHP Caden Vogt (Marengo, 2023) turned in one of the event’s cleanest outings. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound southpaw pumped three pitches for strikes, working primarily off a low-80s fastball that played from a lower arm slot (4.3 feet) on average. Vogt comfortably expanded the zone, elevating in two-strike counts with backspin up in the zone and working the corners as well. Vogt’s primary secondary was a 68-71 mph curveball at 2,350+ RPM on average, peaking at 2,506 RPM, that worked across the zone off a 2/8 plane. He pitched backwards at times and threw it for strikes in any count, exerting clear confidence in the pitch and himself on the rubber. Vogt also turned over a low-spin and low-lift 76-77 mph changeup, rounding out a quality three-pitch mix. He’s a strike-throwing southpaw still on the market heading into his senior season. 

+ 3B/RHP Kaileb Hackman (Normal Community, 2024) had one of the more productive three games at the plate for Team 2. Hackman has a 6-foot-1, 190-pound, muscle-bound frame and plenty of bat strength in his right-handed swing, highlighted by a 93.3 mph max exit velocity and 339 feet max distance. He also was on the sweet spot 58% of the time in BP and finished game play 2-for-7 with a walk, RBI and run scored. 

+ A couple of upside 2024 right-handed arms on Team 2 to know moving forward were Cole Noreuil (Delavan) and Ryan Mickenbecker (Plainfield North). Noreuil has an easy delivery, ran his fastball up to 86 mph and struck out two in three innings of work. Mickenbecker has a long-limbed, 6-foot-5, 175-pound frame and comes from a tough over-the-slot angle creating all kinds of angle and tilt to his fastball which sat in the low-80’s (has been up to 87 mph in the past). 

+ MIF Nolan Turner (Routt Catholic, 2024) made his strongest statement during the first day of the event, taking a polished round of BP showing loose athletic hands and backing it up during game play. In Game One, Turner finished 2-for-3 with a run scored while looking confident and composed in the box while taking a number of quality, on time swings. Turner is a 2024 left-handed hitter to keep an eye on moving forward. 

+ OF Ezra Essex (Marian Catholic) was one of the top 2025 prospects in attendance. The dynamic outfielder ran a 6.56 60 during workout day while showing quick, twitchy hands and a short, repeatable stroke during BP. Essex did not get a hit during game play but reached base four times (three walks and a HBP) and is always a difference maker on the base paths and in the outfield where his speed and closing speed stand out. 

TEAM 3 (WHITE)

+ One of the top BP rounds of the event went to left-handed hitting 1B Owen Cornett (DuQuoin, 2023). Cornett has an easy, loose swing and power potential to all fields helped by his 6-foot-4, 225-pound, hulking frame. Cornett has a polished approach and made loud contact to all fields. On day one of game play he showed advanced bat speed barreling up a fastball to the pull side.

+ MIF Michael Farina (Mundelein, 2023) has steadily been on the rise in 2022 and showed well on both sides of the ball throughout the event. On day one, he made a high-level sliding play up the middle, which he followed up with a back-hand play in the hole - following up each play with a strong/athletic throw. Offensively, the right-handed hitter caught three barrels on day one, with two line-drives to left-field and on to right-field. Farina was one of the top uncommitted 2023 infielders over the course of the two-day event.

+ LHP Ryan Klukas (Lemont, 2023) stands at an athletic 6-foot, 170-pounds and has a sneaky fastball that seems to play harder than the velocity. The southpaw ran his fastball up to 84 mph (reached upwards of 2,300 RPM), got a number of late, tardy swings and really settled in once he was able to command it for a strike later in his outing. Klukas' go-to offspeed is a late-biting breaking ball off a 2/8 plane that sat at 70-72 mph with an average of 2,317 rpm. 

+ C William Millard (O’Fallon, 2023) continued to hit in game, which is something we have become accustomed to seeing over the last few years. One of O’Fallon’s top hitters, Millard finished game play going 4-for-8 with a double, three RBIs, a run and a walk. Millard is consistently on time, has feel for the barrel and works to both gaps. 

+ Bradley commit RHP Jake Perrino (Benet, 2023) made an immediate statement on day two by striking out six batters (four consecutively) throughout his outing. He features a fastball with arm-side sink up to 88 mph. He also has a swing and miss slider with tight cutting action, 77-78 mph. Perrino, who has been on the rise this summer, had one of the top pitching performances on the week and is in the running for the MVP: Pitcher award from the event.

+ MIF Troy Stukenberg (Lyons Township, 2023) barrelled baseballs all afternoon on day one, doubling to left-field and then going on to hit a laser directly to the right-fielder. In his second game, Stukenberg continued to swing it well with a double to the left-center gap. The talented Saint Xavier commit, picked up at least one hit in every game finishing the week 4-for-7 with three doubles, two walks, two RBIs and a run to pace Team 3. Stukenberg is a candidate for the position player MVP from the week.

+ LHP Tommy Van Daff (York) and RHP Xzavier Vargas (Lyons Township) are two uncommitted arms who threw well for Team 3. Van Daff works from a low-¾ slot and struck out five in two innings of work while Vargas struck out two while running his fastball up to 85.8 mph.

+ Another impressive offensive showing for Team 2 came from C/2B Sean Kempf (Crystal Lake Central, 2024). Kempf has a strong, compact frame and his swing is much the same. Kempf stays short and repeatable with advanced bat strength and he was all over the barrel in BP. Kempf drove hard contact to all fields, registering a 100.2 mph max EV. Kempf also finished game play going 2-for-7 with two stolen bases, two walks, an RBI and a run scored.

+ Despite struggling with some command issues, RHP Daniel Kane (Oak Park-River Forest, 2025), will be an arm to keep close tabs on in the 2025 class. Kane has an advanced 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame, clean arm stroke and plenty of arm strength for his age. Kane ran his fastball up to 84 mph with an average of 2,188 rpm while mixing in a firm curveball in the upper-70s with 2,257 average rpm. 

TEAM 4 (BLACK)

+ RHP Chris Iannuzzi (Stevenson, 2023) threw three scoreless innings, striking out five and allowing only one hit on Wednesday morning. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-hander pitched in the low-80s, touching 84 mph with his fastball and consistently spotting it east-to-west for strikes. He regularly turned to a firm upper-70s cutter with late glove-side action and also threw a 75-78 mph changeup to left-handed hitters. 

+ RHP Kenneth Jackson (Simeon, 2023) stands at an athletic 6-foot-1, 180-pounds. The right-hander repeats his delivery and adds deception while working across his body, running his fastball up to 82 mph with some feel for three off-speed offerings. His splitter looked to be his best change-of-pace offering throughout his gameplay, sinking to the bottom of the zone at 77 mph. He also went to a slider and a curveball, both playing with similar sweeping action at 66-69 mph. 

+ Left/left OF Charlie Parcell (Maine West, 2023) was an early uncommitted winner from this event. On the workout day, Parcel ran a 6.75 60-yard dash and reached a peak speed of 20.7 mph during his sprint, jumping 30 inches in the vertical test as well. He flashed upside attached to a loose, athletic left-handed stroke and translated that to gameplay, doubling early on Wednesday morning and finishing 2-for-2 with a walk, run scored, and three RBIs. 

+ C Danny Rollins (Lake Park, 2023) finished day one of gameplay going 1-for-1 with a walk, with the single coming on a two-strike count to the opposite field. On day two he continued to barrel baseballs to the pull side. Defensively, he is an athletic defender who never seems to take a pitch off, plays with a high-motor and possesses leadership qualities that jump off the field. The more you see Rollins, the more he impresses. Willing and able blocker, takes pride in his position and is athletic out of the chute, popping a 1.99 during the showcase portion of the event.  

+ RHP Taylor Siekierski (Fenton, 2023) stands 6-foot-2, 140-pounds with all sorts of room to add strength to his projectable frame. His limbs are long and loose, producing a fastball up to 84 mph with slight sinking action. His breaking ball plays with sharp 11/5 action with swing-and-miss potential at 72-75 mph. His third and final offering was a sinking changeup at 77-79 mph, coming from an identical fastball slot with arm-speed. 

+ LHP Nathan Anderson (Lyons Township) was one of the more polished 2024 arms in attendance. Anderson pounded the zone with his fastball, working both sides of the plate with late arm-side-life while running his fastball up to 85.6 mph. He also commanded his curveball at 70-72 mph and hitters did not look comfortable throughout his stint. 

+ Another 2024 who impressed over the course of the two days was RHP/INF Camden Raddatz (Effingham). Raddatz has an ease and polish to everything he does on the diamond. At the plate, it's an easy, barrel-controlled right-handed swing. On the mound, his arm works free and easy with polish to his repertoire and a fastball that topped at 84 mph. Raddatz struck out two in his two hitless innings.

+ MIF Bennett Summers (Bloomington Central Catholic, 2024) got it going in the morning contest on day two of the event, going 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored, a stolen base and an RBI. He also showcased above-average infield instincts by making a sliding play up the middle and finishing with a strong throw. Also a 6.74 60-time during the showcase. Finished the event 3-for-6 with a double, two stolen bases, two runs, an RBI and a walk.

+ OF Kolin Adams (Mount Carmel, 2025) was one of the youngest players in attendance, but at no point seemed overmatched. The left/left outfielder took quality at-bats all event long with plate discipline and feel to hit on the barrel. On a single to right-field he recorded a 4.65 down the line on a turn; later barreling another single and scoring a run. Polished left-handed hitter that should continue to ascend as his strength and tools tick up.

+ INF Derrick Holmes (Brother Rice) was one of the top 2025s in attendance with upside to all parts of his game. The athletic middle infielder roams with pace and tempo on the dirt while his hands play soft and he is comfortable ranging to all sides. His hands and feet will allow Holmes to stick up the middle long term, especially as his foot speed continues to tick up in the coming years. Holmes finished the week 2-for-7 with a walk, taking a number of competitive at-bats while showing quick, athletic hands at the plate with much more thump off the barrel to tap into down the road. Holmes ran a 4.46 on an infield groundout on Day two. 2025 uncommitted high-follow infielder.

TEAM 5 (GRAY)

+ OF Reed Drabant (Columbia, 2023) is a 5-foot-10, 175-pound, athletically-built, left-handed hitting outfielder with a smooth swing and strong arm (89 mph from the outfield). Drabant stays quiet and repeatable while spraying line-drive contact to all fields in BP. During game play, Drabant finished 2-for-7, including a barrelled line-drive to right field, two runs scored, an RBI and stolen base.

+ One of the top uncommitted 2023s in attendance was C AJ Malzone (St. Rita) who continues to ascend up our board everytime we see him. Long known for his prowess with his bat, the left-handed hitting catcher has made big strides behind the plate, especially with his arm. There were a number of times where Malzone came out of the chute and showed off a well above-average arm that played accurate and with life. His bat continued to look like one of the better still on the market, playing with extreme ease and comfort in the box. Malzone is never in a rush, rarely chases and when he gets the pitch he is looking for, rarely misses. Malzone provided one of the hardest hit balls of the event, a no-doubt home run to deep right-field on the first evening. 

+ C/OF Bryce Nevils (Brother Rice, 2023) was another major winner from this event, committing to Western Kentucky a few days afterwards. At a strong, athletic 6-foot-1, 188-pounds, Nevils ran a 6.89 60-yard dash, reached a peak exit velocity of 97.8 mph, and topped at 87 mph from the outfield during Tuesday’s workout. That strength and athleticism translated seamlessly in-game for Nevils, who launched a no-doubt home run and short hopped the left field fence on day two. He also flew around the basepaths, taking extra-bases at will and serving as an offensive manufacturer for his squad throughout the event. Over the course of the two days, no one stood out on the bases more than Nevils. He is ultra-aggressive, runs better than his frame would indicate, showed tremendous feel gaining ground on his leadoffs, especially at second base and utilized a delayed steal numerous times without much recourse. Nevils all-around baseball abilities, to go along with his in-game at-bats, set him apart from most of his peers. 

+ INF Sohrab Rezaei (University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, 2023) continues to impress our scouts each time we see him. A 6.81 runner in the 60-yard dash, Rezaei’s athleticism was on display early, as he jumped all over a fastball and flew around the bases for a double in his first at-bat of the weekend. He generates easy bat speed from the right side and produces quality bat-to-ball data as a result, peaking at 95.9 mph off the barrel in BP on Tuesday. In game, he covers the whole plate, can hit the ball where it is pitched and is always ready to hit; spark plug presence to a lineup. Sure-handed on the infield with athletic feet to pair, Rezaei remains one of the top uncommitted infielders on the market in Illinois. 

+ Uncommitted 2023 RHP Jared Rodriguez (Harvest Christian) flashed swing-and-miss stuff in his three-inning stint, striking out three and allowing two hits. Rodriguez topped at 84 mph and throws everything with intent, including a low-70s breaking ball with an average of 2,079 rpm.

+ INF Zan Von Schlegell (St. Viator, 2023) made it hard to miss him throughout the event, showing big tools during the workout day and by making loud contact during games. Von Schlegell set the infield record for the event, which could hold up for coming years, at 95 mph. He also averaged 90.3 mph off the bat during BP with a max distance of 350 feet. He did not stop there, finishing game play 3-for-7 with two RBIs, a run scored, walk, stolen base and an opposite field home run, driving an offspeed offering over the wall in right field. Committed to St. Thomas shortly following the event. 

+ 2023 uncommitted OF Dylan Swanstrom (Lemont) was only there for the first day but was able to show off his in-game abilities, going 1-for-2 with a walk and two stolen bases. Multi-sport athlete who’s speed plays up on the field.  

+ RHP Trace Vrbancic (Prairie Ridge, 2023) toed the rubber in the night cap on the event’s first day and didn’t disappoint. Built at a projectable 6-foot-1, 160-pounds, Vrbancic pumped his fastball at 83-86 mph from a quick arm, creating ride through the zone on occasion (21.6 IVB max). He confidently spun a sharp low-70s breaking ball with late break as well, landing it for strikes on occasion.

+ LHP Ethan Eberle (Normal Community, 2024) has been dominant on the PBR circuit all summer long, coming off a strong showing at the PBR Future Games. The southpaw dominated once again at the State Games, working his sinking fastball in the 84-86 mph range from a tough slot for opposing hitters. His curveball had tight spin and late breaking action, coming from a similar fastball slot at 69-70 mph. Eberle struck out four over his three inning stint.

+ Another southpaw to know in the 2024 class is Jacob Gimbel (Joliet Catholic). Gimbel has a strong, compact frame and uninterrupted, clean arm with pitchability. Gimbel struck out one while allowing two hits over his three innings of work while working his fastball in the low-80’s.

+ Another uncommitted arm in the 2024 with above-average pitchability is RHP Ethan Godlewski (Lincoln-Way East). Godlewski sat comfortably in the low-80’s topping at 84 mph while mixing in two different breaking balls. The curveball worked with slightly less velocity but flashed more horizontal break and depth than the slider. Godlewski struck out three in his three innings of work. 

+ Left/left Wyatt Wawro (Downers Grove South, 2025) is an athletic, fluid outfielder to follow moving forward. Wawro took a number of quality at-bats and swings over the course of the two days. Has a presence in the box, smooth swing, quick hands and creates whip through the zone. Wawro was unfazed by velocity and was on time and on the barrel in a number of at-bats. Should only continue to ascend as he matures and gains strength to his frame.

TEAM 6 (RED)

+ RHP Lucas Bormann (York, 2023) is an uncommitted arm who flashed swing-and-miss stuff in his three innings of work, striking out four. Bormann has a quick arm, ran his fastball up to 87.1 mph (2344 average rpm) and showed a potential go-to secondary offering in his 72-75 mph curveball with an average of 2,452 rpm and late bite.

+ OF Dominic Catalano (Montini Catholic, 2024) flashed upside at the plate from the left side. A lanky 6-foot, 175-pound athlete, Catalano’s knack for elevated contact (281 ft. average) at above-average impact (87.8 mph) intrigued in batting practice on Tuesday. He stayed on plane and ripped a loud single up the middle against a mid-80s fastball during game one, making quality contact off the barrel throughout the event. A 6.96 runner, Catalano is an uncommitted follow heading into his junior year. 

+ OF/RHP Nate George (Minooka, 2024) flashed two-way intrigue at this event, starting with a loud round of BP on Tuesday. A muscular 6-foot, 175-pound athlete, George averaged 90.3 mph off his right-handed barrel, peaking at 96.7 mph and sending his furthest batted ball 357 feet, per TrackMan. Though he didn’t run at this event, George has run as fast as a 6.64 60 at our events in the past and he jumped 31.3 inches on the vertical test, too. That night, George hopped on the mound and pumped his fastball at 82-85 mph with hard arm-side action at times. He landed a 66-70 mph curveball around the zone for strikes and faded his low-70s changeup, too. 

+ 2024 left-handed hitter Jackson Stanek (St. Rita) was hard to keep off the bases throughout the event. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound, first baseman finished the event 2-for-3 with three walks and two runs scored. During the workout Stanek drove a ball 345 feet with a max exit velocity coming in at 98.6 mph.

+ After representing Team Illinois at the PBR Future Games a few weeks ago, OF Khamaree Thomas (Kenwood) continued to prove why he’s a high-follow name in the Illinois’ 2024 class. Thomas kicked his week off with a 6.75 60-yard dash, jumping 33.8 inches on the vertical test as well. His smooth left-handed stroke was on display yet again, easily spraying line drives to all fields during BP. Thomas’ showed his athleticism on multiple occasions during gameplay, including a diving snag in center field and multiple stolen bases throughout the event. A do-it-all type of player that can impact the game in many ways, Thomas remains a top uncommitted prospect in Illinois, regardless of class. 

+ Arguably nobody in the state has been on a quicker, higher climb than Jack Bauer (Lincoln-Way East, 2025), who officially broke out at the PBR Future Games, and continued to show the same high-level stuff at the State Games. Bauer, who has a chance to soar towards the top of the Illinois rankings, has an ultra-fluid, easy delivery and continues to set personal bests everytime he comes to an event. This time around, Bauer, listed at an upside 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, ran his fastball up to 91.4 mph sitting comfortably in the upper-80’s. Bauer controlled the fastball throughout and showed two developing off-speed offerings for strikes in an upper-60s curveball and 76-78 mph changeup. Bauer struck out six in his three inning stint. The floor continues to elevate for Bauer and the ceiling remains arguably the top in the class.

+ RHP/1B Connor Blue (O’Fallon, 2025) intrigued our staff on both sides of the ball at this event. A strong 5-foot-11, 170-pound athlete, Blue worked gap-to-gap with ease in BP, generating deep, elevated contact (259 ft.) on average and clobbering his furthest batted ball 341 feet, per TrackMan. He hopped on the mound Tuesday night and showcased loud stuff for his age, pumping his fastball at 83-86 mph while spinning a sharp low-70s slider at 2,372 RPM on average, peaking at 2,547 RPM. Headed into his sophomore year at O’Fallon, Blue is certainly a name-to-know prospect from Southern Illinois. 

TEAM 7 (GOLD)

+ Cal Darling (Bradley-Bourbonnais) is another uncommitted outfielder in the 2024 class who showed well for Team 7 throughout the week. Darling is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound, broad-shouldered, right-handed hitter with strong hands, direct path and the ability to elevate the baseball to the pull-side with backspin. During the workout, Darling’s hardest ball left his bat at 98 mph with a max distance of 320 feet. Darling collected three hits over the course of the two days with two doubles. Potent right-handed hitter to follow in the class.

+ RHP Daniel Giusto (Lincoln-Way East, 2023) punched out five over three scoreless innings on the second day, pounding the zone with a quality two-pitch mix. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound uncommitted senior pitched in the low-80s with his fastball, pairing it up with a 2,400+ RPM breaking ball at 66-70 mph.

+ RHP Drew Koenen (Maine South, 2023) was one of the biggest takeaways on the mound from the Illinois State Games. At 6-foot-3, 210-pounds with present strength and room for more, Koenen generated upper-80s velocities relatively easily, pumping a 90.3 mph max on his hardest bullet. Koenen’s primary secondary offering was a firm 77-80 mph breaking ball thrown with conviction and intent, peaking at 2,500+ RPM on our TrackMan. With a starter’s frame and more in the tank, Koenen is a high-follow uncommitted senior in the state. 

+ OF Jayden Malone (Metea Valley, 2023) was a winner offensively, starting with a quality showing in BP. Malone, who averaged the highest hand speed of any prospect in attendance at 25.9 mph, worked direct to contact with a short, quick right-handed stroke that produced quality line drive contact to all fields. He showed that knack for contact in game, finding the barrel a few times in game one and working a deep count against high-end velocity on day two before lining out to second base. 

+ LHP Jake Swanson (Grant, 2023) is an uncommitted southpaw who showed arm strength from a loose high ¾ slot at this event. Swanson bumped his fastball up to 85 mph, pitching in the low-80s, and he paired it with a 65-67 mph curveball while also throwing a mid-70s cutter. 

+ RHP Ryan Kotara (Lincoln-Way Central, 2024) showed our staff louder stuff than we’d seen from him in the past. At a strong 6-foot-1, 192-pounds, Kotara’s fastball touched 88 mph, sitting 84-87 mph with more in the tank. He flashed raw aptitude to spin a 68-71 mph curveball as well, peaking at 2,692 RPM. 

+ RHP Colin LeMarr (Southwestern, 2024) showed loud stuff in his PBR event debut. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound right-hander pitched at 83-85 mph with his fastball, touching 86 mph. He complimented his heater with a firm 76-78 mph changeup that averaged 14+ inches of horizontal movement and mixed in a 76-77 mph slider, too. 

+ INF James Love (Joliet West, 2024) proved why he’s a high-end prospect in the state’s 2024 class throughout the Illinois State Games. Love started his week by effortlessly producing low-90s exit velocities in BP on average, squaring his hardest ball up at 97.3 mph. He found the barrel in-game with authority, generating natural backspin and carry off the bat, while handling velocity with ease as well. Love impressed defensively as well, showcasing body control and lateral agility at third base on several occasions, especially on two particular slow rollers. Still uncommitted, Love is a name to know in the class and has his arrow pointed up coming off the event.

+INF Brady Green (Oak Park-River Forest) emerged as a name-to-know in the Illinois’ 2025 class after an impressive showing, particularly defensively. Green made several strong plays on the infield, including a backhand in the six-hole that he finished with a strong, accurate throw across the diamond. His athleticism and actions suggest he’ll stick up the middle long term, where Green can be an asset with the glove. Offensively, he swings a loose right-handed bat with rotation and athleticism that flashed upside throughout the event. 

+ 2025 RHP Troy Kashul (Naperville Central) has an advanced 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame and did not allow a run or a walk in his two innings of work on the mound while striking out three. Kashul is an arm to follow in the class.

+ Fresh off a trip to LakePoint as a member of Team Illinois at the Junior Future Games, OF Patrick Connors (Hinsdale Central, 2026) more than comfortably fit in amongst an older crowd at this event. Connors continued to show his knack for contact and advanced bat-to-ball skills, collecting a handful of hits while on the barrel throughout his three games. A 7.05 runner with an upside 5-foot-10, 155-pound frame, Connors continues to prove he’s a name to know in the Illinois’ 2026 class. 

TEAM 8 (LIGHT BLUE)

+ LHP Jacob Janisko (Harvest Christian, 2023; Indianapolis commit) dominated during his three innings of work, punching out four and generating plenty of whiffs to pair. The strong, sturdy southpaw produced upper-80s velocities with his fastball, touching 90 mph a few times, while averaging 18 inches of horizontal movement. Janisko’s primary offering was an upper-70s slider with true swing-and-miss action, spotting it below the zone for whiffs while also landing it for strikes. 

+ Lincoln-Way East features yet another intriguing arm in RHP Connor Jendraszak (2023; uncommitted). Jendraszak is listed at 6-foot-2, 185-pounds and ran his fastball up to 85.9 mph with 2,183 average rpm. Jendraszak also showed off a four-pitch repertoire while scattering two hits and striking out one over two innings.

+ RHP Dylan Kaminski (DePaul Prep, 2023) threw three strong innings on day two. A long-levered 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete, Kaminski’s fastball sat at 84-86 mph from a high release point on average (5.9 ft.) He threw a 76-78 mph changeup with gloveside action and spun a low-70s curveball as well. 

+ Another prospect that seemed to constantly be reaching base was INF John St. Clair (Plainfield North, 2023). The uncommitted right-handed hitter finished 2-for-5 with three walks and a double. St. Clair has a direct, flat swing with minimal wasted movement throughout.

+ OF Isaiah White (Homewood-Flossmoor, 2023) is a name-to-know uncommitted athlete from this event. White ran one of the week’s fastest 60-yard dash times, cruising to a 6.62 time, while also jumping 33.6 inches on the vertical test. He displayed a short, twitchy right-handed stroke that stayed up the middle. White’s athleticism showed on the basepaths, where he swiped a few bags and posted advanced run times out of the box. 

+ UIC commit, Jonathan Fleaka (Lake Zurich) continues to show one of the better right-handed bats in the 2024 class. Fleaka works on top of the baseball, stays direct and flat through the zone with a knack for hard, backspin contact to all fields. Fleaka collected a couple of hits over the the two days including a hard triple.

+ C Enzo Infelise (Providence Catholic, 2025) showed well as one of the younger prospects at this year’s Future Games and continued to back it up at the State Games. Infelise has a strong frame and his right-handed bat fits the mold of a middle-of-the-order bat moving forward. He is rarely off balance and off the barrel as he covers the whole plate and can drive the ball with authority to all fields. Defensively, he is developing behind the plate but has the tools to stick back there including a big arm that plays with life when it syncs up. High-follow 2025 in the state.

+ OF Nolan Maciejewski (Tinley Park) is an athletic left/left outfielder to follow in the 2025 class. Offensively, he has a top of the order type of profile with above-average speed and knack for the game. He singled to the opposite field in the first game on the second day and ran a 4.36 on the turn. He also turned heads later in the day, ranging a long way for multiple fly balls, including a sliding catch down the left-field line showing an innate feel for where the fence was on the slide.

+ C Peter Visconti II (St. Joseph Catholic, WI, 2025) further cemented himself as a high-follow prospect heading into his sophomore year. Visconti produced at the plate over his three game sample, including blasting a no-doubt home run over the left field fence. He’s quiet at the plate with a short, strong swing from the right side that regularly produces quality contact. Visconti’s quick to release behind the plate, working swiftly from the crouch and popping a 2.12 in game. He was certainly one of the event’s top prospects in the 2025 class. 

TEAM 9 (GREEN)

+ RHP Jack Buckalew (Monticello) is an uncommitted 2023 who ran his fastball up to 86.6 mph (2,151 average rpm) to go along with two different breaking balls that both average 2,200+ rpm).

+ After impressing at The Rock earlier this summer, RHP Nate Ciemny (Joliet Catholic, 2023) continued to show live stuff in this look. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound incoming senior pitched at 82-85 mph with his fastball from a quick arm, spinning a sharp, tight 71-74 mph breaking ball to pair. 

+ C/RHP Donald Timon (Mascoutah) cemented himself as a high-follow uncommitted prospect in the state’s 2023 class. Timon broke out on day one, starting by popping a 1.86-to-1.89 in his workout while topping at 79 mph from the crouch. Timon’s arm strength showed in-game, where he repeatedly uncorked true throws with backspin and carry to his target in between innings. He also impressed offensively, barreling a few balls to the pull-side during his three game showing. Towards the end of the week, Timon hopped on the bump and sat 86-89 mph with his fastball, spinning his heater at 2,467 RPM on average. Timon also spun a low-70s curveball at a 2,456 RPM average and while he’s still developing full feel for his arsenal on the mound, he’s certainly an intriguing follow there, too. 

+ Perhaps the event’s most electric pitching performance came from RHP Dominic Voegele (Columbia, 2023), who toed the rubber Wednesday afternoon. Standing at a lean 6-foot-2, 180-pounds with upside, Voegele easily pumped his fastball at 90-91 mph, touching 92 mph with more left in the tank, and commanded it to both corners of the plate. Voegele threw two breaking balls with distinct shapes, too. He tossed a more gradual 75-79 mph breaking ball at 2,600+ RPM, landing it more comfortably for strikes, while turning to a firm low-80s slider as a more swing-and-miss pitch at 2,550+ RPM. Voegele impressed at the plate throughout the event, staying up the middle from a short, quick right-handed stroke. A high level athlete who’s a multi-sport standout at Columbia, Voegele remains a top-end uncommitted prospect in Illinois. 

+ Arguably the top prospect in attendance, regardless of class, was INF Tyler Bell (Lincoln-Way East, 2024; Pittsburgh commit). A high-waisted athlete that’s 6-foot-1, 170-pounds, the switch-hitting Bell displayed a silky-smooth swing from both sides of the plate throughout the event, hammering balls off the barrel with gap-to-gap feel. He’ll grow into more power as he fills out his frame, and Bell owns one of the highest offensive ceilings in his class. Defensively, Bell’s sure-handed actions and arm strength should keep him on the left side of the infield long term. Expect him to be a high-end name in the state’s 2024 class throughout his amateur career. 

+INF Blake Crancer (Normal West, 2024) is a sure-handed defender on the infield with top-of-the-order ability. He worked counts at the plate throughout the event, turning those into added bases by swiping a few bags. Crancer continues to add quality strength to his frame which has allowed his bat to continue to make strides, almost leaving the yard to the opposite field. Crancer showed well on the dirt too, playing through the baseball with soft hands and clean footwork. 

+ OF Destin Edwards (Kenwood, 2024) stood out during the game play portion of the event. Edwards plays the outfield with reckless abandon, going all out and making a number of above-average plays in the outfield including a diving catch. Shortly thereafter he went up against the center field wall and almost hauled in what would have been the catch of the event. Edwards was also on the barrel in the second day of the event, finishing 2-for-2 with a stolen base and RBI in the final game. Hard nosed outfielder in the 2024 class.

+ C/RHP Seth Impson (Springfield, 2024) emerged a two-way follow from this event from Central Illinois. At 6-foot, 165-pounds, Impson’s biggest attribute may be his work behind the plate, where he’s a steady receiver with a quick release, popping 1.87-to-1.94 during his workout, topping at 80 mph from the crouch. His arm strength translated to the mound, pumping his fastball at 83-86 mph while flashing feel for a curveball and changeup. 

+ Another catcher who was hard not to notice behind the plate was Luke Landrus (St. Joseph-Ogden, 2024). Landrus has a 6-foot-2, 170-pound, lean, wide-shouldered frame with plenty more physical development to come. He is highly-athletic behind the plate with one of the best glove-to-hand releases of the event. Landrus was 1.92-2.00 during the workout but flashed a 1.85 in between innings with his arm playing true and with carry. Offensively, he took a highly-intriguing round of BP showing loose, easy hands and plenty of whip and bat speed through the zone while staying balanced throughout. 

+ RHP Trevor Rehnstrom (Glenbard East, 2024) provided an intriguing look on the mound, particularly should he fill out a 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame. Working from a relatively low-effort operation throughout, Rehnstrom’s fastball played at 82-85 mph with more left in the tank. He mixed in a 72-75 mph breaking ball with depth at 2,300+ RPM and also threw a mid-to-high-70s changeup that averaged 15.5 inches of horizontal movement. 

+ OF Trey Thompson (Bloomington, 2024) is a left/left uncommitted prospect with athleticism and sneaky twitch to his game. Thompson’s most impressive moment of the event was when he got the head out and lined a home run over the right-field wall that left the premises in a hurry and got no more than 15 feet off the ground.

+ LHP/OF Remo Indomenico (St. Ignatius, 2025) attended the event as a two-way prospect but his ceiling may be highest on the mound where he showed a clean, upside arm and fastball that topped at 83 mph to go along with a three-pitch repertoire. The polished delivery and clean arm lead one to believe there is a lot more to tap into down the road. 

TEAM 10 (ROYAL)

+ C Damon Brena (Niles West, 2023) swung a potent right-handed bat throughout the two days with his best swing coming in game three, a deep drive to left-center field for a home run. Brena averaged 90.9 mph off the bat in BP with his furthest drive traveling 333 feet.  

+ Perhaps the biggest winner from the event’s second day was LHP/1B Patrick Gardner (Lemont, 2023). At 6-foot-4, 230-pounds, Gardner displayed easy bat strength nestled inside that physical frame, finishing the day with six hits in total and multiple extra-base hits to the opposite field. He also hopped on the mound and struck out six of seven batters faced over two innings pitched, pitching in the low-80s with his fastball while spotting both of his secondary offerings for strikes. Still uncommitted, Gardner certainly caught our attention throughout the weekend. 

+ A recent SIUE commit, RHP Joseph Martin (Newark, 2023) cruised through his first pair of innings, showcasing louder stuff than we had seen in the past. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Martin pumped his fastball up to 88 mph, sitting at 85-87 from a quick arm. Martin also spun a firm upper-70s slider from a similar slot to his fastball, averaging 2,300+ RPM. 

+ Parker Schuring (Huntley, 2023) is a 6-foot-3, 235-pound, uncommitted right-handed pitcher who has been on the rise this summer. Schuring was at it once again touching 86.9 mph with his fastball to go along with an above-average slider at 74-76 mph and an average of 2,327 rpm. 

+ INF Carter Storti (Lemont, 2023) started his week off with an impressive BP round, repeating hard contact (89.4 mph) off the barrel while reaching a peak exit velocity of 97.2 mph. Storti’s offensive talents translated to the gameplay portion, where he found the barrel a few times as the event went on. Defensively, Storti made a sure-handed play on the move in the 6.5 hole, displaying body control and arm strength to pair. He’s an active, high-motor player that’s still uncommitted heading into his senior season. 

+ At 6-foot, 180-pounds, RHP Spencer Boudreau (Bradley-Bourbannais, 2024) impressed at this event, pitching in the low-80s, topping at 83 mph with his fastball. Boudreau featured two breaking balls - a 72-73 mph curveball with tight, late break and a 76-79 mph slider. 

+ INF Jaden Obaldo (Crystal Lake Central, 2024) was an all-around winner offensively from the Illinois State Games, finding the barrel for a few extra-base hits across the event. Obaldo’s a physical right-handed hitter with compact strength attached to a 5-foot-9, 175-pound frame, finding the barrel with gap-to-gap feel. 

+ OF Brandon Schultz (Stevenson, 2024) ran one of the event’s fastest 60-yard dash times, blazing to a 6.62 60-yard dash and reaching a peak speed of 21.1 mph. Schultz’s speed translated to the gameplay portion of this event, and his bat strength showed in BP, peaking at 96.9 mph with a 351 foot max distance. Schultz had a couple of hits throughout the week and his speed played on the bases. In the outfield he topped out at 85 mph on the workout day.

+ A name that had already shown well to our staff this summer, left-handed hitting MIF Jude Warwick (Downers Grove North, 2024) impressed again at the Illinois State Games. His ability to find the barrel in-game is noteworthy, as Warwick backspun line drives to all fields throughout our three game sample. A 6-foot, 148-pound athlete that oozes physical projection and also ran a 6.94, Warwick is certainly a follow name in the state’s 2024 class.

+ RHP/INF Madden Johnson (Mattoon, 2025) popped as an upside follow in the state’s incoming sophomore class. A highly projectable 6-foot, 141-pound athlete with lanky levers, Johnson easily produced low-80s velocity with his fastball, topping at 84 mph, and there’s certainly more to come as he continues to physically mature. Johnson’s confidence and conviction to spin his slider at any point in the count stood out; a pitch that sat 72-75 mph with lateral action at nearly 15 inches of horizontal movement on average. At the plate, he has an athletic left-handed swing that stays short and inside the baseball. Johnson has a feel to hit and can use the whole field. 

+ C John McAuliffe (Marist, 2025) was amongst the weekend’s top offensive performers. The left-handed hitting backstop routinely found the barrel, finishing the tournament 5-for-8 with three loud doubles. At 6-foot, 175-pounds, McAuliffe showed arm strength behind the plate with on-the-bag accuracy, popping at 2.01-to-2.04 during his workout. 

+ INF Gavin Triezenberg (Brother Rice, 2025) has added quality strength and maturity to his now 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame. Triezenberg has long had athletic infield actions and his bat continues to take strides. Triezenberg collected three hits on day two of the event, with one being a double. He also stole a base, scored a run and drove in two.

RELATED CONTENT