Inside the Illinois 2023 Rankings: Risers and Newcomers
September 13, 2022
After an eventful spring and summer circuit, we are rounding out our rankings updates with the 2023 class.
Earlier this past week we updated the state's overall board and highlighted the top-10, including a few more standout names towards the top. To find that official release, click HERE.
You'll find the complete updated 2023 rankings by clicking HERE.
Risers
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Josh Katz RHP / RHP / Lane Tech, IL / 2023Rankings StateRank: 48 / POS: 20
Pennsylvania commit - 7.05.22 - Strong 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. Took the mound for Top Tier Americans on Friday and showed his usual loud, low-effort stuff. Fastball peaked at 90 mph, sitting at 87-89 mph with late run and sink at times. Started to pitch backwards more the second time through the order with a low-70s curveball that he comfortably landed for strikes at a 2,600+ RPM average.
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Zan von Schlegell SS / 2B / Saint Viator, IL / 2023Rankings StateRank: 63 / POS: 5
St. Thomas commit - IL State Games: 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.
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Gianni Royer OF / 2B / Lake Forest, IL / 2023Rankings StateRank: 64 / POS: 12
Uncommitted - 7.05.22: - 5-foot-11, 168-pound frame with wiry strength and athleticism attached. Hit towards the top of a talented Hitters 2023 lineup and performed throughout the weekend. Repeats a short, compact right-handed swing with ease and showed more juice to the pull-side than we’d seen in the past; drove a few balls deep to left field and homered that way as well. Quality defender in the outfield with advanced arm strength to pair. Was a winner at the Illinois’ Preseason All-State this winter; ran a 6.56 60, peaked at 96.3 mph in BP, and reached a 90 mph max from the outfield. An arrow-up uncommitted name in the Illinois’ incoming senior class.
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Jake Perrino RHP / OF / Benet, IL / 2023Rankings StateRank: 75 / POS: 31
Bradley commit - IL State Games:...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.
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Drew Koenen RHP / Maine South, IL / 2023Rankings StateRank: 76 / POS: 32
Uncommitted - IL State Games:...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.
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