On July 14, the PBR Wisconsin staff made its return trip to The Rock Complex to host its annual Top Prospect - Milwaukee showcase for prospects headed into their senior years of high school. Each year, this showcase does well to spotlight some of the best incoming, uncommitted seniors in the area, and this year’s roster was especially talented.

We previously began our coverage of this showcase in the days that followed the event, in the form of our Quick Hits and Statistical Analysis posts. We started our positional analysis this week with the catchers, infielders, and outfielders, and we’re onto the pitchers today.

This was a good group of arms, and since there were a handful of notable left-handers, we decided to break up the rankings below by righties and lefties.

One of Wisconsin’s top uncommitted right-handers is Union Grove’s Noah France. His arm is live, able to get to some upper-80s velocity, and he threw arguably the day’s best breaking ball here – a sharp, sweeping slider.

From Illinois, our staffs have seen RHP Daniel Reischl (Loyola Academy) really produce this summer, and he looked excellent at this event, with a clean, loose arm coming from a 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame. Also from Illinois, LHP Jackson Kent (Lake Park) stole the show during his time on the mound, showcasing an explosive fastball that reached 88 mph, and he ultimately earned a commitment to nearby Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Similarly, La Crosse Central’s LHP Dylan Lapic showed upside from the left side, with velocity and hard, late arm-side action that topped 86 mph. Lapic is still uncommitted.

Check out their scouting reports below, as well as the rest of the seniors who took the mound at this mid-July event.

TOP RIGHT-HANDED PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Jacob Kisting, Verona Area (WI), 2021; Bradley commit
Positional Profile: RHP; One of the biggest risers in the state’s senior class after a productive summer season.
Body: 6-5, 185-pounds. Long, lanky levers, high waist; projects.
Delivery: Tilt topple delivery, some effort, works in line, finishes upright.
Arm Action: Long arm action, more of a compact circle, short window release from high ¾ slot.
FB: T87, 84-86 mph. Clean and easy out of the hand, four-seam type. Generates some carry through the zone.
CB: 65-68 mph. Shorter action, 11/5 shape, flashed sharp; inconsistent.
SL: 73-73 mph. Tighter spin, similar plane, more aggressive, more frequent sharp action.

2. Noah France, Union Grove (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP; Among the more interesting uncommitted arms in the state.
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Delivery: Drop/drive type delivery, efficient lower half movement patterns, closed front side, strong lead leg block on landing. Lands square to target with a slightly open toe, stays in line, repeats well.
Arm Action: Long and loose arm action with whippy arm speed; works from a 3/4 slot
FB: T87, 83-86 mph. Four-seam type, showed late-arm side action at times. Averaged 2,240 rpm, maxing at 2,351 rpm.
SL: 75-77 mph. Fastball arm slot and speed. Tight shape, sweeping action, late break. Averages 2,322 rpm, maxing at 2,418 rpm. Authentic swing-and-miss offering, especially to right-handed hitters.

3. Daniel Reischl, Loyola Academy (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP; upside uncommitted arm from Illinois.
Body: 6-3, 185-pounds. Tall, lean body; projects well.
Delivery: Works at a slower tempo, in control, some recoil in finish.
Arm Action: Long, loose arm action, long arm circle to an over-the-top slot.
FB: T86, 83-85 mph. Hard four-seam type, clean out of the hand.
CB: 65-66 mph. Sharp depth, 12/6 shape, 2,419 rpm average spin rate.
CH: 68-69 mph. Sinking action, maintains arm speed.

4. Thomas Ellisen, Kimberly (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/INF; big summer has him rising in the state’s senior rankings.
Body: 6-3, 180-pounds. Athletic with long levers.
Delivery: Tilt topple delivery, max effort, works in line, falls off.
Arm Action: Long, loose, and quick arm action from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T86, 84-86 mph. Clean and easy out of the hand, downhill tilt, steep angle; averaged a 6.90-foot release height.
CB: 73-73 mph. Tight 12/6 action, 1,958 rpm average spin rate. Thrown aggressively.

5. Gage Smith, Appleton North (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP; blooming late into a follow uncommitted arm in the state.
Body: 6-3, 175-pounds. Thin, high waist, long levers.
Delivery: Tilt and topple delivery, slow rock, hip turn, high front side, short stride down mound, momentum carries him to home.
Arm Action: Long arm action, loose, quick out front, ¾ slot.
FB: T86, 82-84 mph. Straight four-seam with some carry through the zone.
CB: 69-72 mph. Sharp depth, 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed, 2,110 rpm average spin rate.
 Slight fading action, maintains arm speed. Aggressive.

6. Ryan Wong, Lane Tech (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP; broke out at this event to land on his state’s 2021 rankings.
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Lean, lanky frame.
Delivery: Stretch only, slight drop and drive delivery, heavy quad load into back leg. High front side, open-toed landing, works in line to target.
Arm Action: Compact arm path works from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 81-83 mph. Lively high-spin pitch; averages 2,336 rpm with a max of 2,521. Four-seam type.
CB: 72-74 mph. Sharp, high-spin offering that spins off a 12/6 plane; averages 2,415 rpm. Current above-average actions that flashed swing-and-miss potential.

7. Kellan Short, Catholic Memorial (WI), 2021; Madison JC commit
Positional Profile: RHP; competitive strike-thrower with a three-pitch mix.
Body: 5-8, 170-pounds. Strong build with barrel chest; compact.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, works in line, finishes athletically.
Arm Action: Long, loose, clean arm action, from a high ¾ slot.
FB: T85, 81-83 mph. Four-seam type, clean out of the hand. Carries at the top of the zone.
CB: 67-70 mph. Works off a 12/6 plane with pronounced depth.
CH: 73-75 mph. Sinking action, slight arm deceleration; ability to spot it.

8. Evan Long, Tomah (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 181-pounds. Strength in long levers, physical frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, some effort, works in line, finished upright.
Arm Action: Long loose arm action, high ¾ slot.
FB: T85, 81-83 mph. Clean and easy out of the hand, four-seam type. Carries through the zone.
SL: 76-77 mph. Tight 10/4 action, 2,095 rpm average spin.
CH: 76-77 mph. Plays straight, flashes sinking action, maintains arm speed. 

9. Thomas Hunt, Almond-Bancroft (WI), 2021; Bryant & Stratton JC
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-0, 190-pounds. Strong lower half.
Delivery: Tempo'd delivery with some drive in the lower half, lead leg swing, level front side, lands square to target.
Arm Action: Compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86, 84-86 mph. Four-seam type, flashed arm-side action and sink at times.
CB: 72-74 mph. 11/5 shape, tight spin at times.
CH: 76-79 mph. Near fastball arm speed, works down in the zone.

10. Preston Piranio, Mukwonago (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/INF
Body: 5-8, 175-pounds. Athletic frame, strong lower half; sturdy build.
Delivery: Stretch only, some effort, works in line, lands soft, finishes athletically.
Arm Action: Long, clean arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 83-84 mph. Heavy type with arm-side run/sink. Feel to locate at the knees consistently.
SL: 72-73 mph. Feel for spin, depth, 10/4 shape.
CH: 76-79 mph. Tunnels well alongside fastball; similar sink/fade.

TOP LEFT-HANDED PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Jackson Kent, Lake Park (IL), 2021; Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit
Positional Profile: LHP; arguably the day’s biggest winner, huge performance here earned him more recognition within his state’s 2021 rankings.
Body: 6-3, 200-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame that projects.
Delivery: Quick tall/fall type delivery, level shoulders, strong lead leg block, lands square to target and works in line.
Arm Action: Compact arm path works from loose, quick ¾ slot.
FB: T88, 84-87 mph. Jumps into the zone with life. Carries with occasional arm-side action, throws it with confidence to attack hitters up in the zone.
CB: 69-70 mph. Works from an elevated arm angle than fastball, thrown with intent. Spins off a sharp 12/6 plane.

2. Dylan Lapic, La Crosse Central (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP; an upside arm to know in Wisconsin’s 2021 class, still uncommitted.
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds. Slender frame with wiry strength, projects. Broad, square shoulders.
Delivery: Simple, low-effort tall/fall type delivery, high balance point, closed shoulders, works in line with target. Controlled rhythm throughout, repeats.
Arm Action: Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86, 83-86 mph. Comes out clean and easy, four-seam type that flashed occasional arm-side action. Effective swing-and-miss pitch up in the zone. More velocity left in the tank.
CB: 70-71 mph. Tight 2/8 shape, some sweep to it at times.
CH: 69-70 mph. Some arm-side action, fade. Somewhat maintains typical arm speed.

3. Reece Piontek, Denmark (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP; upside uncommitted lefty in the state with supporting peripherals.
Body: 6-2, 160-pounds. High-waist, lanky levers; projects.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, uptempo pace, lands in an open position, toe-closed, athleticism involved.
Arm Action: Long and loose arm action from a high ¾ slot.
FB: T83, 79-82 mph. Mostly straight, slight arm-side tail, big carry through the zone. Consistently averages some substantial Induced Vertical Velocity.
CB: 68-69 mph. Inconsistent feel, but the ability to spin is present; flashes sharp 1/7 shape, maxed at a 2,522 rpm spin rate.
CH: 75-76 mph. Arm-side run, keeps arm speed. Projects as a viable third pitch.

4. Taylor Brauer, Union Grove (WI), 2021; McHenry County JC commit
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Lean, athletic, lanky frame.
Delivery: Slight drop/drive type delivery, athletic hip hinge, fluid disengage from rubber, creates extension downhill. Loose front side, works direct to target, falls towards third base side at times.
Arm Action: Short arm action, high ¾ slot.
FB: T82, 78-81 mph. Cuts it at times. Max Induced Vertical Break of 19.5 inches, averages 16.2 inches.
CB: 66-69 mph. Tight shape spins off a 1/7 plane. Occasionally showed sharp actions, feel to spin.

5. Connor Brinkman, New London (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP; performed very well all summer in front of our staff and is still uncommitted.
Body: 6-0, 168-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Delivery: Repeatable drop/drive type delivery, heavy quad load, lead leg swing, closed front side. Open-toed landing, maintains linear progression to target, works in rhythm. 
Arm Action: Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 77-81 mph. Generates arm-side action with carry through the zone; good spin for velocity range, topping 2,317 rpm.
SL: 72-75 mph. 2/8 shape with some sweep, late break at times; strikes. Comfort and confidence with it.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Dylan Ackermann, Newman Catholic (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. Lean, athletic frame that projects.
Delivery: Deceptive tall/fall type delivery, upright posture at balance point, early hand separation, creates above-average extension downhill. Level front side, falls towards third base side at times.
Arm Action: Long, whippy arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 75-78 mph. Showed slight glove-side action; some strikes.
CB: 66-67 mph. 1/7 shape, gradual action. 

Riley Bauman, Stratford (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 166-pounds. Lean and lanky frame.
Delivery: Simple tall/fall type delivery, tall balance point, closed front side, lands square and works in line. Low effort throughout motion.
Arm Action: Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Comes out clean. Plays straight, fills up the zone.
CB: 68-70 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action.
SL: 70-74 mph. Tighter 10/4 shape, fastball arm speed and slot. 

Bobby Black, Evanston Township (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Compact, well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Athletic on the mound, fluid drop/drive type delivery, level front side, strong lead leg block at footstrike. Works linear to target, lands square, repeats.
Arm Action: Long and loose arm path works from a high 3/4 slot. Above-average arm speed for age.
FB: T82, 81-82 mph. Showed late arm-side action.
CB: 66-67 mph. 12/6 shape, breaks early into the zone; leaks up. 
CH: 64-67 mph. Near fastball arm speed. Flashed natural sinking action. 

Calvin Dobbe, Wauwatosa East (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-2, 210-pounds. Strong, broad-shouldered frame.
Delivery: Simple tall/fall type delivery, fluid lower-half movement, strong front side stays closed until footstrike. Lands square to target, works in line, fluid rhythm throughout.
Arm Action: Short and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 77-79 mph. Four-seam type with occasional sink.
CB: 67-68 mph. 1/7 shape. 
CH: 72-73 mph. Near fastball arm speed.

Wyatt Fischer, De Pere (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Lean, athletic frame. Room to add muscle.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, athletic high leg kick, level front side, strong hip/shoulder separation at footstrike. Maintains a linear progression to target, lands square.
Arm Action: Long and loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Two-seam type that plays best horizontally; sink and arm-side run.
CB: 70-72 mph. Spins off a 1/7 plane, gradual action.
CH: 74-76 mph. Slight deceleration in arm action. Natural arm-side run. 

Joe Giricz, Catholic Memorial (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds. Athletic frame with some strength in the lower half.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, athletic lower half, moves well downhill, stout lead leg block. Strong front side, lands square to target, maintains linear progression through an athletic finish.
Arm Action: Long and loose arm action, over-the-top slot. Whippy arm speed.
FB: T83, 80-81 mph. Creates a natural downhill angle from an elevated arm slot, strikes.
CB: 69-71 mph. 12/6 shape with some depth, gradual action; feel to spin. 

Aaron Huibregtse, Oostburg (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/2B
Body: 5-8, 145-pounds. Lean, athletic frame. 
Delivery: Simple drop/drive type delivery, front hip creates forward momentum downhill, closed front side. Works in line to target, lands square, upright finish through release.
Arm Action: Long arm path, 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-79 mph. Has some arm-side action to it at times. Works from a low average release height of 4.89 ft.
SL: 70-72 mph. 10/4 shape, gradual action; confident to throw it whenever. Averaged 2,104 rpm, maxed at 2,459 rpm. 

Evan Jackson, Milton (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Repeatable drop/drive type delivery, moves well downhill, positive disconnection at hand separation. Shoulders stay closed, lands square to target, stays in line.
Arm Action: Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 78-81 mph. Four-seam type with straight actions, occasional arm-side run. Attacks all quadrants, maxed at 2,267 rpm.
CB: 70-72 mph. 11/5 shape, breaks late at times. Throws it for strikes, averages 2,026 rpm with a max of 2,247 rpm. 
CH: 73-73 mph. Used sparingly; some feel to pronate that creates gradual arm-side run.

Marcus Jaworski, Iola-Scandinavia  (WI), 2021; Southwest Minnesota State commit
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-3, 175-pounds. Lean, lanky, high-waisted frame. Plenty of room for added physical development.
Delivery: Unorthodox tall/fall type delivery, high front side, works out front. Square landing, liner direction to target, intentful through release.
Arm Action: Long, whippy arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T84, 82-83 mph. Elevated front side creates a steep downhill angle. Showed arm-side action and gradual sink, too.
CB: 68-70 mph. 12/6 shape, early break.
CH: 72-74 mph. Decelerates arm action some, glides to the arm side. 

Tanner Katers, Ashwaubenon (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 150-pounds. Lean, athletic makeup.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, upright posture at leg lift, closed front side, strong lead leg block at foot-strike. Square landing, directional to target, fluid rhythm throughout and repeats.
Arm Action: Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T81, 78-81 mph. Comes out clean. Occasional two-seam action, running hard to arm-side. Strikes.
CB: 66-70 mph. 12/6 shape with gradual action. Thrown with fastball intent. 
CH: 72-73 mph. Fastball arm speed. Plays straight, slight fading action.  

Eric Lee, St. Charles North (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-2, 165-pounds. Lanky, high-waisted frame that projects.
Delivery: Easy tall/fall type delivery, strong lead leg block, creates extension downhill, maintains direction to target.
Arm Action: Long and loose arm action plays from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 80-82 mph. Most efficient when he stays behind, allowing arm slot to create running action. Does cut it at times. 
SL: 73-74 mph. Spins off a tight 10/4 plane, late break, plays up against right-handed hitters. Flashed swing-and-miss action, feel.
CH: 73-74 mph. Arm-side run, maintains arm speed.

Brennen Miller, Denmark (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Athletic frame, lean build.
Delivery: Drop and dive delivery, smooth rhythm, some effort, works in line, lands soft and athletically.
Arm Action: Compact, short arm action, loose, high ¾ slot.
FB: T82, 79-81 mph. Slight arm-side run.
CB: 66-67 mph. Depth and gradual 12/6 action.
CH: 74-75 mph. Sinking action, slight deceleration.

Sam O'Leary, Janesville Parker (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth tall/fall type delivery, athletic to balance point, controlled finish.
Arm Action: Long arm action from a high ¾ slot.
FB: T79, 77-78 mph. Generates arm-side action, averages -10.8 inches of horizontal break.
CB: 69-70 mph. Gradual 11/5 action.
CH: 72-73 mph. Similar action as fastball, arm-side run/fade.
 
 

Kaden Pfeffer, Union Grove (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. High waist, strength in lower half.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, uptempo rhythm, low effort, works in line, lands square, finishes athletic.
Arm Action: Short, quick arm action, high ¾ slot.
FB: T79, 77-79 mph. Natural arm-side run; feel for strikes at the bottom of the zone.
CB: 65-67 mph. Works off 11/5 plane with some depth, breaks early.
CH: 65-67 mph. Arm-side run, fade, thrown at arm speed.

Carson Possehl, Lodi (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-3, 183-pounds. Lean, athletic frame; high waist, some projection.
Delivery: Slow tempo side step to low knee, level balance point, smooth effort. Shoulder closes, closed landing, good extension down mound.
Arm Action: Short draw, short arm circle, over-the-top slot; loose, and quick arm.
FB: T82, 79-81 mph. Hard, straight action, clean out of the hand; true four-seam with carry.
CB: 68-70 mph. Gradual 12/6 shape; inconsistent feel for spin.
CH: 76-77 mph. Aggressive, straight change; thrown at arm speed.

Tyler Upp, Hortonville (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-2, 230-pounds. Strong lower half.
Delivery: Drop and dive delivery, rushed rhythm, max effort, works in line, falls off.
Arm Action: Short arm action, H 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 81-83 mph. Hard, heavy action with low-spin, averaging 9.7 inches of horizontal break.
SL: 71-76 mph. Shorter action, 10/4 shape.
CH: 74-75 mph. Slight arm-side run/fade; mostly maintains arm speed.

Easton Vertz, Pulaski (WI), 2021; St. Cloud State commit
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 235-pounds. Strong, stout build; durable lower half.
Delivery: Upright start, simple side step to hip turn, athletic balance point. Strides down mound on line, good separation, momentum pulls him to first base side.
Arm Action: Long draw, long arm circle, high ¾ release.
FB: T83, 80-82 mph. Mostly straight four-seam type; above-average carry through the zone.
CB: 71-73 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape, keeps arm speed; raw spin feel.
CH: 75-77 mph. Firm, slight arm-side run, maintains arm speed. Projects as best offspeed.

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