Every fall for the past nine years, PBR Illinois hosts the Unsigned Senior Showcase, an event targeted for the oldest high school class in the area, this year’s class of 2020. On Sunday, Oct. 6, at The MAX in McCook, Ill., all unsigned seniors are invited to participate in front of college coaches from all levels. Because it is among the last events of the year, it has become one of the busiest showcases on an annual basis.

Last year, approximately 90 of the 150 uncommitted prospects who attended 2018’s Unsigned Senior Showcase went on to school this fall with commitments. 

Among them was a number of high-level arms, including RHP Zachary Gould (Joliet Catholic; UIC commit), RHP Ryan Mintz (Willowbrook; Valparaiso commit) and Jake Kmiecik (Metea Valley; Heartland CC commit). Gould showed a dynamic three-pitch mix and sat 86-88 mph with his fastball. Mintz featured a loose, quick arm, 85-86 mph fastball and a plus changeup at 77-79 mph. Kmiecik, also a talented position player, was up to 86 mph with an athletic arm and more in the tank. 

A couple of physical position players with impressive showings were C Sean Blanchard (Plainfield East; Heartland CC commit) and INF Logan Mantz (Slinger; Madison JC commit). Blanchard impressed with a strong, accurate arm and made a lot of hard contact at the plate. Mantz showed loose, strong hands at the plate and registered the top exit velocity of the event at 101 mph off a tee. Defensively, athletic infield actions, sure hands and topped at 85 mph across the diamond.

For a look at the most up-to-date version of this year’s roster, CLICK HERE. For more information on the event itself, including directions, check-in details, and registration forms, CLICK HERE.

This year, there’s already nearly 120 seniors set to join us on Sunday with number of them ranked in the class. One of the more intriguing arms on the list is RHP Cooper Herold (Minooka). Herold came to the All-State Games last summer and opened eyes with a dominant performance and fastball that was up to 89 mph. Since then he has battled an injury bug but according to reports he is working back to full health and should be one to keep an eye on Sunday. Alongside Herold on the mound should be RHP’s Mason Kottmeyer (Kaneland), James Severson (Lyons Township) and Blake Oesterblad (Loyola Academy). Kottmeyer has a 6-foot-5 frame, loose, quick arm and fastball up to 85 mph. Severson is a strong-bodied arm who showed a firm fastball at 87-88 mph out of the bullpen this summer. Oesterblad is another physical arm with a live arm and fastball that has been up to 86 mph.

Cooper Herold (8.9.18)

Some of the top position players to key in on should be SS Nicholas Serr (Minooka), OF Brendan Holloway (Vernon Hills), OF Cael Geijer (Lincoln-Way East), 1B Chris McDevitt (St. Rita). There are sure to be a number of others who are poised to break out at the event. 

Nicholas Serr (6.18.19)

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ITINERARY

• 8:20 to 8:40 a.m. – Position Players Check-in
   + Stretching
   + 60-yard Dash
   + Defensive Evaluations
   + Offensive Evaluations
   + Round of Batting Practice
  
  
• 1:15 to 1:30 p.m. – Pitchers Check-in
   + Stretching
   + Bullpen Session
  
  
• Catchers stay for both sessions (will be evaluated during pitcher bullpens)

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