By Sean Duncan

In conjunction with the start of the high school season, we have released the updated and expanded Class of 2013 rankings. Over the course of the fall and winter months, we have seen hundreds of talented juniors throughout the state, proving once again that Illinois will deliver another bumper-crop of high-end prospects.

Many players saw their stock soar in the offseason. For the first time since we’ve been ranking the Class of 2013, there is a new No. 1-ranked player. Corey Ray, a left-handed hitting OF from Simeon HS, edged out Harrisburg RHP/SS Ryne Roper for the top spot.

But not by much.

Ray, who’s committed to Louisville, has established himself as one of the premier outfield prospects in the country. Roper, a University of Illinois commit, had been the No. 1-ranked player since early in his sophomore year. Roper’s impressive resume also includes earning the MVP honors at the Midwest Future Games, powered by Under Armour, last August.

Rounding out the top 10 are Downers Grove South RHP Zach Burdi, Hinsdale Central RHP Adam Dressler, Lyons Township RHP/3B Keith Lehmann, Geneva RHP Andy Honiotes, Huntley OF Colin Lyman, Downers Grove South RHP Dan Mayer, Alton C Brent Gibbs, and St. Laurence SS/RHP Kevin Smith.

Burdi catapulted up the ranks after he earned top prospect honors at the loaded Prep Baseball Report Preseason All-State Showcase in February, when he showed a dynamic 89-90 mph fastball to go along with excellent secondary stuff. Other big risers include: Clemente OF Jeremiah Figueroa (No. 21), Providence RHP Yianni Pavlopoulos (No. 22), Lockport C/3B Derek Bangert (No. 32) and Prairie Ridge LHP Mike Reitcheck (No. 34), to name a few.

A look at the top 125 prospects in the Class of 2013