The Illinois Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more. Simply put, the Illinois Scout Blog is loaded with information …

FRIDAY, MAY 29TH

MARQUETTE VS. ROUTT CATHOLIC

Alec Novotney, Marquette, 2026, RHP/INF
Athletic, compact 5-foot-10, 165-pound frame, ranked No. 45 overall in the Illinois’ 2026 class. Earned the start for the Crusaders in their state semi-final matchup against Routt Catholic, (enter line). Tempo’d, athletic mover, gets down the mound in rhythm and with intent. Keeps his direction to the plate, finishes onto a firm and stable lead leg with an in-line landing. Arm draws back into scap retraction out of his glove, travels on a short and compact path to finish out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball works clean out the hand, played straight at 83-85, touching 86 mph early in his outing. Spun two different breaking balls with above-average feel for both. Slider played at 74-78 mph with true lateral tilt, grabbed swing-and-miss in this look. Spun curveball in the low-70s, has more arch and depth than slider, flashed bite, feel for strikes. A soon-to-be junior arm to follow.