By Sean Duncan

It came down to the final hours, but New Trier outfielder Charlie Tilson and the St. Louis Cardinals finally came to an agreement Monday evening. Tilson, selected 79^th overall in the second round, signed for $1.275 million about seven hours before the deadline.

“It’s an exciting finish to a long spring and summer,” said Tilson. “It’s very relieving, but at the same time, I’ve got to get back at it. I’m very excited to get going.”

The 6-foot, 175-pound Tilson reports to Jupiter, Fla. on Tuesday. As a senior, the left-handed hitting leadoff man earned Prep Baseball Report first team All-State honors and Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year after he batted .406 with 42 runs, 29 stolen bases, 22 RBI and 30 walks.

Tilson was the crown jewel to the University of Illinois’ 2011 recruiting class.

“What made it tough was the coaching staff at Illinois,” said Tilson, who helped lead New Trier to a state championship as a sophomore. “I can’t say enough about the coaching staff. … But it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

In other signing news, Rock Falls RHP/INF Jake Junis signed with the Kansas City Royals for a reported $650,000, a bonus significantly out of slot. The 6-foot-3 Junis was selected in the 29^th round. A four-year varsity standout, Junis earned Prep Baseball Report second-team All-State honors as a senior after he went 8-1 with a 1.11 ERA and 85 Ks in 50 innings. At the plate, he batted .485 with 10 homers, 10 doubles and 52 RBI.