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Team Illinois Future Games: Game 2 Recap

July 26, 2024
By: Tyler Defibaugh
Area Scout, Content

Team Illinois took on Team Kansas in Game Two of the Prep Baseball Future Games and won by a score of 9-7. Team Illinois collected 13 hits on the day, with C Max Heineman (Normal University, 2026) leading the way with three, including a double and an RBI. The Illinois bats got off to a hot start, tallying three runs in both the second and third innings and never looking back from there.

All three of the Illinois catchers had strong showings at the plate with the previously mentioned Heineman, Brandon Thomsen (St. Viator, 2026), and Dylan Kassab (Hinsdale Central, 2026) combining to go 6-for-9 with five RBI and two runs scored.

Heineman is a strong and sturdy 5-foot-10, 186-pound right-handed hitter who showed a knack for finding the barrel consistently. Behind the plate, he worked hard for the pitching staff; showing a willingness to block, while also working to steal strikes.

Thomsen continues to show to be one of the more advanced defenders behind the plate for his class. Standing at a lean 6-foot-1, 188-pounds, he has flexible hips and athleticism out of the crouch, paired with a strong arm that plays true and accurate. The right-handed hitter also drove in a run during the game with a pull-side single.

Kassab was another Illinois bat that was all over the barrel during Game Two, finishing the day 2-for-3 with a double, three RBI, and a run scored. The strong right-handed hitter stands at a durable 5-foot-10, 205-pounds. While standing out offensively, he also received time at first base during the game showcasing athleticism and a high motor on the defensive side of the ball.

One of the louder swings of the day came from toolsy OF Nolan Ramoley (Brother Rice, 2026), who swatted a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth. Ramoley also stood out in center field, displaying easy range and the ability to cover a ton of ground.

OF/UTL Adam Swanson (Ottawa, 2026) continued to swing a hot bat in Game Two, where he finished the day 2-for-3.

For the second day in a row, the Illinois arms impressed all-around. LHP Ian Tosi (Mt. Carmel, 2026) got the start for Illinois and tossed two perfect innings, punching out two while showing upside. The southpaw worked his fastball up to 88 mph while sitting in the 83-87 mph range. He threw both of his offspeed offerings for strikes; with the curveball showing 1/7 shape to both sides of the plate, while the changeup showed arm-side fade and the ability to earn whiffs.

RHP Ryan Duncheon Jr. (East Peoria, 2026) and RHP Keaton Reinke (St. Charles North, 2026) each had loud showings on the bump today.

Duncheon Jr. is a physical 6-foot, 196-pound righty that showed the feel to spin throughout his arsenal. His fastball sat 88-91 mph (T92) with life through the zone (2300+ rpm). Both his slider and curveball kept hitters off balance, with each spinning upwards of 2500+ rpm.

Reinke stands at an upside 6-foot-3, 205-pounds, and punched out two batters over his lone inning of work. He worked his fastball in the 86-87 mph range, while going to a low 70’s slider for strikes.

Team Illinois will retake the field on Saturday, July 27th at 7:00 p.m. against Team Missouri.

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