On Tuesday, September 26th, the PBR Illinois and PBR Missouri staffs converged on the campus of Saint Louis University to host the annual Battle for The Arch showcase. This invite-only event featured 2024 and 2025 graduates from Missouri and the Metro East area as a whole, pitting participants in a pro-style workout, followed by a simulated eight-inning game.

For a list of all of those that attended, click HERE.

We rolled out several post event content pieces in the day’s after the Battle for The Arch, which you can find by clicking HERE. 

Below you’ll find all of the scouting reports from this event, listed alphabetically. 

+ The day’s two top prospects were LHP Cameron Appenzeller (Chatham-Glenwood, 2025; South Carolina commit) and RHP Brandon Menser (Sesser Valier, 2025). Both were stellar in their two innings of work, and each holds a considerable ceiling on the mound that should reflect within our next update to the state’s 2025 class rankings. Shortly after this event, Appenzeller committed to South Carolina. 

Cameron Appenzeller

+ LHP Nathan Matoush (Hillsboro, 2025) was another arm to know from this event, pounding the strike zone with three pitches across his two innings of work. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound southpaw made for an uncomfortable look at the plate for opposing hitters, touching 87 mph with his fastball and showing feel for a CB/CH mix. 

+ OF Camden Cox (O’Fallon, 2025), INF Bo Gomric (Althoff Catholic, 2025) and INF Hunter Baugh (Edwardsville, 2026) all showed well at the plate. Cox, in particular, was the day’s top offensive performer, picking up two hits in gameplay and lining out with authority to the opposite field in his final at-bat. 

SCOUTING REPORTS (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Cameron Appenzeller, Chatham-Glenwood (IL), 2025; South Carolina commit
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-5, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Clean, easy, and polished movement patterns with all sorts of ease, rhythm, and upside. Simple tall/fall delivery, hips stay closed to footstrike, lead leg hovers as he lands in-line to target. Athletic finish out front, repeats.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, free-flowing arm that stays moving, finishes out of a 3/4 slot.
FB: T88, 84-87 mph. Comes out clean with plenty more to come. Strikes, feel for the corners.  T2324, 2136 average rpm.
CB: 72-75 mph. 1/7 shape with late sharp break at times. Throws it with similar intent to his fastball.  T2313, 2223 average rpm.
CH: 80-80 mph. Maintains fastball arm speed and intent. Prontates naturally with advanced feel, sinks it.  T1588, 1588 average rpm.

Brady Backes, Lasalle-Peru (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-4, 195-pounds.
Delivery: Tall/fall delivery, tight leg lift tuck, open stride with an in-line front foot at landing.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm path, 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 80-83 mph. Low spin, plays straight.  T1883, 1642 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action.  T2203, 2108 average rpm.
SL: 72-72 mph. Similar shape to cutter at a lesser velocity band.  T2282, 2282 average rpm.
CH: 76-76 mph. Used sparingly.  T1754, 1754 average rpm.
CUT: 74-78 mph. Tight spin.

Cash Bailey, Columbia (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 5-9, 200-pounds. Strong, compact frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, quiet setup, short stride. Strong hands, creates bat speed and bat strength. Knack for hard lifted contact to the pull-side. 73.6 mph bat speed with 20.9 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 99 max exit velocity, averaged 91.8 mph. 360’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Quick arm, plays short and from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick release, secures the baseball, steady hands.
Run: 7.52 runner in the 60. 

Hunter Baugh, Edwardsville (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds. Lean, athletic frame with more physical development to come down the road.
Hit: RHH. Wide relaxed setup, minimal pre-pitch movement. Athletic hands, creates whip and intent throughout. Controls the barrel, covers the whole plate and flashes sneaky juice to the pull-side. 64.3 mph bat speed with 11 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 83.9 mph. 325’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 84 mph. Easy arm, plays accurately and with life.
Defense: Clean, easy actions, athletic, moves with ease and body control.
Run: 7.36 runner in the 60. 

Gavin Caldwell, Sacred Heart (MO), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/RHP
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tall/fall type mover, level shoulders, front side stays closed to footstrike, in-line strider that finishes towards the first base side at times.
Arm Action: RH. Short compact arm action, high 3/4 finish.
FB: T84, 80-83 mph. Straight, four-seam type.  T2087, 1901 average rpm.
CB: 73-75 mph. Confident, turned to it when behind in the count. 11/5 shape with depth, landed for strikes and also spotted below the zone for whiffs.  T2362, 2223 average rpm.
CH: 78-80 mph. Firm, used sparingly.  T1925, 1863 average rpm.

Camden Cox, O'Fallon (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-8, 165-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, wide stance, minimal load and short stride. Easy hands, creates leverage, natural lift through the zone and worked hard contact to both gaps. 72.4 mph bat speed with 14 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 88 mph. 343’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 83 mph. Clean arm plays over the top. Throws flash carry and played accurate.
Defense: Attacks the baseball, plays with pace, soft hands and plays through the baseball in rhythm.
Run: 6.90 runner in the 60. 

James Dolley, Lafayette (MO), 2025
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, fluid load and short stride. Loose, athletic hands, stays on-plane, natural lift through the zone and was on the barrel to the pull-side gap throughout his round. 73.8 mph bat speed with 5 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 86.9 mph. 329’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. OF - 81 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.11-2.25 pop times. OF: Secures the baseball, plays through on-line and gains ground through release. C: Athletic mover from the crouch, feet interchange in-line to target, quick hand transfer to release. Confident blocker, quiet receiver.
Run: 7.44 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Dunbar, Glenwood (IL), 2024 Southeastern Illinois
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-1, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, shoulders stay square to home, gets down the mound and finishes square with intent through release.
Arm Action: RH. Long and continuous arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 76-79 mph. Plays straight, favored the corners.  T2143, 1933 average rpm.
CB: 66-68 mph. 11/5 shape with depth at times.  T1798, 1672 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Gradual run, thrown with decelerated arm speed from fastball.  T1270, 1253 average rpm.

Bo Gomric, Althoff (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Upright, narrow setup, long stride. Easy, loose hands, level path, stays through the zone, and flashed sneaky juice to the pull-side. 71.1 mph bat speed with 9 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 77.3 mph. 340’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Throws naturally from multiple slots, arm plays easy and accurate.
Defense: Plays low to the ground, easy actions, natural infielder. Hands play soft and confident, body control on the move.
Run: 6.75 runner in the 60. 

Wil Harris, Mater Dei (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, quiet load and short stride. Direct path, uphill through the zone, flashed bat strength and used the whole field throughout. 72.6 mph bat speed with 12 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 84.1 mph. 321’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short, clean arm, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, steady hands, comfortable on the move, quick release at times.
Run: 7.51 runner in the 60. 

Nathan Higgins, Seckman (MO), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-2, 225-pounds. Strong, compact frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, slightly crouched open setup, smooth load. Strong hands, consistent loud barrels, looks to elevate the baseball to the pull side. 76.7 mph bat speed with 12 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 89.8 mph. 325’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot. Throws play true.
Defense: Confident hands, clean release and moved around the bag with pace.
Run: 7.46 runner in the 60. 

Slater Hooke, St. John Vianney (MO), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Athletic frame with developing strength in lower half.
Hit: LHH. Upright relaxed setup, slightly open, quiet stride that works back to square. Loose, easy hands, stays on-plane and extension through contact. Creates leverage to the pull-side. 72.7 mph bat speed with 17 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 85.4 mph. 367’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 86 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot and throws flashed life.
Defense: Natural outfield actions, proper routes, gets behind the baseball, steady hands and plays through on-line.
Run: 6.93 runner in the 60. 

Alex Kiefer, Mount Vernon (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 180-pounds. Compact frame with strength throughout.
Hit: SH. Similar setup and swing from both sides of the plate. Wide, quiet setup, minimal load and stride. Simple swing, controls the barrel, flat and on-plane through the zone, gap-to-gap approach with occasional leverage to the pull-side. 69.5 mph bat speed with 9 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 81.2 mph. 323’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Short tight arm window, high 3/4 finish.
Defense: 2.07-2.14 pop times. Feet work in line to target, steady exchange, on the bag throughout his round. Square blocker, chests up the baseball. Down to up receiver.
Run: 7.28 runner in the 60. 

Brody Kleffner, Fatima (MO), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 190-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, upright, slightly closed setup, short stride. Quiet, simple swing, repeats, direct path, worked the middle/opposite side of the field.  77.2 mph bat speed with 5 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 81.3 mph. 296’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 85 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the baseball at times, plays through in rhythm, confident hands.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, gets down the mound with intent and creates above-average extension at footstrike.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing finishes out of a loose 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 82-84 mph. Flashed sink, strikes.  T2262, 1997 average rpm.
CB: 72-76 mph. Tight spin off an 11/5 plane, strikes.  T2095, 1869 average rpm.
CH: 77-77 mph. Used sparingly.  T1617, 1617 average rpm.

Bryce Lemp, Collinsville (IL), 2024 St. Charles CC
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-11, 195-pounds. Well-proportioned frame with developing strength.
Hit: LHH. Wide, square setup, minimal load and stride. Strong hands, uphill path, pull-side approach and stays on balance throughout. 72.1 mph bat speed with 18 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 81.5 mph. 327’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 84 mph. Loose, clean arm, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady actions, gets behind the baseball, plays through in rhythm.
Run: 6.94 runner in the
Delivery: Drop/drive delivery, slight front shoulder tilt, stays connected with the rubber, strides in line to target with an upright finish through release.
Arm Action: LH. Arm plays with some length out of draw, tight arm window, 3/4 finish.
FB: T83, 79-82 mph. Plays straight, strikes.  T2086, 1985 average rpm.
CB: 73-74 mph. 1/7 shape, gradual break.  T2345, 2345 average rpm.
SL: 77-77 mph. Similar action to curveball, thrown from a greater velocity band.  T2279, 2279 average rpm.

Nicholas Livingston, Chaminade College Prep (MO), 2024
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-11, 185-pounds. Strong, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load and short stride. Aggressive intent throughout. Big swing, looks to do damage on every swing. Long through the zone and looks to elevate to the pull-side. 70.9 mph bat speed with 13 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 83.7 mph. 307’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short draw out the glove, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.34 pop times. Lower half drifts from the crouch, hips square to target, steady exchange to release.
Run: 7.27 runner in the 60. 

Nathan Matoush, Hillsboro (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-2, 195-pounds.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, tight turn into hip coil, stays closed to footstrike and rotates onto a closed-toe landing.
Arm Action: LH. Some length out of draw, compact on the backside and finishes from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T87, 84-86 mph. Deceptive look out the hand. Plays with some down angle and tilt in the lower quadrant. Strike thrower, confident and attacked hitters.  T2055, 1929 average rpm.
CB: 68-71 mph. Gradual spin with depth, 1/7 shape.  T1888, 1825 average rpm.
CH: 77-81 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed and intent, showed slight arm-side action.  T1716, 1626 average rpm.

Brandon Menser, Sesser Valier  (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-4, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Simple tall/fall type mover, high leg lift tucks in at balance point, strides in line to target and lead leg flashed stability at times. Repeats.
Arm Action: RH. Noticeable arm speed. Short arm path, finishes with intent from a high 3/4 window.
FB: T90, 87-89 mph. Jumps out the hand with carry and life, particularly up in the zone. Challenged often, strikes.  T2408, 2313 average rpm.
CB: 72-77 mph. Downer spin with power, swing-and-miss potential.  T2554, 2382 average rpm.
CH: 77-79 mph. Slight deceleration in arm spin. Limits spin with some fade at times.  T1625, 1555 average rpm.

Noah Petersen, Civic Memorial (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-8, 215-pounds. Compact frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced setup, minimal load and leg-lift trigger. Strong hands, compact swing, heavy barrel and made hard contact throughout; whole field approach. 73.1 mph bat speed with 11 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 87.1 mph. 337’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. Short arm stroke, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.22-2.41 pop times. Lower half lines up to the bag, quick and efficient hand transfer, some accuracy on the bag.
Run: 7.54 runner in the 60. 

Brady Phillips, Carterville (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Simple, athletic mover. Drop/drive pattern, front hip drifts downhill, level shoulders. Backfoot stays connected to rubber with an open-toed landing at front footstrike.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm path that finishes out of a loose, clean 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 81-82 mph. Natural ride/carry through the zone, earned a handful of in-zone swings-and-misses in the upper quadrant during his two innings of work.  T2231, 2078 average rpm.
SL: 70-72 mph. Gradual spin off a 1/7 plane, strikes.  T2162, 1961 average rpm.
CH: 73-74 mph. Natural pronator, plays with fade and thrown for strikes.  T1864, 1420 average rpm.

Greyson Rathgeb, Edwardsville (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced, quiet setup, leg-lift trigger. Sees the ball deep, athletic hands, creates whip and bat speed at times, uphill path, finishes on balance.  69.2 mph bat speed with 19 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 83.1 mph. 348’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 88 mph. Athletic, quick arm, plays from a high 3/4 slots and throws flashed carry and life.
Defense: Athletic actions, plays with pace, light on his feet, attacks the baseball and plays through. Proper routes and gains ground through release.
Run: 7.14 runner in the 60. 

Collin Severson, Sycamore (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, slightly open setup, quiet stride. Easy, loose, athletic hands, creates bat speed and controls the barrel. Above-average bat-to-ball skills, finishes on balance and drove hard contact to all fields. 69.3 mph bat speed with 19 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 87.1 mph. 318’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 81 mph. Over-the-top slot throws play true and accurate.
Defense: Plays fast, light on his feet, easy actions, soft hands and plays through the baseball.
Run: 6.78 runner in the 60. 

Matthew States, Father Tolton Catholic (MO), 2025
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 200-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load and leg-lift trigger. Strong hands, creates bat speed, direct path, controls the barrel and made a lot of hard contact to the middle/pull-side of the field. 70.2 mph bat speed with 13 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 90 mph. 338’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays low to the ground, secures the baseball, clean release.
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60. 

Jake Stedman, Belleville West (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-11, 185-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, minimal load and stride. Strong, intentful hands, creates bat speed and gets extension through contact at times. Hard contact with sneaky leverage to the pull-side. 73.3 mph bat speed with 14 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 89.2 mph. 360’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Clean arm action, plays out of a high 3/4 slot and consistently on the bag.
Defense: Steady defender, plays from the ground up, secures the baseball through release, soft hands.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60. 

Mason Taylor, O'Fallon (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds. Wiry, lean frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, relaxed setup, quiet load. Loose, easy hands, controls the barrel, works uphill through the zone and used the whole field. 64 mph bat speed with 11 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 71.8 mph. 273’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot, accurate.
Defense: Plays light on his feet, gets around the baseball, plays from the ground up and shuffles through release.
Run: 6.85 runner in the 60. 

Brennon Wibbenmeyer, Francis Howell (MO), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 6-2, 195-pounds. High-waisted, athletic build,
Hit: LHH. Wide, slightly crouched setup, minimal load and leg-lift trigger. Direct path, strong twitchy hands, uphill through the zone and looked to elevate to the pull-side. 69.7 mph bat speed with 8 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 80.1 mph. 329’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 90 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot. Throws play true.
Defense: Steady defender, plays through in rhythm, steady hands.
Run: 6.80 runner in the 60. 

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