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Preseason All-State Preview

February 15, 2017

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor - Illinois/Wisconsin



The Preseason All-State is one of Illinois’ most highly anticipated events for the top 2018 prospects in the state. This Sunday, February 19 will bring over 100 of the top junior prospects in the state to The MAX in McCook, IL.

77 of the 102 prospects from last year’s Preseason All-State have already made college commitments and 11 of the 13 2017 Illinois’ Super 60 participants were part of last year’s Preseason All-State.

This year’s version is likely to see much of the same success. Arkansas commit, LHP Steven Sanchez (Mundelein) is the top ranked junior in attendance this year. Sanchez is a monster of a southpaw at 6-foot-7, 240-pounds and will likely be included in draft talks this summer. 

Many of the state’s top uncommitted prospects will also be in attendance, as well as some up and comers that are likely to see their stock rise this spring. RHP Ryan Vice (Lincoln-Way Central) is the top available prospect in the state. Vice vaulted into the rankings late last fall with his big 90 mph fastball and has continued to impress this winter. Also, keep an eye out for LHP Danny Zimmerman (Lincoln-Way East) who has flashed improved premium velocity this winter. Along with the aforementioned pair of arms, the mounds could be sizzling this Sunday. LHP James Kulak (Neuqua Valley), RHP Hayden Juenger (O’Fallon), RHP Nate Gomez (South Elgin) and RHP Riley Gowens (Libertyville) could all walk away big winners this weekend.

CLICK HERE for full Preseason All-State Roster.

EVENT ITINERARY

Sunday, February 19 at The MAX

Check-in for Pitchers, Catchers & Two-way players:

8:20 AM-8:40 AM 

Check-in for Position Player only:

10:50-11:10 AM

Pitchers & Catchers 

  •      Stretching
  •      Bullpen Sessions
  •      Mechanical evaluation
  •      15 pitch session (Wind-up and stretch)
  •      Catcher's Evaluations During Bullpen

Infielders, Outfielders, Catchers

  •      Stretching
  •      Running Times (Laser timed 60 yard dash)
  •      Defensive Evaluations (OF's, INF's, Catchers)
  •      Offensive Evaluation
  •      Exit velocity (from a tee)
  •      Live batting practice

Related Content

The Preseason All-State is one of Illinois’ most highly anticipated events for the top 2018 prospects in the state. This Sunday, February 19 will bring over 100 of the top junior prospects in the state to The MAX in McCook, IL.

77 of the 102 prospects from last year’s Preseason All-State have already made college commitments and 11 of the 13 2017 Illinois’ Super 60 participants were part of last year’s Preseason All-State.

This year’s version is likely to see much of the same success. Arkansas commit, LHP Steven Sanchez (Mundelein) is the top ranked junior in attendance this year. Sanchez is a monster of a southpaw at 6-foot-7, 240-pounds and will likely be included in draft talks this summer.