This past weekend, the PBR Illinois and Wisconsin staff hosted The Rock Fall Championships at The Rock in Franklin, WI. This event was arguably the most talent we've seen at The Rock at one time, with quality matchups nonstop throughout each day. 

Our scouting staff put together a list of players we deemed as the top prospects in attendance, and you can read up on all of those players, below. 

Takeaways

CANGELOSI SPARKS - JUPITER

+ LHP Nathan Anderson (Lyons Township, 2024) started the nightcap on Friday evening and shut down a quality lineup. Pitches with a high level of confidence and polish. Worked the fastball to both sides of the plate, consistently commanded to the glove side, confident attacking inside with it against right-handed hitters. Change up was an advanced offering that he was attacking hitters with in any count, well above-average feel. Also mixed in a mid-70s breaking ball as a quality third offering. 

+ C Enzo Infelise (Providence Catholic, 2025; Oklahoma commit) continues to cement himself as one of the premier right-handed hitters in the midwest’s 2025 class. The 2022 PBR Future Games alum swings a heavy barrel and has the ability to hit the ball to all fields with authority. In yet another look at one of the top-ranked juniors in the state, his bat speed and feel for the barrel shined once again.He recorded multiple extra-base hits on the weekend, a double to the pull-side gap on Saturday and a double to the back-side gap the following day. 

(Enzo Infelise)

+ RHP Brady Chambers (Lyons Township, 2024; Michigan State commit) continues to give hitters a tough look from a long-levered 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame. The Michigan State commit has shown well in front of our staff across multiple looks in 2023, and carried that success into his start on Saturday afternoon. Chambers ran the fastball up to 87 mph, while primarily working in the mid-80’s with some carry up in the zone. He also showed improved feel for a mid-70s curveball with late break that got plenty of swings and misses low in the zone. Currently ranked No. 53 inside the state’s 2024 class.

+ RHP Tanner Spangler (Morton, 2024) is an uncommitted arm-to-know within the state. Listed at 6-foot-5, 210-pounds, the big right-hander worked his fastball in the 82-85 mph range and paired off a high-spinning breaking ball (2200-2500 RPM), 71-75 mph. He also went to an upper-70s changeup, thrown with fastball arm-speed. 

(Tanner Spangler)

+ SS Tyler Bell (Lincoln-Way East, 2024; Kentucky commit) was fresh off a standout performance at the inaugural PBR All-American Game. He hit leadoff and played shortstop for Sparks Jupiter. The switch-hitting shortstop took a majority of his at-bats from the right-side of the plate on Sunday and showed premium bat speed with the ability to manipulate the barrel. Despite recording just one hit on the day, Bell made for a professional look both in the box and at a premium defensive position.

(Tyler Bell)

+ OF/LHP Brayden Mazzacano (Schaumburg, 2024; Illinois recruit) continues to look the part of a premier two-way prospect in the state’s senior class. Standing at a lean and athletic 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, there is plenty of upside left in his frame. He impressed on both sides of the ball Sunday, first finding the barrel against a left-handed breaking ball and launching it for a triple. Mazzacano then hopped on the mound for an inning in relief, sitting in the upper-80s and mixing in a slider with swing-and-miss traits. 

(Brayden Mazzacano)

+ LHP Matthew Wnukowski (Lake Park, 2024) is an athletic 6-foot-3, 215-pounds with a strong lower half. The southpaw is currently ranked within the top-150 in the state’s senior class and is one of the top uncommitted left-handed arms. He works on the mound with a low effort operation. After a bumpy first inning of work, he settled in nicely. Wnukowski pitched comfortably in the low-80s with a riding fastball, and mixed in a pair of developing breaking balls. 

(Matthew Wnukowski)

CANGELOSI SPARKS BLACK 2024

+ LHP Tyler Ledvina (Lincoln-Way East, 2024) is an uncommitted name-to-know who has shown well for our staff in back-to-back weekends. The southpaw has athletic actions on the bump with an arm that has quick acceleration out front. In this look, his fastball sat 86-89 mph in the first inning, but settled in the mid-80s. He’s also shown two quality off-speed offerings in both his curveball and changeup. A 6-foot, 170-pound frame, Ledvina has projection in his build, and with his recent showings on the mound, he’s only trending up from here.

(Tyler Ledvina)

+ Presenting some of the best bat speed and natural power on the day, INF Bobby Kutt (Providence Catholic, 2024) impressed on Sunday, going 2-for-2 with a double and home run against quality arms. In a strong 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame, Kutt proved to handle the bat with ease, showcasing an aggressive barrel and ability to elevate the baseball with power to all fields. 

(Bobby Kutt)

+ 1B Ryan Groberski (Lockport, 2024) is an uncommitted power bat still on the market in IL. Strong-bodied, 6-foot, 210-pound frame. The right-handed hitter is routinely on the barrel in front of our staff with power to all fields; the power was on display this weekend as he easily left the yard to his pull-side. Short knee-knock stride helps transition his weight back and through his stroke, stays flat with a quick barrel through the zone. 

(Ryan Groberski)

CANGELOSI SPARKS BLACK 2025

+ RHP Cooper Eggert (Providence Catholic, 2025) gave a polished look over the weekend. Feel for a three-pitch mix, starting with a fastball in the 84-86 mph range with around 2300 RPM. Clear confidence in his changeup, thrown often and with deceptive arm-speed, 75-80 mph with dive to the arm-side. Also went to a sweeping breaking ball in the low-70s that he threw to both right and left-handed hitters. 

(Cooper Eggert)

+ 3B Aidan Nohava (Brother Rice, 2025) was a standout in a couple different facets over the weekend. The third-baseman showed clear feel for the position, making multiple charging plays on short-hops and showing body control on throws across his body. Soft and confident hands, projects to stay on the infield at the next level. The right-handed hitter collected numerous hits throughout the weekend; hanging his foot for rhythm and firing through with a flat path. 

(Aidan Nohava)

+ INF Nathan O’Donnell (Providence Catholic, 2025; Creighton commit) continued to swing a hot bat this weekend, as the recent Future Gamer collected multiple knocks in our brief look. Showed the ability to remain on-time and adjust to off-speed, keeps his hands back and fires through with a flat path. Soft hands with fluid footwork on the infield, easy range to both sides of the glove. 

CANGELOSI SPARKS NORTH 2024

+ C Zach Bava (Naperville North, 2025; Illinois State commit) was one of the biggest winners throughout the summer circuit, performing well at not only the PBR Future Games, but the Illinois State Games as well. Bava is a high-motor backstop that is quick out of the chute with above-average arm strength and quality receiving actions to pair. The left-handed hitter has also shown advanced feel for the barrel all year. Bava carried that success into Friday nights’ game, working multiple quality at-bats and barreling a double the other way. Recent Illinois State commit, currently ranked No. 25 in the 2025 class.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX ACE

+ LHP Justyn Hart (Lincoln-Way East, 2024; Missouri commit) has long been one of the top arms in the state’s 2024 class, and gave another upside look this weekend. The left-hander moves extremely well down the mound while standing at a sturdy 6-foot-2, 224-pound frame. Hart works from a composed delivery with a high leg kick. After a shaky first inning, he settled in nicely, pitching at 84-86, T87 mph to both sides of the plate. Hart played off the fastball using a mid-70s changeup with late break to the arm-side forcing awkward swings and misses.  Currently ranked No. 27 in the Illinois ‘24 class.

(Justyn Hart)

+ UTIL Jonah Weathers (Marian, 2024) is one of the top uncommitted prospects still on the market in Illinois. Currently ranked No. 51 in the state, the former Future Gamer was all over the barrel Saturday, collecting two doubles in our brief look. His swing looks to be a bit more fluid than in years past, loading with more rhythm to help stay on time before firing through the zone with a quick barrel. Showed above-average base-running abilities, reading balls in the dirt and always looking to take the extra base. 

(Jonah Weathers) 

+ C Sir Jamison Jones (St. Rita, 2024; Illinois State commit) continues to look the part as a premier power bat in the state. Easy jump off the barrel with a simple load, fires through the zone with strong hands and a flat path with easy power to all fields. Vocal leader behind the plate, strong hands that work to present the ball around the zone. Clean catch/throw operation with accurate throws on the bag between innings. 

(Sir Jamison Jones) 

+ OF Khamaree Thomas (Kenwood, 2024; Michigan State recruit) is an athletic 5-foot-8, 160-pound spark-plug with above-average speed that translates in-game. A standout at the 2022 PBR Future Games and the past two Illinois State Games, Thomas is one of the top defensive outfielders in Illinois’ senior class. He glides around the outfield with ease, making balls hit to the gap look routine. Sneaky power at the plate, driving the ball to the left-center wall for a ground-rule double. 

(Khamaree Thomas) 

+ MIF Joey Barboza (De La Salle, 2024; Davenport commit) is a lean and projectable 5-foot-11, 160-pounds with plenty of room to continue adding strength. Barboza made for an athletic look at shortstop on Sunday, showing off his range to both his arm-side and glove-side for multiple quality defensive plays. He also got the job done offensively, recording a pair of hits, including a triple to the pull-side gap.

(Joey Barboza)

+ LHP Kevari Thunderbird (Kenwood, 2024; Eastern Kentucky commit) looked to have one of the better breaking balls in attendance on the whole weekend. The southpaw ripped off a low-70s sweeper with sharp lateral action, thrown both for strikes and to put hitters away. Tunnels especially well off fastballs that start up and out of the zone. His fastball cruised in the 85-87 mph range with heavy arm-side run at times. Loose and projectable, should continue to add on velocity as he fills out.

+ 1B Savion Flowers (Kenwood, 2024; Eastern Kentucky commit) has been on the rise as of late, and this weekend was yet another quality look. Currently ranked No. 14 in the state, Flowers has some of the highest upside in Illinois. Listed at 6-foot-5, 200-pounds with lean strength and room to add on even more physicality. The left-handed hitter has an effortless stroke, using his levers well to create launch off the barrel with power to all fields. Long/athletic strides around the base-paths allow him to cover ground easily, also quick out of the box. Quality defender at first with soft hands and fluid footwork around the bag. 

(Savion Flowers)

CUBS SCOUT TEAM

+ RHP Cameron Sullivan (Mt. Vernon, IN, 2024; Notre Dame) is one of the top arms in Indiana’s 2024 class, currently ranked No. 4 in state (No. 134 nationally). The high-end arm has noticeable control within his delivery and moves with intent and athleticism down the mound. A quick arm with clear acceleration out front, Sullivan pumped his fastball up to 91 mph, sitting mostly 87-91 mph. He mixed in a swing-and-miss slider that sat 82-83 mph with 2700 RPM.

(Cameron Sullivan) 

+ LHP Ethan Lund (Hamilton Southeastern, IN, 2024) who recently came back onto the market after decommitting from Purdue, showed well in this look. Ranked No. 7 in Indiana’s 2024 class (No. 175 nationally), Lund was dominant against a talented Red Scout Team. He threw two innings and struck out two, allowing no runs or hits. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound southpaw has projection in his frame. An easy delivery with minimal effort, Lund ran his fastball up to 90 mph, but consistently sat in the upper-80s. He showed feel to spin a breaking ball (2400-2600 RPM) in the upper-70s, too.

(Ethan Lund) 

+ RHP Max Winders (Carmel, IN, 2024; Western Kentucky) was yet another high-level arm from the Hoosier state that impressed during his brief stint at The Rock. Winders has a strong frame at 6-foot-5, 205-pounds. In two innings of work, he struck out three and walked one. His fastball sat in the upper-80s with 2500+ RPM, all while mixing in both a breaking ball at 77-80 mph and a changeup in the low-80s.

(Max Winders) 

+ RHP Eric DeCosta (Wheaton Academy, 2024) keeps impressing with every look. A riser in our recent ranking update, DeCosta is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound premium uncommitted right-handed arm. In the two innings of relief work, DeCosta punched out four batters with a fastball playing up to 91 mph and sat 89-90 mph. A true slider with an average of 2500 rpm played as the main secondary off-speed, throwin with confidence at 80-81 mph. 

(Eric DeCosta) 

+ RHP Alex Graber (Homestead, 2024; Northern Illinois commit) impressed with an innate feel to spin his breaking ball. The right-hander went to his sweeping slider often, playing with sharp 10/4 action at 78-80 mph and playing with over 2600 RPM at times. His fastball played in the 87-89 mph range with life through the zone. He also flashed a straight changeup in the low-80s to fill out his arsenal. 

ELITE BASEBALL TRAINING

+ On Sunday, RHP Sam Hays (Munster, IN, 2024) provided an upside look out of the ‘pen for Elite Baseball Training. Listed at a long 6-foot-1, 170-pounds, Hays is a controlled mover on the bump, working in-line to home with a controlled finish. In his outing, Hays ran his fastball up to 85 mph, while sitting in the lower-80s throughout and it spun at over 2,400 RPM on average. His spin traits carried over to his low-70s breaking ball, as that averaged over 2,700 RPM and played with sharp 11/5 action. 

+ RHP Michael Furmanek (Plainfield East, 2024) gave one of the more intriguing looks on the entire weekend. Listed at a highly projectable 6-foot-6, 195-pounds, Furmanek still has plenty filling out left in his frame. The uncommitted right-hander has a deceptive crossfire delivery, and when paired with his low ¾ release makes for an incredibly tough look for opposing hitters, especially right-handers. His fastball cruised at 84-88 mph, still touching 88 mph in the fourth inning and playing with extreme run and sink through the zone, thrown to both sides of the plate. To pair off the fastball, he went to a 10/4 sweeping slider, thrown at 75-76 mph. Furmanek did not allow a single hit or run over his four innings of work. 

(Michael Furmanek)

+ INF Charlie Kalil (Evanston, 2024; Claremont-Mudd-Scripps commit) gave numerous strong looks throughout the weekend. 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame, athletic with room to add on strength. The right-handed hitter hangs his foot throughout his load for timing before firing through the zone with a flat and direct path, getting his A-swing off time and time again. 

(Charlie Kalil)

+ RHP Henry Rouch (Evanston, 2024; Lafayette commit) had a loud showing on Saturday evening. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound right-hander topped out at 90 mph, cruising in the 86-89 mph range throughout his three innings of work. He also went to a sweeping breaking ball in the 73-75 mph range with feel for the zone. Rouch recorded eight of his nine outs via the strikeout. 

(Henry Rouch)

+ An uncommitted arm to know in the 2024 class after this weekend is RHP Cole Noreuil (Delavan, 2024). Standing at 6-foot, 190-pounds and ranked No. 86 in the state, Noreuil dominated on Saturday. He worked with an upper 80’s fastball that sat 87-89 mph, T90 early on, while mainly playing in the mid 80’s later in the game. Noreuil mainly used fastballs throughout his six innings, but would mix in a tight breaking ball in the mid-70s for swings and misses when needed. Noreuil’s final line: 6 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 12 K.

(Cole Noreuil)

GRB RAYS 2024

+ RHP/INF Keagen Jirschele (Mosinee, 2024) - Jirschele, who represented the Badger State at the 2022 PBR Future Games, is one of the top-ranked uncommitted athletes in the state’s senior class. He has added strength to his frame since we last saw him over the summer, and the bat-speed was noticeable. In the first game on Sunday, he hit cleanup for the Rays. Jirschele showed a knack for the barrel and the ability to drive the ball the other way. He launched a loud bases-clearing double to the opposite-field wall, missing a grand slam by a matter of inches. Later on in the day, Jirschele showcased his two-way abilities as he hopped up on the mound to finish the weekend off. On the mound, Jirschele gets all of his strong, 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame into it, working aggressively downhill and pairing it with a strong and quick arm. During his outing, Jirschele sat in the upper-80s throughout and touched 88 mph multiple times, too. He also featured a tight, short slider in the high-70s that he was able to throw in and around the zone. He rounded out his three-pitch mix with a low-80s changeup that was used sparingly, but did flash some fade to the armside. 

+ RHP Garrett Shupe (Mosinee, 2024) is an upside 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-hander to note from the weekend's talented tournament. On the mound, Shupe is a controlled and fluid mover, pairing it with a loose arm. In his outing, Shupe sat in the 85-87 mph range with his fastball that he pounded the zone with. His breaking ball, which spun at over 2,500 RPM at times, played with 11/5 action and flashed sharpness. After a big showing at the Eastern Wisconsin Open just last month, Shupe continues to trend in the right direction following his performance at The Rock. 

(Garrett Shupe) 

+ RHP Carter Lund (Cambridge, 2024) had an upside look in the night cap of Saturday’s slate of action, rushing his fastball up to 86 mph. Over his two innings of work, Lund struck out four batters and didn’t allow a hit, maintaining his momentum after a strong spring and summer. In addition to a fastball that sat in the mid-80s with carry, Lund showcased a quality breaking ball that was thrown for strikes and used as an out-pitch. That combination, paired with the ability to get ahead of batters allowed Lund to find success, emerging as a solid right-handed pitching prospect that remains uncommitted. 

(Carter Lund)

+ INF Eason Hurd (Ashwaubenon, 2024; Creighton recruit) is another member of Wisconsin’s 2022 Future Games team that has continued to find success. He was an offensive catalyst for the Rays on Sunday, recording multiple hits and driving in multiple runs. Hurd has begun to fill out his strong 5-foot-10, 185-pound frame and swings a strong right-handed bat and has feel for the barrel. He showed well defensively, too, with some quality plays at the hot corner.

(Eason Hurd)

+ MIF Tate Schmidt (Waunakee, 2024; Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit) has been one of the biggest winners in the state’s senior class since the turn of the calendar year. The left-handed hitting middle infielder is an athletic 6-foot, 155-pounds with plenty of room to continue adding strength. He led off for the Rays and started at shortstop for Sunday morning’s matchup. Offensively, Schmidt showed his plate coverage and athleticism in the box with an extra-base hit that was shot over the head of the shortstop. 

(Tate Schmidt)

GRB RAYS 2025

+ INF/RHP Jaxon Clayton (Brookfield Central, 2025) had himself a weekend in Franklin, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Beginning at the plate, Clayton showcased a knack for finding the barrel and becoming a power threat – hitting a home run on Sunday and following it up by nearly leaving the yard on Sunday. His quick hands and added strength to a 6-foot-1, 182-pound frame helped guide Clayton at the plate. On the mound, Clayton worked a fastball in the mid-80s (T86 mph) and presented a mature feel for a sharp breaking ball and cutter. The breaking ball froze batters and generated swings and misses. He utilized the cutter to miss barrels, as the pitch was thrown with fastball intent. Clayton’s weekend was a summary of the success he’s earned on the diamond over the summer, as he sits at No. 18 in the Wisconsin 2025 rankings. 

(Jaxon Clayton)

+ RHP Adam Urban (Wauwatosa West, 2025) put together a quality showing on Sunday, presenting his fastball in the mid-80s and quality curveball that our staff witnessed in Georgia at the PBR Future Games just a couple of months ago. Despite struggling with command at times, Urban still earned swings and misses in his appearance. The right-hander had the ability to spin a tight breaking ball for strikes, throwing hitters off balance on a consistent basis. One of the top uncommitted right-handed pitchers in Wisconsin’s 2025 class.

(Adam Urban)

+ 1B/OF Bennett Cagle (Edgewood, 2025) came away as one of the biggest winners of the weekend, displaying his natural and improved power at the plate. In an athletic 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame, Cagle presents a short, direct swing to the ball. In an effortless fashion, the right-handed hitter collected two home runs in his first game on Sunday – one to straight away centerfield and the other to the pull-side. After exiting the Milwaukee Open as a standout prospect in Wisconsin’s 2025 class, Cagle followed it up with a strong summer and maintained his momentum in the fall. His long and physical frame projects well for the future as he begins his junior year. 

(Bennett Cagle)

+ C Terek Verhage (Monona Grove, 2025), after representing Team Wisconsin at the 2023 PBR Future Games in late July, provided our staff with another quality look at the plate. The left-handed batter went 3-for-3 in his first game of the day on Sunday, including hitting a double and triple to the pull-side. Verhage has a direct path to the baseball and excels when it comes to making loud contact. A scrappy athlete at 5-foot-10, 165-pounds, Verhage is a name-to-know in the Badger State’s 2025 class. 

(Terek Verhage)

+ RHP Jack Poellot (Lake Country Lutheran, 2025) had a very strong showing this weekend which included six strong innings of no run baseball. Poellot showed clean, consistent mechanics with a strong upper body that helped him stay around the zone. Throughout the six scoreless, Jack ranged from 85-88 mph with some arm side run on the fastball, combining it with a tight 11/5 slider that sat 74-76 mph. 

GRB RAYS - ILLINOIS 2024

+ RHP Tyler Tylka (Wauconda, 2024) provided our staff with a strong look over the weekend, cruising at 85-86 mph with ride through the zone and pairing off a sharp 11/5 breaking ball at 72-75 mph (2400 RPM). He also went to a changeup to change pace, working at 79-80 mph. Easy and loose operation with more in the tank. 

+ Recent PBR Future Game participant LHP Toby Peterson (Palatine, 2025) showed some of the loudest stuff out of the bullpen this weekend. Peterson stands at an athletic 6-foot-2, 170-pound frame and works from an up-tempo delivery with a 3/4 arm slot. Peterson went toe-to-toe with a loaded Cangelosi Sparks Jupiter team that featured a plethora of Division 1 commits. The left-hander came out firing, consistently working in the 85-87 range with the fastball. Peterson often went to a tight, upper-70s slider, throwing it for both strikes and swings and misses. 

(Toby Peterson) 

+ C Benjamin Mitchell (Harvest Christian, 2025) has been trending up in 2023 after a strong showing at the Illinois State Games. The Junior is built at a physical 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame with strength throughout. Despite a larger frame, Mitchell is a mobile defender behind the dish and displays quality catch/throw actions. The right-handed hitter put his power potential on display Saturday afternoon, blasting a home run to left while using a wood bat at Milkmen Field. Mitchell registered some of the highest exit velocities back in August at the State Games, and continues to show quality pop with feel for the barrel.

+ INF Gavin Duran (Harvest Christian, 2024) was a winner at the Illinois State Games in August, and recently committed to John Wood CC. The left-handed hitting infielder carried that positive momentum into Saturday, making hard contact to all fields while making some noteworthy plays on the dirt. Duran is built at a compact 5-foot-7, 175-pound frame with strength throughout and is currently ranked No. 70 in the state’s 2024 class.

GRB RAYS - ILLINOIS 2025

+ OF Ryan Dabe (Huntley, 2025) is an uncommitted name to know within the state. Listed at 6-foot-1, 185-pounds, Dabe has some lean strength throughout while still holding room to add on muscle. Seeing a good portion of his time in center-field, Dabe more than held his own; showing quick first steps and jumps on balls in the gap, also showing above-average range while tracking down a ball deep in the right/center gap. There’s controlled aggression in his right-handed swing as he looks to lift the ball with an uphill pre-set in his shoulders. 

+ INF Quinn Lechner (Marengo, 2025) popped up as a scrappy top-of-the-order profile. Compact and athletic 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame with room to add on strength. Lechner impressed with adjustments mid at-bat and the ability to recognise spin. Open setup that works back to even in-stride, fires through the zone with quick hands and a flat path, looking to keep the ball on a line. 

(Quinn Lechner) 

+ Physical 5-foot-10, 185-pound RHP Wilson Wemhoff (Hampshire, 2025) was a big-time standout during Friday night’s slate of games. Ranked No. 106 in the class, Wemhoff showed confidence and feel for his two offerings, punching out 11 over five innings of work. Wemhoff was sitting 82-85 mph with the fastball for most of the game before turning it up a notch at the end of his start by sitting 85-87 mph. Wemhoff paired his fastball with a sharp, 11/5 shaped breaking ball that could create swing and miss to both lefties and righties, 74-76 mph. Wemhoff’s final line: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 11 K.

(Wilson Wemhoff)

GRB RAYS - ILLINOIS YELLOW

+ Fresh off an Illinois State Games appearance, uncommitted RHP Charlie Taczy (Cary-Grove, 2025) put together a gritty performance against a very tough Reds Scout Team lineup on Saturday. Taczy stayed on the offensive throughout his start, going right at hitters and throwing all of his pitches for strikes. Taczy’s repertoire consisted of a low 80’s sinking-fastball (T83 mph), a horizontal-type breaking ball that played 70-73 mph, and an upper 70’s changeup that seemed to be Taczy’s out-pitch for the day. Taczy would go on to punch out 11 batters in his 5.1 innings of work. Currently ranked No. 94 in the state.

(Charlie Taczy)

GRB STIKS 2024

+ INF Eddie Rynders (Wisconsin Lutheran, 2024; Kent State commit) looked the part as one of the top players in Wisconsin’s 2024 class this weekend, as the physical 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete ranks at No. 10 currently. His bat speed and confidence at the plate separates him on the diamond. Rynders showcased quality timing and patience, while also finding his share of barrels over the weekend. Ever since the Milwaukee Preseason ID, Rynders has been a standout in the state, and continued to write that narrative over the weekend. The Kent State commit finished with five hits in three games of action for his team. 

(Eddie Rynders)

+ It was a similar storyline for LHP Brolan Frost (Elkhorn Area, 2025; Iowa commit) over the weekend, as the left-hander battled a strong Cangelosi Sparks Black 2024 lineup over 3.1 innings of work with three strikeouts. Frost, at a long and lean 6-foot-4, 165-pound frame, utilized a three-pitch mix to navigate through his opponents. He retired all 10 batters he faced, highlighted by an 83-85 mph fastball with some sink. The Iowa commit kept everything low in the zone and welcomed contact, forcing roll-over ground balls with the help of a deceptive changeup and quality breaking ball.

(Brolan Frost) 

+ RHP Peter Kussow (Arrowhead, 2025; Louisville commit) made his return after missing a majority of the spring and summer due to injury. It was a short, but electric, outing for the Louisville commit, who ranged his fastball from 86-88 mph. Arguably his best pitch though was his slider, featuring sharp break and tight spin – something our staff witnessed early on in the winter at the West Milwaukee Preseason ID. He averaged an RPM of 2,686 there, and looked the part at Franklin High School on Sunday. The current No. 3 ranked prospect in Wisconsin’s class has a mature and electric arsenal to work with, looking to maintain his progress over the winter and into the spring. 

+ INF/RHP Greyson Zach (Pewaukee, 2025) was another member of Team Wisconsin at the Future Games and over this weekend, provided our staff with the first look at him since. Despite his physical 6-foot-3, 210-pounds, Zach is an impressive athlete as he is a 6.84 runner in the 60. At the plate, he swings a strong-right handed bat that is quick and direct to the ball. In his first game of the day, Zach’s power potential was on full display as he blasted a walk-off homerun over the center field wall to get GRB-STiKS off to a 1-0 start. 

(Greyson Zach) 

+ 6-foot, 185-pound LHP Tyler Wille (Kettle Moraine, 2024; Davidson commit) turned in an impressive scoreless start Sunday. Wille was very efficient throughout his outing and got better as the game went on. Mainly working in the upper 80’s (T89 mph multiple times) Wille’s fastball played with arm-side run, and had a feel for the whole strike zone. He mixed in a short breaking ball as a show-pitch when needed, but used his changeup that had fading actions as his out-pitch throughout the start playing in the mid 70’s. Wille turned in a final line of: 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, and 3 K.

GRB STIKS 2025

+ 3B Daniel Kibler (New Berlin West, 2025) impressed on day two of the tournament, showcasing noteworthy bat-to-ball skills. With some strength in his 5-foot-11, 190-pound frame, Kibler swings a simple and controlled right-handed bat that stays in the zone. On Saturday, Kibler found two hits, which included a single and a double off of high-80s velocity. 

GRB STIKS TEAL 2025

+ RHP Ethan Arnold (Fond du lac, 2025) is a lean and wiry right-hander that showed some upside on the mound. 6-foot, 155-pound frame with room to fill out. Arnold worked his fastball up to 80 mph and paired off a low-70s curveball, playing mostly down in the zone. 

+ Another projectable right-hander that showed well for STIKS was RHP Brock Goral (Waukesha West, 2025). Goral worked his fastball in the 78-80 mph range with slight run to the arm-side. To pair off the fastball he went to a 10/4 slider in the 70-72 mph range.

HITTERS 2024

+ It seems that every time our staff gets a look at INF CJ Trask (Oak Creek, 2024; Bradley Commit), he is all over the barrel, and our time at The Rock was no different. To kick off the weekend for Hitters, Trask got off to a hot start as he went 3-for-3, which included a deep double to the left-field wall, and a homerun over the left-center wall. Also, he was a lockdown defender on the infield, with up-the-middle actions and arm strength that will stick on the infield in the long term. Trask is a name who has been on an upwards trajectory for a good chunk of his prep career, and he continued to do more of the same over the weekend.

(CJ Trask) 

+ RHP Nolan Buss (Arrowhead, 2024; Kansas State commit) is one of the most intriguing arms inside of the Badger State’s now senior class. Built at a strong 6-foot-, 190-pounds, Buss generates some electric arm speed that reached highs of 92 mph during his outing at The Rock, while sitting in the 88-91 mph range. For his offspeeds, he spun in a high-70s slider with sharp, late bite and was confident in a fading changeup that was used against left-handed hitters. While all of Buss’ offerings are impressive in their own right, the funk in which they are delivered make them play up even more, making Buss one of the most unique and impressive arms inside of the state.

(Nolan Buss) 

+ RHP Nick Bestrick (Sandburg, 2024) is an uncommitted right-hander to know within the state. 5-foot-10, 180-pounds with some strength throughout. Bestrick worked his fastball in the 85-87 mph range while spinning it over 2400 RPM at times. He showed confidence in a mid-70s breaking ball, spinning around 2300 RPM with feel to land for a strike and to put hitters away. 

+ INF Seth Koci (Indian Trail, 2024) is an athletic uncommitted prospect to know inside of Wisconsin’s senior class. Built at a strong 5-foot-11, 185-pounds, Koci was all over the barrel throughout the entirety of the weekend, highlighted by a pair of two-hit performances. At the plate, Koci swings a quick and direct right-handed bat that has continued to add more power with each look we get at him. Defensively, Koci, who manned second base for a majority of the weekend, held it down, playing with athleticism and also showed sure-handed actions.

(Seth Koci) 

+ INF Brock Lulewicz (Muskego, 2024; Wichita State commit) is an athletic 6-foot-1, 195-pounds and one of the top-ranked left-handed bats in Wisconsin’s senior class. The 2022 PBR Future Games participant was all over the barrel this past weekend, recording a hit in each competition. He took quality at-bats each time he stepped into the box, working the count and spoiling pitches. He got the scoring started on Sunday for Hitters, as he fought off a pair of left-handed breaking balls and singled the other way to score a run. Defensively, Lulewicz started at third and made several quality plays at the hot corner. He showed range and a strong enough arm to remain on the left-side.

(Brock Lulewicz)

+ 1B/OF Jackson Brewer (Brookfield Central, 2024; Columbia commit) is one of the state’s top offensive threats and he played like it over the weekend. The Columbia commit boasts a physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame and from the left-side he swings a quick bat that produced a number of hard hits. His best performance of the weekend came on Saturday, as he logged a pair of hits, including a double and drove in one run. Despite his larger frame, Brewer has marked 60-times as low as 6.75 before and has recently been making the transition to the outfield which adds even more to his already impressive prospect stock. 

+ Committing to Madison College just days after the tournament's conclusion, RHP Landon Dessart (Union Grove, 2024) provided an upside look during the weekend. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound right-hander was impressive in his start, as he sat in the low-to-mid-80s (T86 mph) with his lively fastball that plays up. He mixed in two different breaking balls; the first being a traditional curveball that played with 11/5 action in the low-70s and the second was a tight slider that featured more horizontal break in the mid-to-high-70s. He rounded out his four-pitch mix with a high-70s changeup with fading action and occasional depth. 

+ OF Cade Palkowski (Oak Creek, 2024; North Carolina Commit) continued to look the part as one of the top outfielders in Wisconsin’s senior class. Standing at an athletic 5-foot-11, 190-pounds, Palkowski led off and started in CF for Hitters on Sunday. The 2022 PBR Future Games standout was all over the barrel, recording an extra-base hit off the wall to start the game and sharply lining out in a later at-bat. He also showed off his speed and range in center field, tracking down multiple fly balls in each gap.

(Cade Palkowski) 

HITTERS 2025

+ RHP Ethan Bauerschmidt (Tremper, 2025; Penn State commit) showed why he is a name to know going forward. The 6-foot-3, 178-pound right-handed hurler battled through bloop hits that affected his stat line, but for the majority of the game we were watching Bauerschmidt release from a  high ¾ arm slot at 86-89 mph. He was also not shy to pitch backwards with his sharp 11/5 slider at 73-75 mph. LHH and RHH seemed to have a tough time finding a plan to deal with the slider that Bauerschmidt possesses.

+ After a standout performance at the Grand Park Fall Championships, C/OF Ryan Lemm (Janesville Craig, 2025) continued his stretch of dominance while at The Rock. Lemm is a sturdy 5-foot-9, 185-pound backstop with innate bat-to-ball skills that have been on full display throughout the summer and into the fall. From the left-handed box, Lemm stays short and direct to the ball with the ability to drive it hard all over the field. His biggest hit of the weekend came on Saturday which was a deep fly ball to right field which he legged out for a triple, while also bringing home a run. It has been a big fall for Lemm and he now enters his junior year as one of the state’s top catching prospects. 

(Ryan Lemm) 

+ INF Jack Zeller (Indian Trail, 2025) put together a very productive weekend, driving the ball up  the middle while backing his bat up in the field, showing range to both sides of his glove while also possessing soft hands. Zeller had himself a couple multi-hit games and propelled himself around the bases once he reached.

+ RHP Seth Pitcock (Boone Grove, 2025) started on the mound Sunday and threw it well for the Hitters. The 6-foot, 185-pound right-hander has a clean and repeatable delivery, working with a fluid tempo into a slight drop/drive lower-half, remaining in-line throughout his stride. Clean arm stroke with a high ¾ release, fastball worked up to 81 mph and sat right around 79-80 mph throughout the game. Went to a 11/5 curveball at 70-73 mph, thrown with arm-speed and flashing sharp action. 

+ MIF Ethan Moore (Oak Park-River Forest, 2025; Louisville commit) certainly looked the part as one of the highest-ranked players in attendance, coming in at No. 8 in Illinois and No. 290 in the country. Athletic frame with some strength in the lower-half and round shoulders, 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. The switch-hitter has a comfortable, yet confident appearance in the box; fluid stroke from both sides, simple and repeatable load, fires through with a quick barrel and flat path. Premium defender up the middle, soft hands with fluid footwork and easy range, made a Jeter-type jump throw to his backhand deep in the 5|6 hole. Ability to maintain body control on the move and put accurate throws on the bag. 

(Ethan Moore) 

IMPACT SPORTS ACADEMY FALL

+ RHP Loren Georger (Appleton West, 2025) was dominant in his lengthy start on Sunday, filling the strike zone and generating swings and misses on a consistent basis. Standing at strong 6-foot-3, 180-pounds, Georger continued to fit the mold of a quality right-handed pitching prospect after his showing at the 2023 PBR Future Games with Team Wisconsin. Georger was efficient in this one, spotting fastballs in the mid-to-upper-80s (T86 mph) and utilizing his tumbling breaking ball to keep hitters guessing. It was another solid look at the uncommitted right-hander, who now enters the offseason as an upside arm to follow.

(Loren Georger) 

+ C Dimitry Edmunds (Appleton West, 2025) is a quick-twitch athlete at 5-foot-7, 170-pounds. He utilized an opposite field approach with a short path to the baseball, peppering the right side of the field with line drives. In addition to that, he drove in multiple runs for his team over the last two days of the tournament, presenting our staff with another strong look after showing well at the Top Prospect Games in July. 

+ INF Brayden Steinbecker (Manitowoc Lincoln, 2025) keeps impressing each time he gets in front of our staff. The former Future Gamer has all sorts of upside, listed at 6-foot-3, 178-pounds with a lean and wiry frame. The right-handed hitter has some rhythm in his pre-pitch to stay on-time, working with a flat path through the zone. He showed the ability to use the whole field and keep his hands inside the baseball, shooting a double to the opposite field gap. 

(Brayden Steinbecker) 

INDIANA FALL STARS 2024

+ Standing at a long-levered 6-foot-6, 200-pound frame, RHP Michael Fliss (North Central, 2024; Cincinnati commit) really looks the part of a high level prospect on the mound. The Cincinnati commit works from a composed and easy delivery. With the fastball, Fliss sat 84-87, T88 mph with carry through the zone. Still developing feel for a pair of off-speed offerings including an upper-70s slider and a low-70s curveball. Fliss has plenty of upside inside the frame, and will be fun to watch as he continues to gain feel for pitches as well as physicality. 

+ INF/RHP Bryce Brabender (Mooresville, 2024; Lincoln Trail commit) gave one of the more impressive two-way showings on the weekend. Listed at 5-foot-11, 160-pounds with plenty of room to fill out. The right-hander cruised at 86-88 mph with his fastball, also going to his slider often to pitch backwards, playing with sharp 10/4 action in the mid-70s. The right-handed hitter has done nothing but hit in front of our staff this summer and this weekend was no different, going a perfect 4-for-4 on Sunday including a double, six RBIs and a walk-off homerun to take down the Cubs Scout Team. 

(Bryce Brabender) 

+ RHP Kade Tislow (Avon, 2024) is an uncommitted arm to know in Indiana. Listed at an athletic 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, the right-hander worked his fastball in the 83-85 mph range and set up a slurvy breaking ball in the low-70s. Attacked the zone and showed well against a tough Scout Team lineup. 

(Kade Tislow) 

+ OF Brock Taulman (Lawrence North, 2024) was an uncommitted name that stood out over the weekend. 6-foot, 185-pounds with some strength throughout his frame. The right-handed hitter was all over the barrel Sunday, collecting multiple extra-base hits including a home run to straightaway center. At the plate, Taulman hangs his foot into stride for timing before firing through the zone with a flat path, quick hands through the zone, creates extension through the ball. 

+ C/OF Will Loftus (Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory, 2024) comes in at No. 102 in the state of Indiana and is a talented uncommitted prospect still on the market. Strong, 5-foot-11, 197-pound frame, round shoulders with strength in the lower-half. The right-handed hitter has rhythm in his hands pre-pitch to help with timing, feel to hit with barrel control, covers the plate, took a number of quality at-bats throughout the weekend getting deep into counts. 

MIDWEST HALOS SCOUT UPPERCLASS

+ It was our first look at MIF Jack Lutz (Whitnall, 2025) since his notable performance at the Future Games back in late July and it definitely did not disappoint. At the plate, Lutz works with rhythm and utilizes a quick, simple load that creates a whippy left-handed barrel. Throughout the weekend, Lutz’s offensive abilities were on full display, highlighted by a 3-for-4 performance on Friday night, which included a double and two singles. On the infield, Lutz locked down shortstop for the entirety of the tournament; there he continued to show as a sure-handed and athletic defender that certainly looks the part of sticking up-the-middle at the next level. 

+ Recently debuting on Wisconsin’s 2025 rankings board, RHP Jack Roventini (Arrowhead, 2025) provided yet another impressive look at The Rock. Listed at an athletic 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, Roventini is an athletic and clean mover on the bump, pairing it with a deceptive arm path that certainly makes it tough to pick up for opposing batters. Throughout his three innings of relief, Roventini sat in the 85-87 mph range with his fastball and showed the ability to go in and out of the zone with it, too. He was also confident in sweeping breaking ball in the mid-70s that earned swings-and-misses. 

+ RHP Tyler Suttner (Waukesha North, 2024) was impressive over the weekend, attacking the zone with a fastball in the 85-87 mph range and working to both sides of the plate. He also went to a low-70s slider with feel down in the zone and upper-70s changeup to give opposing hitters another look. 

PROSPECT TRAINING ACADEMY 17U CARDINAL 

+ RHP/INF Kyle Alivo (St. Thomas More, 2024; Iowa commit) was potentially the best we’ve seen him in recent memory. The Iowa commit was dominant in his start, working his fastball up to 92 mph early on and cruising at 88-90, still reaching back for 90 mph in the fourth inning. He showed clear confidence in his slider, thrown often and in any count at 75-77 mph with sharp 10/4 action, spinning over 2600 RPM at times. He also flashed a changeup in the upper-70s with fade and arm-speed. Highly athletic and a competitor on the mound. He also showed a knack for the barrel throughout the tournament with his athletic right-handed stroke, nearly leaving the yard for a home run on Friday. Quality actions on the infield dirt, fluid footwork with range to both sides of his glove. Arm easily translates to the infield with life and carry across the diamond. Currently ranked No. 9 in Wisconsin. 

(Kyle Alivo) 

+ INF/OF Brayden Alivo (St. Thomas More, 2026) is a 5-foot-10, 145-pound prospect to know in the state. The infielder got his weekend started off on the right note as he roped a double that cleared the bases en route to a win for Prospect Training Academy. He did not stop there though; on Sunday he continued to do more of the same, highlighted by a 2-for-3 performance, which included another double. 

(Brayden Alivo) 

+ C/OF Peyton Ryback (Nathan Hale, 2024) impressed over the weekend with a violent right-handed stroke that worked on the barrel. Listed at 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, athletic with room to fill out. Still uncommitted, Ryback showed above-average feel to hit and the ability to change his approach based on the situation; staying inside an inside fastball and shooting it the other way for a two-RBI single. 

+ OF Max Johnson (South Milwaukee, 2024) is one of the top uncommitted prospects in the state’s 2024 class, and was a top performer throughout the summer circuit. Johnson stands at an athletic 5-foot-9, 180-pound frame with strength throughout. Continued to show well this weekend out of the lead-off spot for PTA Cardinal. Johnson nearly left the yard during the first game of the weekend, sending a double off the left-center fence. The right-handed hitter is also quick out of the box and an above average defender in the outfield. Currently ranked No. 135 inside the Wisconsin 2024 class. 

REDS SCOUT TEAM

+ LHP Joey Broughton (Northville, MI, 2024; Pittsburgh) is one of Michigan’s highest rated prospects, sitting at No. 3 in the state’s 2024 class (No. 179 nationally). Although Broughton’s sheer dominance on the mound was impressive, his demeanor on the mound was also notable. A true competitor who walked around the bump with quiet confidence, it was clear the thought on Broughton’s mind was to throw strikes and win. Standing at 6-foot-2, 197-pounds, it took minimal effort to produce upper-80s fastballs that touched 90 mph and 91 mph. His curveball sat 75-77 mph with 2500 RPM, and he threw it for strikes, keeping hitters off balanced. In four innings of work, Broughton struck out nine and allowed one hit.  

(Joey Broughton)

+ UTL Carter Kutz (Harford Union, 2025) was a member of Team Wisconsin at the 2023 PBR Future Games. Kutz boasts an impressive build at 6-foot-2, 185-pounds with athleticism throughout. Ranked No. 2 in Wisconsin’s 2025 class, he’s a toolsy prospect who has ran a 6.88 60-time. On Saturday, Kutz showed off his two-way abilities in a big way. To start his performance, he hit a no-doubt home run out to left. Kutz later hopped on the bump to collect the last six outs of the game, spinning two perfect frames and punching out four. Kutz featured a fastball that played anywhere from 83-87 mph, touching 88 at times with arm-side run and some spin (2300+ RPM). Kutz also mixed in a short mid-70’s breaking ball when needed. In an early Sunday morning game, Kutz peppered a ball down the left field line for a double. The right-handed hitter features a simple load with a controlled swing that barrels the baseball.

(Carter Kutz)

+ LHP Ethan Eberle (Normal Community, 2024; Louisville) has been all over the PBR circuit, making trips to LakePoint for the 2022 PBR Future Games, and most recently the Illinois State Games in August. The Central Illinois product just continues to throw strikes, get outs, and win games, only allowing one run the entire high school season. Ranked No. 20 in the state’s 2024 class, the southpaw’s fastball sat 86-87 mph with heavy arm-side run. He pairs it with a big, sweeping breaking ball that he can land for strikes, which results in plenty of takes and swing-and-misses. Eberle also threw a changeup at 79 mph. Eberle is one of the top arms in the state that continues to trend up.

(Ethan Eberle) 

+ RHP Ethan Dorchies (Cary Grove, 2024; Illinois-Chicago) is hard to miss in his long-limbed 6-foot-5, 205-pound frame. Ranked No. 23 in Illinois’ 2024 class, Dorchies’ ease of operation was impressive in this look. Simple, repeatable, and clean - his delivery had minimal effort, and his long and loose arm show signs of a potential velocity tick as he gets stronger. His fastball sat 87-89 mph, topping out at 90 mph with life, and he creates extension as he moves down the mound which makes the pitch look firmer. He threw a mid-70s curveball which produced multiple swing-and-misses in and out of the zone. One of the more interesting arms in the class, Dorchies continues to impress.

(Ethan Dorchies) 

+ OF Logan Dunn (Wautoma, 2024; Missouri State) stands in a strong 6-foot, 185-pound frame. Ranked No. 4 in the state’s 2024 class and No. 329 overall, the left-handed hitter showed well in an early Sunday morning game. A high leg-kick trigger with a fluid load, Dunn has easy bat speed, delivering a double down the left field line. 

(Logan Dunn) 

+ RHP Jack Nobe (St. Francis Borgia, 2024; Xavier commit) was stellar in this brief look on the bump. Ranked No. 186 nationally in the 2024 class and No. 9 in the state of Missouri, Nobe showed flashes of dominance out of the ‘pen on Saturday. Mainly working with a two-pitch mix, Nobe was able to strike out five over his two innings of work while only allowing one run on two hits and a walk. Nobe’s fastball worked routinely at the bottom of the zone in the upper 80’s, touching 90 mph a couple times. Nobe’s breaking ball had a big break to it at times with some sharpness to induce swings and misses. 

(Jack Nobe) 

+ Putting together one of the more electric outings on the weekend was 6-foot-7, 215-pound Notre Dame commit RHP Anderson Hayes (Oconomowoc, 2024). Hayes is currently ranked No. 24 in the state of Wisconsin and it wasn’t hard to see why on Saturday afternoon. Hayes was dominant, using a high-spin fastball (2500+ RPM) that worked from 87-89 mph with life out of the hand. Hayes complemented his fastball with another high-spin offering in the form of a sharp slider (2600+ RPM) that got very uncomfortable swings throughout the outing. Hayes finished his day with three no-hit frames, with the only baserunner reaching via a walk, while also punching out six.

(Anderson Hayes) 

RHINO BASEBALL - 2024/2025

+ RHP Joe Stellano (Reed Custer, 2024) provided an upside look against a quality Midwest Halos team this past Saturday. Stellano, at a projectable 5-foot-11, 160-pounds, commanded the strike zone and ultimately controlled the game in a 2-0 victory. Over five innings, Stellano maintained a fastball velocity range of 82-84 mph, and struck out six batters over that time frame. He only allowed three hits and walked zero opponents, earning the victory with ease. He sporadically mixed a breaking ball and changeup as well, both thrown for strikes with fastball intent. 

+ LHP Zack Ziroli (Downers Grove North, 2025) is an uncommitted two-way that provided more than enough for his team this weekend on the mound. Working out the stretch, the 6-foot-1 southpaw demonstrated strong poise and attention to detail throughout clean and difficult innings. Mixing between a 81-82 mph fastball and a 66-67 mph sweeper, Ziroli was able to keep the hitters off-balance and created swing and miss. 

(Zack Ziroli) 

THE ATHLETIC BARN

+ RHP Laughton Joyce (Prospect, 2024) was dominant in his relief outing during Saturday’s slate of games. Built at a strong 6-foot-2, 190-pounds, Joyce sat in the high-80s for the duration of his outing, touching 89 mph from an athletic and intentful delivery. His breaking ball also flashed some out-pitch potential as it played with late depth and did earn a couple of swings-and-misses. 

(Laughton Joyce)

+ C Bryk Barnard (Hershey, 2024) is an uncommitted name to follow after this weekend. Currently ranked No. 102 in the class, Barnard especially impressed in his showing on Sunday, both behind the dish and at the plate. Defensively, Barnard looked very comfortable handling all of the duties of playing behind the dish and executed them at a high level. Barnard blocked up baseballs all game for his pitchers and was a clear vocal leader for the team, getting the entire defense back on track when needed. Barnard also collected two hits in the game from the left side of the dish, including a double. 

+ RHP Nick Baffa (Notre Dame College Prep, 2024; Valparaiso commit), former Future Games participant back in 2022. The 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-hander worked his fastball in the 83-86 mph range, playing with some life out of the hand and through the zone. To pair off the fastball, he went to a low-70s breaking ball with sharp 11/5 action. Clean and athletic operation, repeats and also looks to have more in the tank. 

(Nick Baffa) 

+ RHP John Meier (Glenbrook South, 2024) is an uncommitted arm that showed well over the weekend. The right-hander fires from a low ¾ release, creating a fastball in the 81-84 mph range with sinking action. Went to a slurvy breaking ball at 66-67 mph, spinning around 2300 RPM. Flashed a fading changeup in the upper-70s. Attacks the zone and works quick, isn’t afraid to challenge hitters. 

+ RHP John Balla (Hersey, 2024), recent Illinois State Games participant, gave our staff another upside look this past weekend. Listed at 6-foot, 180-pounds, athletic with round shoulders. Ball worked his fastball in the 82-84 mph range with around 2400 RPM. To pair off the fastball he went to a high-spinning breaking ball, cruising around 2500 RPM at 67-68 mph with sharp 11/5 action. 

TOP TIER AMERICANS 2024

+ Fresh off a commitment to Cincinnati, 2022 PBR Future Game participant RHP Bryce Koch (Barrington, 2024) gave a loud look during his start for Top Tier. Koch stands at a highly projectable 6-foot-5, 190-pounds and is a fluid mover down the mound. He worked mostly in the 87-89 range while touching 90 mph multiple times. Koch often went to a mid-70s breaking ball that he threw for strikes at times and got awkward swings and misses. Also flashed feel for a downer-type changeup in the low-80s. Although Koch struggled to command at times, he was still able to tally 11 strikeouts in four innings while only allowing one hit. 

(Bryce Koch) 

TOP TIER AMERICANS 2025 

+ 1B/LHP Conor Essenburg (Lincoln-Way West, 2025; Kansas State commit) looked the part as not only the best player on the diamond on Saturday, but one of the top athletes in the Illinois’ 2025 class. The right-handed batter presented serious power potential at the plate, consistently barreling line drives to the pull-side. His high EV’s, previously recorded at 100.4 mph this past winter, were noteworthy in live action. In a solid 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame, Essenburg presented a quick bat and aggressive approach in the batter’s box. He continues to elevate his level of play, heading into the offseason as the No. 4 ranked prospect in Illinois’ 2025 class. 

+ After showing well for the past couple of weeks, OF Noah Drake (Castle, 2024; Indiana commit) continued to do the same over the weekend. From the left side of the plate, Drake presents a smooth swing that showcased easy power to the pull-side in his matchup early on Saturday morning. Drake racked up two doubles, displaying his 6.95-second 60-yard dash on the basepaths in a win for Top Tier Americans. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete currently sits at No. 34 in a loaded 2025 class in the state of Indiana, looking to continue that trend in the winter and eventually the spring. 

(Noah Drake) 

+ INF Jimmy Anderson (Joliet West, 2024; Heartland CC commit) was an impressive bat at the bottom of the order for this team, as the prospect finished with two hits in his game early on Saturday. Anderson featured above-average speed, highlighted by his 6.84-second 60-yard dash and quality defensive actions, reflecting his work in prior showcases as a middle infielder. The natural athleticism that Anderson brings to the table in a 6-foot, 180-pound frame, is noteworthy on the diamond, both at the plate and defensively. Anderson continues to raise his stock in the state after showing well at the Illinois State Games in Rantoul just a month and a half prior to the tournament. 

(Jimmy Anderson) 

+ OF/LHP Joey Arend (St. Charles East, 2025; Xavier commit) was one of the biggest winners at both the 2023 PBR Future Games and the Illinois State Games in early August, and continued to look the part as a future top-of-the-order bat. His prowess at the plate was reflected with a 2-for-2 performance early on Saturday, where he wasn’t retired in three at-bats. He maintained that momentum later on during the weekend, reflecting his standout summer on the diamond. Arend has a quick swing and a short path to the ball, allowing him to consistently pull the baseball with power. The left/left athlete continued to do damage on the offensive end, a reflection of this past summer for the committed prospect. 

(Joey Arend) 

+ SS/RHP Jackson Natanek (Brother Rice, 2025; Illinois State) is a scrappy up-the-middle defender that put on a clinic early on Saturday. It started at the plate, where the uncommitted prospect finished with two hits, both of which were barrels. On the defensive end, Natanek made a slick diving play up the middle at the shortstop position, and threw the runner out at first base with ease and plenty of arm strength. More of that arm strength was reflected on the bump later on Saturday, where Natanek worked his fastball in the 85-87 mph range. He also mixed in a sharp curveball and slider combination from the high ¾ arm slot. 

(Jackson Natanek)

+ Turning in a solid performance on the bump on Sunday afternoon was Illinois commit RHP Luke Weber (Highland Park, 2024). A top-500 player in the country, ranked No. 19 in the state, Weber navigated through some early trouble to come away with a final line of: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, and 4 K. Weber is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound quick-armed righty who featured a three-pitch mix on Sunday. Weber’s fastball played with arm-side run in the mid-to-upper 80’s touching 89 mph. His offspeed consisted of a short breaking ball and a quality changeup that he was able to control to both sides of the plate to both lefties and righties. 

(Luke Weber) 

+ Recent Xavier commit and Illinois Future Games participant RHP Lincoln Causero (Hersey, 2025; Xavier commit) provided one of the most polished looks throughout the entire weekend. Standing at an upside 6-foot-3, 185-pounds, Causero is an easy mover on the bump and pairs it with a loose arm. During his outing, Causero sat in the mid-to-high-80s range, touching 88 mph multiple times on a lively fastball. His slider played exceptionally well off of his fastball, as it played with tight horizontal action, and he showed the ability to land it in the zone for strikes while also throwing it outside for whiffs. 

(Lincoln Causero) 

TOP TIER CENTRAL/SOUTH 2025

+ INF Dominic Holton (Notre Dame College Prep, 2025) is a name that continues to trend up after impressive showings in back-to-back weeks. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound left-handed hitter, has a simple weight-shift load back before unloading an effortless swing. Holton recorded multiple hits in this look, but his defense continued to stand out. The athletic middle infielder has smooth hands with the ability to range to both sides, making multiple impressive plays last weekend and again this weekend. Holton’s status in the state’s 2025 class continues to be on the rise. 

+ OF Ian Hazelip (Lincoln-Way West, 2025) was on the barrel in our brief look, recording a triple in-game on Sunday morning. 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame with some athleticism and room to add on strength. Athletic right-handed stroke, fluid load, keeps hands close to the body and fires through the zone with a flat path.

 

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