Since 2003, Top Tier has established itself as one of the premier travel organizations in Midwest, producing high-level prospects on a yearly basis. Based in the Chicagoland area, Top Tier has players from all over Illinois as well as from neighbors Wisconsin and Indiana. It features two high level commitments in RHP Jake Rosing (Louisville) and left-handed hitting C Chase Stanke (Arkansas), with the rest of the roster remaining uncommitted. That is not to say it is lacking talent by any means.

On the mound, Top Tier features an intriguing mix of arms, including a couple of 2019s. A look at a few of the high-level prospects on Top Tier.

+ Jake Rosing, RHP -  An early Louisville commit, Rosing shows high level velocity (up to 89 this winter) with relatively easy effort. Also commands his breaking ball. Shows in game the ability to throw it for strikes with bigger action to get ahead or back in counts, and then tighten it up to become a shaper swing and miss pitch with bite. Flashes a swing and miss change up when he doesn’t get underneath it.

+ Parker Aquino, RHP - The 6-2, 170-pound Aquino moved from Naperville to Bishop Gorman HS in LV. With long limbs and a projectable frame, his arm works clean with easy, repeatable mechanics. Room to fill out and create a strong, athletic frame. Reports are he has been up to 88 mph.

+ Scott Youngbrandt, RHP/INF – A 6-foot, 170-pound two-way prospect. Strong bodied, athletic frame. On the mound he was up to 87 this winter at the PBR Underclass Invitational. Will pitch in the 83-85 range. Shows command of his curveball (70-73) and slider (74-75), as well as a changeup (73-75). On the infield shows strong understanding of all three positions, but projects best at third base with arm to stay there at the next level. Up to 88 across the infield, with clean actions and solid hands. Small leg kick swing with balance and ability to work with strong leverage and drive the ball gap to gap. Runs a 7.33.

+ Grant Leader, 2019, RHP – At 5-foot-10, 150 pounds, do not let his size fool you. His frame is athletic, the arm works fast and he is quick twitch. Ran a 7.08 60. Pitched at a lively 84-86 touching 87 at the PBR Underclass Invitational this winter. Shows a 12/6 curveball (67-69), and a fading changeup thrown with arm side sink (68-70). With flash a slider at 72-73 sometimes.

On the offensive side of the ball the roster is filled with a nice blend of power, speed, and elite defending.

+ Chase Stanke, C, Arkansas Commit. Left-handed hitting catcher with pop middle. Shows high quality approach and ability to make consistently hard contact in game. Behind the plate shows above average receiving skills and quick catch and release tool. Pop times range in the 2.0-2.1 range in game.

+ Dakotoa Kotowski, OF/1B - Right handed hitter with a physically advanced 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame that has room to grow and add muscle. Strong and explosive (exit velo 101). At the plate he is a force to be reckoned with. At the Tournament of Champions last week, he went four out of five games with an extra base hit, and three of those five games included a second extra base hit. Shows power to right center and continues to hone his approach. Defensively, probably projects more as an athletic 1B unless the speed tool improves. Currently runs a 7.44 60.

+ Andrew Wilhite, INF/RHP/LHP -. A 6-foot, 170-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Swing is quiet with quick barrel to ball skill. Showed ability to handle velocity at the PBR Border Battle Games earlier this week. Controls the barrel through the zone making consistently strong contact. Advanced hit tool for age. Defensively shows solid hands and some arm strength. Can play multiple positions on the infield and looks athletic enough to play the outfield. Runs a 7.2 60 and is 82 across the infield. Also a switch-pitcher on the mound.

+ Noah Berghammer, INF - High-level athlete and high-grade defender. Shows ability to make rangy, athletic plays to both the backhand and glove side. Quick-twitch athlete with frame to match. Runs a 6.87 60, 4.01 home to first in game, and showcases enough arm strength to stay on the left side at 86 across the diamond. At the plate he hits from the right side with an open stance with loose hands. Controls the bat and will bunt for a hit.

>> CLICK HERE to view complete IMG CLASSIC schedule and rosters

ABOUT THE IMG CLASSIC

The inaugural Under Armour Classic, powered by the Prep Baseball Report, is set forJune 17-19 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. This premier 16U tournament will feature 12 high-end travel baseball organizations, with each team featuring loaded rosters of 2018 and 2019 prospects from across the country. 

The 12 teams involved in the Under Armour Classic are:
+ Elite Squad (Florida)
+ FTB (Florida)
+ Bubba Baseball (Pennsylvania/New Jersey/New York/Maryland)
+ Top Tier (Illinois)
+ Ohio Elite (Ohio)
+ Dulin Dodgers (Tennessee/Mississippi)
+ Toronto Mets (Canada)
+ GRB Rays (Wisconsin)
+ Louisiana Knights (Louisiana/Alabama/Mississippi)
+ Virginia Cardinals (Virginia)
+ North East Baseball (New England)
+ Georgia Titans (Georgia)

Unlike many tournaments that have you spending more time in the car driving field to field, all the high-level competition will be in one quad, with staggered starts, posted pitching rotations, complete roster packets, and all other amenities to make your recruiting that much easier. And, of course, it’s all free. If you have attended the Prep Baseball Report Future Games in the past, you can expect the same level competition and event execution. Pool-play games will begin on Friday, June 17, and the tournament will conclude around 2 pm Sunday.