By Sean Duncan

While many players have begun to wear down from the hectic summer circuit, there have been a handful of prospects whose stock has continued to climb over the last six weeks. Here’s a look at some uncommitted Class of 2011 prospects who have impressed in recent weeks:

No one in the state has enjoyed a more meteoric rise than Bryant Holtmann, a 6-foot-5, 175-pound LHP from Breese Central HS. Holtmann’s profile remained relatively quiet throughout the spring and early summer before his immense talent and upside began to emerge. Now many coaches are calling Holtmann the best left-handed pitching prospect in the class – a certain top-five talent – and a possible high draft pick next June.  Hard to argue with the high praise. Holtmann’s velocity has continued to climb from the spring, and as recent as late July he was up to 92 mph while sitting 87-89. …

While Holtmann was a relatively unknown prospect before the summer, anyone who has followed Illinois high school baseball has been hearing about Tim Barry from Oak Forest HS for the last three seasons. Stories about Barry’s prodigious power has been passed around like a myth these days as the 6-foot, 185-pound outfielder closes in on the state’s career home run and RBI records.

Barry is the best power hitter I’ve covered since 2005, yet the three-time PBR All-State selection continues to astound. Just this week at the Kansas City Royals pro workout at Kauffman Stadium, Barry blasted three home runs with wood during games. Last week, Barry powered Top Tier to the 17-under CABA World Series championship for the second straight year by clubbing six home runs. He was named the tournament’s most outstanding offensive player, an honor he also earned the previous summer when he launched a ridiculous 12 homers in 12 games at the CABA World Series in Euclid, Ohio. In the spring, Barry hit 17 homers, raising his career total to 41, which puts him tied for second in state history, nine shy of breaking the record. …

Joe Perricone, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound RHP/OF from Hersey HS, has quickly elevated his status as one of the premier arms in the state. Once considered a primary outfielder, Perricone’s ever-increasing arm strength has made him an undeniable pitching prospect. With a fluid arm and an athletic frame, Perricone’s velocity has continued to climb this summer. His fastball has been as high as 92 mph, sitting at 87-90, with good movement. …

Austin Bossart, an athletic 6-foot-2, 180-pounder from O’Fallon HS, and Charlie Naso, a 6-foot-2, 200-pounder from St. Laurence HS, are a pair of strong-armed catchers who have opened a lot of eyes on the mound as well. Both Bossart and Naso possess excellent arm strength and ability behind the plate, but each have displayed 86-89 mph velocity on the mound. Decisions, decisions …

Overshadowed by All-State SS/RHP Kyle Ruchim and a host of other seniors during the spring, Stevenson OF Michael Martin has emerged as one of the state’s best athletes. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound Martin ran an event-best 6.53 60 at the Stevenson Showcase in June, then continued to impress throughout the summer with his athleticism, consistent bat and arm strength from the outfield.  …

Speaking of being overshadowed, Downers Grove South RHP Matt Wivinis has flown under the radar thanks to Nick Burdi, who’s the state’s No. 1-ranked Class of 2011 prospect, and third-team All-State RHP Jake Rone. Wivinis was the Mustangs’ No. 3 pitcher during the spring. And even though the 6-foot Wivinis was arguably the best No. 3 pitcher in the state, all the attention centered around Burdi. But behind a consistent 85-88 mph fastball and tight curveball, Wivinis has become a prospect to pay close attention to.

Lake Forest HS has two hot prospects in MIF Chris Godinez and C Charlie Gould. Godinez has proven to be one of the most athletic middle infield prospects in the state. A 6.7 runner with quick hands and actions, Godinez showed over the summer that he can hit at a high-level as well, as he earned all-tournament team at the CABA World Series. Gould is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound catcher who can flat-out rake. …

Harrisburg 3B/OF Keelin Rasch has continued to prove that he is one of the state’s best all-around players. Rasch earned PBR second-team All-State honors as a junior after he hit .471 with 9 homers, 61 hits and 51 RBI. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound athlete has carried his hot hitting into the summer, as he continues to barrel everything that is thrown at him. Defensively, Rasch has a plus arm (92 from the outfield; 86 from third) and possesses top-level hands at 3B. …

On the topic of hitters, Jeff Schalk, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound 1B/OF from Wheaton North, very well may be the best left-handed bat in the Class of 2011. … Nazareth Academy recently won the Phil Lawler Classic, and the Class 3A school did it in large part behind 6-foot-5, 205-pound RHP Ryan Powers, who earned the summer state tournament’s most valuable player. … Left-handed pitching is always at a premium, and Conant’s Paul Warble has emerged as one of the state’s most promising left-handed prospects after enjoying an impressive summer.  

Send all newsworthy items to Sean Duncan at [email protected]