By Sean Duncan

Although Derek Thompson had already carved out a reputation as a top-level pitcher around southeastern Illinois, the athletic 6-foot-3, 170-pound left-hander from Teutopolis HS made his formal introduction to the state of Illinois in the Class 2A championship game when he did what no other pitcher could do last season: shut down Harrisburg?s high-scoring offense.

Thompson, who earned Prep Baseball Report second-team All-State honors, limited a previously undefeated Harrisburg squad that had averaged more than 10 runs a game to only six hits in his 86-pitch, complete-game masterpiece. In a classic performance, Thompson pinpointed his 84-88 mph fastball, fading changeup that is plus-plus pitch, and curveball to lead the Wooden Shoes to a stunning 5-1 victory at Silver Cross Field in Joliet, capping a 31-4 season and the school?s first state championship in seven state tournament appearances.

Legendary Harrisburg coach Jay Thompson, whose team was a game away from being the most successful team in state history, best summarized the left-hander?s pitching performance.

?The fact of the matter is, [Thompson] came out and stuck it in our ear,? Jay Thompson said. ?I?d never guess we?d be held to one run in a game, and I?ll tip my cap to him. ? I don?t think it had anything to do with us. I thought we had good, aggressive at-bats. He just pitched a heck of a game.?

Thompson, who is committed to John A. Logan JC, finished his remarkable junior campaign with a 9-1 record and a 0.53 ERA. In 66 innings, he struck out 101 and walked only 10.

Thompson?s junior year success isn?t the only reason why he?s one of the most intriguing draft prospects in the state. With his long, lean athletic frame, he hasn?t begun to physically develop. His arm works with such fluidity that it?s easy to project a significant velocity spike in the coming years. Already he has excellent command of three pitches, including a changeup that is reminiscent of Cole Hammels?.