St. Viator catcher Cory Kay, who?s the top-ranked backstop in Illinois, has committed to the University of Houston. Few catchers in the state control a game better than Kay. A savvy player with a high baseball IQ, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound Kay is a top-level receiver who possesses a strong, accurate arm. Kay is also one of the top hitting catchers in the class. As a junior, he batted .402 with 10 doubles and 8 home runs while driving in 47 runs for the Lions. ?

Ben Mahar, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound RHP from Mundelein HS, has committed to Valparaiso University. The strong-bodied Mahar emerged last spring as the Mustangs? ace behind an 85-88 mph fastball. ?

Ryan Hinchley, a 6-foot-3, 170-pound LHP from York HS, has decommitted from his verbal commitment to the University of Kentucky. Last winter, Hinchley emerged at a Prep Baseball Report junior showcase as a prospect to pay close attention to after the left-hander touched 90 mph, sitting comfortably at 87-88. At the event, Hinchley also showed feel for a curveball and changeup. Hinchley is now back on the board. ?

In terribly sad news, Phil Kaiser, a junior at Bradley University who starred at Nazareth Academy HS, died early Monday from an undiagnosed heart condition. Kaiser was 21 years old. The hard-throwing right-handed pitcher and first baseman enjoyed a standout prep career at Nazareth before attending Eastern Kentucky University. Kaiser transferred to Bradley when the Eastern Kentucky staff moved to Peoria.

For a complete story, please see the Peoria Journal Star story:

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1404220655/Bradley-University-baseball-player-dies-early-Monday