The Illinois Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more. Simply put, the Illinois Scout Blog is loaded with information …

Saturday, April 27th

Lincoln-Way West vs. Lemont

By: Drew Locascio
Illinois/Wisconsin Scouting Supervisor

Conor Essenburg, COF, Lincoln-Way West, 2025
Kansas State commit. Ranked No. 11 in the state and No. 188 in the country. Arrow has been going way up all spring long and warrants a rise in the next update. True two-way prospect has been lights out on the mound and has impressed with the bat all spring long; left-handed thrower, right-handed hitter. Did not pitch in this look. Started in right field and hit in the two-hole. 6-foot-1, 198-pound, broad-shouldered, strong, well-proportioned frame. Advanced offensive profile. Feel to hit with power to all fields. Loose, aggressive swing while staying within. Uses the whole field, gets off his “A” swing consistently and in all counts. Path is long through the zone with extension post-contact. “Yes, yes, no” mentality with presence and athleticism in the box. Competitive overall nature to his game, which should continue to elevate his current profile, most notably, if it can be channeled towards himself and own team. Finished 1-for-2 with a two-run home run on an elevated breaking ball. Defensively, athletic enough to play all over the outfield and first base. Is one of the best defensive first baseman in the state. Looked natural in right-field in this look. Confident overall actions and judged fly balls with ease despite a strong wind blowing out to center field. Arm plays strong and accurately. We also saw him earlier in the week on the mound, where he once again was dominant, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning before allowing a two-out single, finishing the day with 6.2 innings, the lone hit allowed, three walks and 13 strikeouts. He attacked the zone with a fastball up to 93 mph early, sitting mostly 90-91 in the early going and settling in at 87-89 into the seventh inning. He went to a sharp curveball in the mid-70s and a lateral slider at 77-78 mph for swing and miss, pairing effectively off the fastball. His final offering was a fading changeup around 79-81 mph. One of the top prospects in the state continues to “perform” on the field. Making a strong case for All-State honors down the road.

Lucas Acevedo, SS/RHP, Lincoln-Way West, 2025
UIC commit. Ranked No. 41 in the Illinois’ 2025 class. Another talented two-way prospect for the Warriors. Started at shortstop, led off and also came in out of the bullpen late in the game. Stood out with the bat all day long. Aggressive approach. Ready to hit from the time he gets in the box. Athletic, quick swing, pull-side, line-drive approach in this look. Finished 3-for-3 with two RBI and two walks. Athletic, easy actions on the infield, confident hands and strong arm that plays with carry across the diamond. Also hopped on the mound for an inning of work. Struck out two, walked one and gave up a solo home run on his one mistake, a change up, left up-and-out over the plate. Impressive arsenal and operation. Loose, clean, quick arm with three potential above-average offerings. Changeup played at 77-78 mph with heavy fade and sink when right; lowers slot at times. Only saw the slider in the look, in warm ups. Fastball shows life, mostly straight and worked 87-88 mph. Two-way prospect with upside to all parts of his game.

Jack Linko, 1B, Lincoln-Way West, 2024
Concordia-Chicago commit. 6-foot-3, 200-pound, wide-shouldered, strong, right-handed hitting first baseman. Had a big day out of the three-hole. In his first at-bat he launched a three-run home run to right-center field. Followed it up with an RBI line-drive to center field in his second bat and grounded a run-scoring single back up the middle in his third at-bat. Finished 3-for-3 with two walks, five RBI and three runs scored. Balanced and quiet in the box. Strong hands, works direct to the baseball with above-average bat strength. Used the middle of the field and was consistently on time. Impressive offensive performance.

Colin McCarty, LHP, Lincoln-Way West, 2024
Lake Land JC commit. 5-foot-10, 185-pound. Came out of the bullpen and threw well on a day that was not favorable to pitchers. Picked up the win going 3.2 innings pitcher, scattered two hits, no runs, walked one and struck out six. Threw 29-of-48 pitches for strikes. Long arm action, ¾ slot, hides the baseball and worked in the low 80’s with the fastball. Went to a mid-60s breaking ball to keep hitters off balance.

Anthony Massa, 3B, Lincoln-Way West, 2024
Wisconsin-Platteville commit. 6-foot-1, 189-pound, physical, well-proportioned, right-handed hitting third baseman. Had a big game out of the plate from the five-hole. Finished 3-for-5 with a grand slam to deep left field, five RBIs and two runs scored. Confidence and intent in the box has ticked up since last spring. Strong hands, creates leverage and looks to use the big part of the diamond. Yet another imposing bat in the Warriors lineup.

Shea Glotzbach, RHP/LHH, Lemont, 2025
Uncommitted. Listed at 6-foot-4, 190-pounds; long, loose levers, high-waist and plenty more physical development to come. Started on the mound and hit in the three-hole. Stretch-only delivery, repeats and shows the makings of a three-picth mix. Arm plays clean out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball worked around the zone, mostly straight action, sat 86-87 mph. Went to a 70-74 mph as his go-to secondary offering. Gradual action, 11/5 shape and above-average feel. Flashed a 75 mph changeup. Looks to just be scratching the surface of his potential on the mound. Offensively, left-handed hitter, stands in the box with a quiet presence. Loose, easy hands with present levers. Finished 0-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Upside uncommitted 2025 to follow moving forward.

Jacob Parr, CF, Lemont, 2025
Uncommitted. 6-foot-3, 198-pound, broad-shouldered, athletic, well-proportioned build. Left-handed hitter, started in center field and hit in the four-hole. Moves well for his size, clean arm that plays strong from the outfield. Offensively, finished 1-for-2 with a solo home run to right-field. Also walked and scored two runs. Easy, strong hands with above-average plate coverage and jump off the barrel. Physical, athletic, uncommitted left-handed hitter to know in the class.

Matt Devoy, RF/RHP, Lemont, 2025
Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 165-pound, right-handed hitting, two-way prospect. Stood out first, in pre-game in right-field. Moved with pace and athleticism, played through the baseball in rhythm and showed off a strong arm that played with life and carry. Later came on to pitch in relief. Athletic, quick arm and fastball played with some jump through the zone at 83-86 mph. Eye-opener was a tight, sharp, late-biting slider at 75 mph with 2240+ rpm. Struggled to control the offering but the action is well above average. Worked one inning, walked two, gave up a hit but struck out one to wiggle out of a jam. Athletic uncommitted 2025 to follow.

Connor Madej, 1B, Lemont, 2026
Uncommitted. Most notably know for his ability on the mound but stood out at the plate in this look. Frame has ticked up since last spring; filling out the uniform at 6-foot-4, 210-pounds (listed at 6-foot-1, 160-pounds last spring). Offensively, left-handed hitter, went 2-for-3 on the day with two RBI. Lined a two-run single just off the shortstops outstretched glove in his first at-bat and followed it up with a single to left in his next at-bat. Easy, quiet swing, stays within and inside the baseball with a line-drive, whole-field approach. Sophomore to know in the state.

Mattoon vs. Taylorville

By: Gavin Smith
Area Scout, Content

Maxx Grieme, C, Taylorville, 2026
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 44 in Illinois’ sophomore class. Stands in a strong and athletic 5-foot-9, 183-pound frame. Started behind the plate and batted second for the Tornadoes. Grieme really stood out with his work behind the plate throughout the day; hard worker, agile in the crouch, well above-average receiving actions, glove worked high-to-low and stole strikes consistently. Has a strong arm on throws down to second, plays with carry to the bag. At the plate he’s a right-handed hitter with a loose and easy load and an uphill bat path. Barrelled a no-doubt home run over the left field wall in the day’s second game. A must-know uncommitted sophomore in Illinois.

Madden Johnson, RHP, Mattoon, 2025
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 85 in Illinois’ 2025 class. Stands in a wiry frame at 6-foot-1, 150-pounds with athleticism throughout. Started on the mound for the Greenwave in their second game of the day. Johnson’s competitive nature and pace really stood out on the mound, showed a mature approach when attacking hitters, working in and out and mixing in pitches well, keeping hitters guessing and off-balanced. His fastball sat 83-85 mph with some arm-side run, and he mixed in a hard slider ad 74-76 mph. Johnson has an athletic delivery with a clean and quick arm to pair. Threw 6.2 innings in the game, struck out 11, walked two, allowed two runs and three hits, and threw 70% strikes. Uncommitted arm to follow in Illinois.

Joseph Stewart, RHP, Mattoon, 2025
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 65 in Illinois’ 2025 class. Stands in a well-built frame at 6-foot-1, 205-pounds. Started on the mound for Mattoon in game one of the day and threw a no-hitter with eight strikeouts, five walks and one run allowed. Heavy usage of a fastball that sat in the low-80s throughout the game, touching 86 mph often, with arm-side run at times. Mixed in a curveball with 11/5 shape, sitting 68-71 mph. An uncommitted name to know in the state’s junior class.

Thursday, April 25th

No. 5 Providence Catholic vs. No. 8 St. Laurence

Peter Hamot
Assistant Director, Illinois & Wisconsin

Joe Olson, LHP, St. Laurence, 2025
Louisville commit. Currently ranked No. 12 in the state. 6-foot-1, 210-pound frame, lean strength throughout. Started on the mound and was dominant over his six innings of work, scattering four hits with no runs, walking three and striking out seven. The southpaw attacked the zone with a fastball up to 91 mph early, sitting around 89-90 mph and working to both the top and bottom parts of the zone. He went to his breaking ball more than we’ve seen in the past, playing with 1/7 shape for strikes and swing/miss at 73-76 mph. He also flashed a changeup at 81 mph with arm-side run and fade. High-level southpaw that competes on the mound, holds his composure in big situations.

Jameson Martin, SS, St. Laurence, 2024
Minnesota commit. Currently ranked No. 35 in the state. Hit out of the leadoff spot and started at short for the Vikings, finishing the day with three hits, including two doubles. Mature feel to hit, makes quality swing decisions in the zone; feel for the barrel with loose hands and a flat path, stays controlled throughout his operation, was on the barrel to the whole field. Quality defender at short, comfortable with short hops and confident in his hands, arm plays with above-average life and carry. Polished right-handed bat that should be able to stick on the dirt at the next level.

Daniel Coyle, 2B, St. Laurence, 2026
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 29 in the state. Compact, 5-foot-7, 149-pound frame with plenty of room for added strength. Started at third base and hit out of the three-hole as only a sophomore. The right-handed hitter takes scrappy at-bats, working to get his pitch to hit and taking advantage when he gets it; relaxed setup, hands have some rhythm throughout his load and work into a direct/flat path. Impressed defensively in this look, boasting smooth actions with a clean transfer, showing quality range with a quick first step, comfortable to his back-hand, sets his feet and makes strong throws across, also had a diving catch to his glove side. High-follow 2026 in the state.

Cooper Eggert, RHP, Providence Catholic, 2025
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 24 in the state. 6-foot-1 190-pound frame, athletic with some present strength, still has room to add more. Started on the mound and hit out of the leadoff spot for the Celtics. The right-hander threw the ball well over his six innings of work, sitting 88 mph early with the fastball and working both in and out to both-handed hitters, settling in around 85-87 mph throughout the rest of the game. He went to a firm slider at 75-77 mph, playing with lateral action and also setting up a cutter at 79-80, thrown with intent and a short horizontal wrinkle. Flashed a changeup with feel for the zone at 80-83 mph. At the plate, the left-handed hitter took numerous quality at-bats, recording two singles on the day and a walk. He has a mature presence in the box, taking pitches out of the zone with confidence and intent, his hands are quick and allow the ball to get deep, flicking the barrel through the zone with ease and taking a fastball up in the zone the other way for a single. High-follow two-way prospect to know in the state.

Wednesday, April 24th

No. 4 Lincoln-Way West vs. No. 9 Downers Grove North

By: Pete Hamot
Assistant Director, Illinois & Wisconsin

Anthony Massa, 3B, Lincoln-Way West, 2024
Wisconsin-Platteville commit. Listed at 6-foot-1, 189-pounds, long levers with room for added strength. Hit out of the five hole and finished with three hits on the day, including a triple. The right-handed hitter has a relaxed setup, working with loose hands into a flat path, showing some strength off the barrel to his pull-side. Steady defender at third base, sure-handed actions, arm plays accurately across.

Ian Hazelip, DH, Lincoln-Way West, 2025
Uncommitted. 5-foot-9, 177-pound frame, athletic build. Hit out of the four-hole and displayed a flat, simple swing with minimal wasted movement, recording a hard-hit single on the day. Takes quality at-bats, has a clear plan and zone awareness, also has displayed some jump off the barrel in past looks, reaching up to 96 mph for his max EV in-event. Uncommitted right-handed bat to know.

Lucas Acevedo, RHP, Lincoln-Way West, 2025
Illinois-Chicago commit. Currently ranked No. 41 in the state. Compact, athletic 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame. Came out of the ‘pen for just one hitter but was extremely impressive, working his fastball up to 90 mph with feel for three pitches. To pair off his fastball, he went to a sharp slider thrown with intent at 78 mph with the ability to land in the zone. He also went to a fading changeup that he sells with arm-speed at 77-79 mph.

Jude Warwick, SS, Downers Grove North, 2024
Michigan State commit. Currently ranked No. 20 in the state. Lean and ultra-projectable 6-foot-1, 152-pound frame. Hit out of the leadoff spot and took some quality L/L at-bats against a premium arm, also making some highlight-reel plays at shortstop. The left-handed hitter has above-average zone awareness and was making quality swing decisions all-game, not recording a hit on the day but finding the barrel twice which included a sharply hit lineout to center. It’s an easy, simple swing that stays flat through the zone, working short to the ball with some extension through impact. Advanced defender on the infield, working with easy range to both sides of his glove, making plays both up the middle and to his backhand easily, including a Jeter-esk jump throw play in the ⅚ hole to nab the runner at first. Soft hands play with confidence on the dirt, fields with rhythm and timing. Arm plays with life and accuracy across the diamond with a quick release. High-ceiling left-handed hitting shortstop who’s best days are still very much ahead of him.

Braylon Tomlinson, LHP, Downers Grove North, 2025
Uncommitted. Listed at 5-foot-10, 175-pounds. Started on the mound and threw it well against a tough lineup. He’s a loose and easy mover, delivering his arsenal from a high ¾ slot. His fastball worked in the 78-80 mph range, creating some tilt through the zone with sinking action, also holding his velocity into the fourth inning before coming out of the game. To pair off the fastball he went to a short, lateral slider at 70-72 mph, thrown for strikes. His final offering was a changeup in the mid-70s, thrown with arm-speed and some sinking action. Uncommitted left-hander that competes well on the mound.

Tuesday, April 23rd

Lake Zurich vs. No. 19 Libertyville

By: Kevin Cronin
Illinois & Wisconsin Data Analyst, Area Scout

Cole Lockwood, SS/2B, Libertyville, 2025
Valparasio commit. Currently ranked No. 104 in Illinois’ class of 2025. The lean 5-foot-9, 129-pound left-handed infielder was slotted in the leadoff spot and started at shortstop. Lockwood recorded one hit in four at-bats, also driving in a run. A quiet presence in the box with a balanced stance that uses a short stride to start his swing. Showed athletic hands and the ability to use the whole field. Defensively, Lockwood is highly athletic and quick. Can range to both sides with ease and has athletic hands for a quick glove-to-hand transfer.

Chase Lockwood, RHP, Libertyville, 2026
Mentioned in our Week 5 Scout Blog for his day at the plate, the uncommitted Sophomore got the start on the mound for the Wildcats. Lockwood gave his team a strong pitching performance, going 6 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts, two walks, two runs (one earned) and nine hits allowed. Lockwood had a 66% strike rate over his outing with two innings of multiple strikeouts. He showed a three-pitch mix, utilizing a fastball, slider and change-up. His fastball plays easy out of the hand and firm through the zone with occasional run, sitting 82-85 mph throughout. Backing the fastball was a slider with late action that generates soft contact and swing-and-miss, sitting 70-73 mph. Lockwood flashed the changeup at times, showing a similar profile as the fastball, coming in at 78-80 mph. At the plate, Lockwood went 1-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs.

Johnathan Fleaka, INF, Lake Zurich, 2024
University of Illinois - Chicago commit. Currently ranked No. 54 in the State. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitting infielder batted second in the lineup and started over at shortstop. Fleaka picked up three hits on the night with a double in the seventh inning. Setting up in an upright position with feet slightly open. He looks to attack early in the count; displaying strong hands with a compact swing through the zone to allow him to drive the ball into the gaps.

AJ Foley, C/RHP, Lake Zurich, 2025
Uncommitted. Currently listed at 6-foot-1, 193-pounds. Simple delivery that goes into a crouched position during the leg lift. Shoulders slightly turn closed before working in-line with home plate. Working with three pitches out of an easy, controlled 3/4 arm slot; he was attacking hitters early with a two seam fastball type, sitting 78-81 mph throughout the outing. Off the fastball was a slider with a gradual 10/4 bite, coming in at 70-74 mph and setting up a changeup at 76-77 mph.

Monday, April 22nd

Burlington Central vs. McHenry

By: Tyler Defibaugh
Area Scout, Content

Brandon Shannon, RHP, McHenry, 2025
Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 35 in the state. Got the start for the Warriors and showed upside throughout his outing. Listed at a projectable 6-foot-3, 160-pounds, Shannon is an athletic mover down the mound. He works with a quick, compact arm action, releasing the ball from a high ¾ slot. He pounded the zone throughout his outing (65% strikes), and had confidence in all three of his offerings. His fastball sat 84-87, touching 88 in the first inning with some sink to it. He went to a 75-79 mph breaking ball with 11/5 shape for consistent swings and misses, while also going to an 80-82 mph splitter with sharp downer action to round out his arsenal. Shannon finished the day with seven strikeouts over his six innings of work and will be a junior arm to continue to keep tabs on this spring.

Kaden Wasniewski, UTL/RHP, McHenry, 2027
Currently ranked No. 7 in the state, Wasniewski had a big game on both sides of the ball for the Warriors. He batted out of the five spot in the lineup from the DH position and tallied three hits. Wasniewski stands in at 6-foot, 164-pounds with some present muscle in the upper body. He has a calm demeanor in the box from the right side and showed maturity in his approach throughout the game, using the pull-side/middle parts of the field. He has a simple and repeatable swing that works level and direct to the ball for consistent line drive contact. He later hopped on the mound to close out the game for McHenry. The right hander had some mixed results to begin the inning, giving up a run and putting the tying runner on second base with no outs. But the freshman showed a ton of composure and toughness, striking out the next two batters and getting a flyout to end the game and pick up the save. Wasniewski was working with an 83-86 mph fastball and a mid-70’s breaking ball as part of his arsenal on Monday night. The highly-touted freshman will be a name to continue to monitor as he gets more and more time on the varsity squad.

Payton Sensabaugh, OF, McHenry, 2024
McHenry County JC commit. Currently ranked No. 160 in the state and batted out of the two-spot for the Warriors. Sensabaugh stands in at an athletic 5-foot-9, 165-pounds with some present strength throughout his frame. He delivered a pivotal blow in the game when he swatted a two-run home run for the Warriors in the bottom of the fifth inning. The right-handed hitter has a hitterish look about him in the box and uses a short leg kick load, shifting his weight onto his backside. He has a level swing path that uses the middle/pull-side parts of the field.

Chase Powrozek, RHP, Burlington Central, 2025
Uncommitted. Got the start for the Rockets on Monday and showed some intrigue on the mound. Measures in at a mature 6-foot-2, 215-pounds and moves well down the mound. His arm works with a longer draw out of the glove, releasing from a high ¾ slot with arm-speed out front. His arsenal was headlined by a mid 80’s fastball that touched 88 mph multiple times in the first couple innings with arm-side run. He went to a 73-76 mph curveball that had some 12/6 bite to it for the occasional swing and miss. Powrozek is an uncommitted arm to keep tabs on moving forward in the junior class.

Donovan Christman, OF, McHenry, 2025
Uncommitted. Stands in at an athletic 6-foot-2, 165-pounds with room to add more strength. Batted out of the sixth-spot in the lineup and played right field, going 1-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. He has a relaxed look about him in the box with a slightly crouched and open setup. He uses a short leg kick stride with a barrel tip load, while swinging with a slightly uphill path with intent to lift the ball. In his first at-bat, he put a strong swing on a ball that he sent to deep center field for a double. Christman also showed comfortability with his routes in the outfield, and showed to be a steady defender.

Jake Johnson, C, Burlington Central, 2025
Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 169 in the state. Batted out of the cleanup spot and started behind the plate for the Rockets. Stands in at an imposing 6-foot-4, 203-pounds and moves well for his frame. From the right side of the box, he has a simple setup with a short toe-tap load onto his backside. His swing works direct to the ball with a level bat-path that creates extension through contact. He finished the day 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Defensively, he is flexible in the crouch and shows leadership qualities behind the dish. He also showed a quick glove-to-hand transfer paired with a strong and accurate arm around the bag.

Pontiac vs. No. 15 Monticello

By: Gavin Smith
Area Scout, Content

Henry Brummel, RHP, Pontiac, 2024
Indiana commit. Currently ranked No. 15 in Illinois’ 2024 class and No. 414 nationally. Listed at 6-foot-4, 200-pounds with strength and athleticism throughout. Started on the mound for the Indians and threw 6.2 innings with 16 strikeouts, three walks, one unearned run and three hits allowed. Showed a high motor with competitiveness on the mound and worked with a quality pace throughout the game. Simple delivery into balance point, medium leg lift with tuck and coil, tall and fall delivery down the mound, works in-line, toe consistently lands in-line with the plate. Clean and loose arm path with clear acceleration out front, ¾ slot. Fastball sat 90-92 mph early on, touching 93 mph multiple times, but settled in at 89-92 mph throughout the game with clear life through the zone. Mixed in two separate breaking balls; a curveball that sat 77-78 mph with 11/5 break, showing sharp, vertical actions that dropped in the zone, and a slider that sat 79-82 mph with hard, sweeping shape, created multiple check-swings and some swing-and-miss. Rounded out his four-pitch mix with a changeup that sat 82-84 mph with slight fade to the arm-side. An impressive performance from the senior against a talented Monticello lineup.

Ike Young, RHP, Monticello, 2025
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 162 in Illinois’ 2024 class. Stands in a high-waisted and projectable 6-foot-1, 160-pound frame with plenty more to come. Started on the mound for the Sages, and although he didn’t get the results he wanted, it was still an impressive look at the uncommitted junior. Athletic mover with a high leg lift with tuck, tall and fall delivery down the mound, foot lands closed towards third base. Clean and quick arm path out of a ¾ slot with noticeable acceleration out front. Came out of the gate throwing three 90 mph fastballs in a row, but sat mostly 87-89 mph early on, showed clear ride through the zone with arm-side run at times. Mixed in a breaking ball at 74-77 mph with varying shapes, worked best when thrown hard, producing 12/6 shape, garnering multiple swings-and-misses. A must-know uncommitted junior in Illinois.

Matt Swartz, OF, Monticello, 2025
Uncommitted. Listed at 5-foot-11, 170-pounds with athleticism in the frame. Started in left field and batted second for the Sages. Showed well in IO, moving well around the outfield with an accurate arm that plays with above-average arm strength. Didn’t record a hit in the game but impressed in his first at bat, barreling a 92 mph fastball to the right fielder for a line-out. An uncommitted junior that continues to impress our staff in the few looks that we have had.

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