This Saturday, March 1st, the Prep Baseball Illinois team is hosting the Preseason All-State: Underclass] at The MAX in McCook, IL. This is an invite-only event for all high school classes (2027-28), and gives our staff an ample look at the area's top players.

For a closer look at the showcase details and the technologies we'll have on-site to assist our in-person evaluation for all in attendance, click HERE. For a complete look at those registered to attend this event, view the most up-to-date version of the roster by clicking HERE. 

EVENT HISTORY

We've been hosting this event for the past 13 years, and it's consistently provided us a look at prominent players who've later gone on to receive invitations to select events, like the Prep Baseball Future Games and Illinois State Games. Among the players in attendance at this event in 2024, there are already 28 commitments among them. 

This showcase is critical for our staff to gather intel on the Team Illinois roster we’ll construct at the end-of-summer Prep Baseball Future Games. At last year’s Preseason All-State: Underclass event, seventeen players from this roster went on to appear at the Future Games in Georgia while representing our state: RHP Keaton Reinke (St. Charles North, 2026), RHP Paddy Roth (St. Patrick, 2026; Michigan State), RHP Luke Blackwell (Valmeyer, 2026), LHP Ian Tosi (Mount Carmel, 2026; Miami), RHP Connor Elenteny (Mount Carmel, 2026; Notre Dame), RHP/INF Kaeden Schatsiek (Brimfield, 2026; Northern Illinois), RHP Chase Lockwood (Libertyville, 2026), INF/RHP Jory Crocker (Willowbrook, 2026; Arizona), RHP/C Ryan Duncheon Jr. (East Peoria, 2026; Illinois State), C Brandon Thomsen (St. Viator, 2026), C Max Heineman (Normal Community, 2026; Illinois-Chicago), C Dylan Kassab (Hinsdale Central, 2026; Indiana), INF Kamrin Jenkins (Oswego, 2026; Missouri), MIF Gavin Michaels (Normal Community, 2026; Cincinnati), OF Nolan Ramoley (Brother Rice, 2026, Kentucky), INF Johnny Nelson (Oak Park River Forest, 2026; Wright State), and C/UTL Adam Swanson (Ottawa, 2026).

We're looking forward to checking in on the next crop of talent from this event to earn next-level attention in the coming weeks, months, and years.

2025 ROSTER

This year's roster is already shaping up nicely, just like in years past.

OF/LHP Carver Cohn (McHenry, 2028) The top player in Illinois’ 2028 class will be in attendance this weekend. Cohn recently impressed at the McHenry Preseason ID two weeks ago. Cohn showed true feel from both sides of the plate and had an impressive 100 mph EV while averaging 93.7 mph. The outfielder also threw 86 mph from his respective position.

RHP Cole Clower (Providence Catholic. 2028) Standing at 6-foot-3, 175-pounds, former Team Illinois Junior Future Gamer is a prospect to watch this weekend. On the mound, Clower has been up to 83 mph with an average spin rate on the fastball of 2161. At the plate, Clower has had an EV of 89.5 mph with a 71.3 mph bat speed average. 

1B Quincy Fulton (Newton, 2028) At 6-foot-2, 205-pounds, Fulton is one of the most physical prospects in the Illinois 2028 class. At previous showcases, we have seen Fulton’s EV up to 98 mph and a max distance of 322’. The freshman will continue to get stronger and is bound to have an impressive day on Saturday.

RHP Brady Buenik (Libertyville, 2027) The top ranked right-handed pitcher in the Illinois 2027 class stands at 6-foot-3, 205-pounds. Buenik has a three pitch arsenal with a fastball, changeup, and slider. We have seen the fastball up to 91 mph while sitting 87-89 mph, the slider has been 70-72 mph with -16.2 in. of horizontal movement, and a changeup at 76-79 mph.

RHP/INF Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry, 2027) One of the state’s and nations' top players will be in attendance this weekend. Wasniewski impresses in front of our staff every time we see him. Recently, at the McHenry ID, the infielder threw 95 mph across with a max EV of 94 mph and a max distance of 343’. We have seen the right hander up to 92 mph with an avg. spin rate of 2383 rpm.

INF Jacsen Tucker (Oswego East, 2027) The fourth ranked player in the states 2027 class is one of the top prospects in the nation. At 6-foot-4, 185-pounds, Tucker runs a 6.85 60-yard dash and throws 85 mph across the diamond. Offensively, the right handed hitter has been up to 97 mph EV with a max distance of 365’.

INF Gavin Hartigan (Nazareth Academy, 2028) is another top five player in the 2028 class that will be in attendance this weekend. Hartigan has run a 6.82 60-yard dash in front of our staff as well as showing a 89 mph EV. The infielder will continue to grow as a prospect and should impress at this Saturday's event.

Perusing the event roster, we’re set to meet a majority of players who’ve not yet attended a Prep Baseball showcase, and we’re eager to add more names to our follow lists.

EVENT CHECK-IN PROCESS

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend Saturday’s event, it is imperative that you read our adjusted showcase itinerary below, which will allow our staff to swiftly and efficiently educate and evaluate the players set to attend.

Additionally, in an effort to continue and develop contactless check-in strategies, upon arrival, players will scan a QR Code with their smart phone camera that will lead them to a Google Form. On that Form, players will enter their name (matching the spelling on their PB profile) and hit submit. Upon submission, players will be prompted to click a link that will direct them to their jersey color and number, located next to their registered name.

ITINERARY

+ Check-in Times:

• All Outfielders: 8:30 AM
• All Infielders: 9:30 AM 
• All Catchers: 11:45 AM
• All Two-Way Pitchers: 12:30 PM
• All Pitcher Only's: 1:30 PM
• Catchers will stay to catch bullpens.

MORE EVENT DETAILS

Click HERE to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan, Vizual Edge, and Blast Motion have helped both our in-event evaluation process, as well the compilation of our post-event scouting reports – and they're also a tool for our players to learn more about their measured and collected data, that can be applied to improve upon their game.

Prep Baseball Illinois Content

Be sure to follow us on all of our social media platforms so you don't miss any of our content!

• X/Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• YouTube

Follow @PeterHamot13 Follow @TyDeffyFollow @gavinsmith_23Follow @KevinCronin_15

RELATED CONTENT