On Wednesday, the Prep Baseball Illinois team released its First Team All-State for the 2026 season. Today, we’re announcing the recipients of our Second-Team All-State honors. Given the amount of talent residing in the state, the Second-Team roster is stacked with selections representing all corners of Illinois.

Keep an eye out tomorrow when we release our Third-Team All-State.

But for now, and without further ado, here is the roster for the 2026 Prep Baseball Illinois’ Second-Team All-State.

PITCHERS

Jackson Heidemann RHP / Harlem, IL / 2026 POS IP W/L H K BB ERA WHIP RHP  59 9-2 28 106 18 0.92 0.78 Heidemann has performed throughout his entire career at Harlem, sitting atop the rotation for numerous years now. He heads to Madison JC after a strong senior campaign that saw him break the all-time strikeout record at Halrem (279) and tied the all-time wins record of 23.

Cannon Madej LHP / Lemont, IL / 2026 POS IP W/L H K BB ERA WHIP LHP  52.2 7-1 22 92 20 1.73 0.80 Madej leaves Lemont as the career wins leader on the mound, after notching seven wins this spring. He also tallied a whopping 92 punchouts over 52.2 innings, and allowed just 22 hits over that span.

Nolan Keller 3B / Triad, IL / 2026 POS IP W/L H K BB ERA WHIP RHP  74.1 11-1 61 84 15 1.22 1.02 6/6/26: "Kaskaskia JC commit. Currently ranked No. 201 in the 2026 class. Made an impact on the mound and at the plate against Mascoutah. Got the start in the Sectional Final, offering a look at a quality four-pitch mix. Keller threw a fastball in the 84-86 mph range, holding the velo throughout the start, and even topping out 87 mph in the fourth inning. He throws a pair of breaking ball offerings, a slider that stayed in the 77-79 mph range, featuring late bite, and a curveball that stayed in the 70-75 mph range. Keller rounded out his arsenal by offering a 77-78 mph changeup that had some killed spin at 1300-1400 rpms. Keller was impressive throughout the start, throwing the fastball, slider, and curveball in different counts throughout the game. He attacked the zone, not walking a single batter and only allowing a pair of runs on six hits in his complete game, all while punching out eight. The Kaskaskia commit also had a strong day at the plate, hitting a home run in a 3-for-4 performance."

Carter Lippens RHP / Dunlap, IL / 2027 POS IP W/L H K BB ERA RHP  65 10-2 46 90 24 1.08 Dunlap had a great season in 2026, and Carter Lippens was a big reason why. The junior punched out nearly 100 guys over 65 innings of work, and posted an impressive 1.08 ERA while tallying an impressive 10-2 record, which set the school record for wins in a season.

Brandon Pelz RHP / Bartlett, IL / 2026 POS IP W/L H K BB ERA WHIP RHP  54 8-2 34 81 17 1.04 0.94 Pelz leaves Bartlett as the career strikeout leader on the mound after adding 81 this spring to his career tally. The ace of the staff the past couple seasons, he posted an 8-2 record on the hill, putting up a 1.04 ERA over 54 innings of work in 2026.

Chase Lockwood RHP / Libertyville, IL / 2026 POS IP W/L H K BB ERA WHIP RHP  70.1 12-1 55 69 10 1.89 0.92 From 3/30/26: "Currently ranked No. 64 in the state’s senior class, Illinois State commit. The 6-foot-1, 177-pound right-hander started on the mound for Libertyville and worked in control throughout the outing, consistently missing barrels. Lockwood operated from a ¾ slot with a clean, repeatable delivery, staying linear down the mound. He ran his fastball at 87-90 mph with 2400+ rpm, pairing it with a 74-76 mph curveball that showed 12/6 shape with bite. He also mixed in a slider at 82-84 mph (2600+ rpm) and a changeup at 80-83 mph that killed spin (1300 rpm). He handled the lineup efficiently and limited damage across seven innings. Line: 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K."

CATCHERS

Colin Quinn C / St. Rita, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI BB K OBP SLG OPS C .475 13 3 4 52 17 15 .523 .733 1.256 From 4/30/26: "Heartland CC commit. Currently ranked No. 131 in the state. Athletic 5-foot-10, 185-pound frame with strength. Batted third and caught for the Mustangs. A twitchy right-handed hitter, he has a flat path paired with easy bat speed and quick hands through the zone. He was on the barrel multiple times in this one with just one hit to show for it in the box score. Defensively, he is a reliable presence behind the dish with soft hands when receiving and a strong arm out of the chute."

Caleb Hornbrook C / Normal University, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI BB K OBP SLG OPS C .510 13 2 6 44 14 1 .608 .860 1.468 From 6/3/26: "Lake Land commit. Currently ranked No. 124 in Illinois’ 2026 class. 5-foot-11, 206-pound frame. Hit out of the three hole and was the backstop for the pioneers. Went 1-for-2 with a walk. Drove a ball the opposite way for a single and worked an 0-2 walk. Simple, repeatable setup with strong hands. Gap-to-gap approach with the ability to work counts and drive the ball the other way."

Dylan Kassab C / Hinsdale Central, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS C .485 9 3 9 34 35 34 15 .612 1.513 From 1/27/26: "C Dylan Kassab (Hinsdale Central; Indiana commit) will be a name to follow in the coming years, showing a highly intriguing display of present power with more on the way. Listed at 5-foot-11, 207-pounds, there’s some present strength in his durable frame, but his young look indicates more strength and physical maturity in the coming years. The power is already a prominent tool for him, peaking at 106 mph in his round of BP while averaging 96 mph, sending his furthest ball 403’ - also averaging 23 mph for his hand-speed, 77 mph for his bat-speed and 24.6 Gs for his rotational acceleration. He is able to create some natural lift with easy jump off the barrel and raw strength, profiling him as a middle of the order type bat at the next level. He took a quality round of defense with a strong, accurate arm and steady glove-to-hand, peaking at 79 mph down to second and working as low as 1.93 for his pop-time."

FIRST BASEMEN

Isaac Wendler 1B / Father McGivney, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R BB OBP SLG OPS 1B .444 23 1 8 50 35 19 .525 .863 1.388 From 5/20/26: "Illinois-Springfield commit, currently ranked No. 115 in the state. Listed at 6-foot-1, 220 lbs, sturdy build with plenty of noticeable strength throughout the frame. Finished the day 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs out of the cleanup spot. The home run was particularly impressive, sitting on an inside pitch that he was able to get his hands around to hit the left field foul pole in the third inning. Simple approach in the box with little movement pre-pitch, no wasted movement at all. There’s plenty of pull-side power in his game and that was on display tonight."

Bryson Houchens 1B / Saint Joseph Ogden, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS 1B .403 11 11 57 45 22 17 .490 1.249 From 4/30/26: "Morton JC commit. Started at first base and batted third. Finished the day 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and two runs scored, barreling his double to the deep right-center gap. A physical right-handed hitter that produces jump off the bat, working with a fluid load and swing, loose wrists and an uphill path."

MIDDLE INFIELDERS

Jacsen Tucker SS / Oswego East, IL / 2027 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R BB OBP SLG OPS SS .379 12 1 12 33 37 22 .496 .864 1.360 From 5/21/26: "Oklahoma State commit. 6-foot-5, 185-pounds, long, lean, athletic frame with room to add strength. Started at short and batted third in the lineup. Right-handed hitter, at the plate went 1-for-4 with a double, RBI and a walk. Swing was athletic, whippy and had the ability to generate power. Showed a competitive mindset in the batters box with a 10+ pitch AB in the fifth inning that ended with a walk. Defensively showed athletic, natural movement with premium range to the forehand, backhand and coming in on balls. Arm was advanced with the ability to make accurate throws from multiple slots while on the move."

Hunter Baugh SS / Edwardsville, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS SS .449 14 2 31 35 21 12 .545 .994 From 3/21/26: "Lindenwood commit. Currently ranked No. 47 in the class. 5-foot-9, 147-pound, athletic, lean, two-way prospect. Does it all for Edwardsville. Hit in the two-hole and got the start on the mound. Athletic, clean mover down the mound with a loose, clean arm. Fastball was as firm as we have ever seen it, sitting 87-88 mph, T89 early in his outing. Also showed a true three-pitch mix with a 76-77 mph breaking ball and changeup at 81 mph with diving action. Struck out five in three innings of work. Right-handed hitter, also went 2-for-4 at the plate with a double to left field and an RBI single. Stays within himself at the plate and the ball jumps off his bat given his stature. All-around one of the top baseball players in the Metro East area."

Joey Ireland SS / Mount Carmel, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS SS .450 14 1 4 43 48 29 15 .560 1.226 From 3/28/26: "Illinois signee. Currently ranked No. 23 in the state. Well-proportioned 6-foot, 192-pound frame with present strength throughout. Batted second and played shortstop for the Caravan. Defensively, his athleticism stands out paired with natural actions both pre-game and in-game, and he shows reliable and confident hands up the middle. At the plate, the right-handed hitter carries a hitterish look in the box with active hands pre-pitch, a short leg kick stride, and a handsy swing that has some length through the zone. A 6.66 runner in the past, he showcased easy foot speed late in the game with a bunt single. An athletic middle-infielder that attended the Preseason ProCase this winter."

Jory Crocker SS / Willowbrook, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS SS .451 11 7 4 45 42 23 14 .582 1.386 From 4/21/26: "Arizona commit, currently ranked No. 12 in the state. 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame, lean and high-waisted, all sorts of room to add strength in the coming years. Started at shortstop and hit out of the three-hole. The right-handed hitter didn’t have anything to show for it at the plate, but showed a selective approach with a clean operation, controlled forward move with subtle hand load, some rhythm pre-pitch, hands look to work on top of the baseball with a steep path. Fluid mover out in the field with soft hands, floats around with ease and long strides, funnel into the body with clean transfers, plays low and with leverage. Arm showed easy life and backspin across, accurate strikes."

THIRD BASEMEN

TJ McQuillan 3B / Mount Carmel, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R BB OBP SLG OPS 3B .464 17 5 7 45 60 24 .566 .812 1.378 From 5/30/26: "Wake Forest commit, currently ranked No. 5 in the state, No. 150 nationally. 6-foot, 215-pound frame, broad shoulders with a wide back, physical build with room to continue to add. Started at third base and hit leadoff, finishing the day 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Impressive bat-speed from the left side, made adjustments from his first at-bat to the rest of the day, sat on a left/left slider his second at-bat and took it right back up the middle."

Jeremy Thompson RHP / Romeoville, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS 3B .491 14 14 41 34 18 10 .574 1.574 Jeremy Thompson had a big year at the dish in his final spring at Romeoville. He is now the single season record holder for hits (54), doubles (14), home runs (14), RBI (41), and batting average .491. Thompson is also the career record holder for home runs (18), RBI (91), and pitching strikeouts (183).

OUTFIELDERS

Omar Avalos Jr. OF / Father McGivney, IL / 2027 POS AVE 2B 3B SB RBI R BB K OBP OPS OF .519 18 3 35 35 59 31 19 .636 1.404 Avalos has continued to prove to be one of the top leadoff hitters across the state for multiple years now. In 2026, he was Conference Player of the Year after batting .519 and putting up an OPS of 1.404. He also swatted nearly 20 doubles (18 total) while swiping 35 bags, and walking more than he struck out (31:19).

Patrick Connors OF / Hinsdale Central, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B 3B SB R BB OBP OPS OF .392 7 2 54 44 15 .493 1.001 From 5/21/26: "Boston College commit. 6-foot-0, 180-pounds, trim and athletic build. Started in CF and batted first in the lineup. Was 2-for-2 on the day with an RBI, two run scored and two walks. Plus runner with a 6.41 60-yard time with speed that translates in game - collecting three stolen bases on the day. Simple operation in the batters box, under control, limited swing and miss. Aggressive defender who makes early, confident calls on tweener balls between infield/outfield."

Rocco Triolo C / Lincoln-Way East, IL / 2027 POS AVE 2B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS OF .396 10 11 36 34 15 13 .472 1.256 From 5/21/26: "Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 59 in the state. Lean 6-foot, 191-pound frame with room for added strength. Batted third and caught for the Griffins. Triolo continues to show well in front of our staff this spring. The right-handed hitter uses the whole field and takes what the pitcher gives him, operating with a loose swing and bat speed to match. His barrel strength stands out, evidenced by a double to the opposite gap in this game plus a loud flyout to the warning track in his final at-bat; has 11 home runs on the season to-date. Behind the plate, he posted pop times ranging from 1.95 to 2.07, and is a willing blocker and quality receiver. He has positional versatility to round out his profile, as he has experience playing the outfield for the Griffins as well. An uncommitted name to follow as we move into the summer."

Tyler Gluting LHP / Metea Valley, IL / 2027 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R OPS OF .432 14 1 8 25 35 1.360 Oklahoma commit, Tyler Gluting, had a big year with the bat for Metea Valley. The left-handed hitter batted .432 with 14 doubles, eight homers, and 35 runs scored while posting a 1.360 OPS.

UTILITY

Adam Swanson C / Ottawa Township, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B HR RBI R BB K SB OPS C .505 11 9 41 36 31 14 21-21 1.503 POS IP W/L K BB ERA RHP  64 7-1 83 15 1.86 From 1/27/26: "C/OF Adam Swanson (Ottawa Township; Bradley commit) had a strong showing in numerous aspects on the day. He continues to improve behind the plate, showing steady hands and a clean operation that allowed him to get rid of the ball quickly with throws on the bag (T81 mph, 1.94 pop-time). He also showed well in the outfield with sure-handed, athletic actions, appearing comfortable on the move. The arm is also a weapon from the outfield, peaking at 91 mph and accurate from a longer arm circle and high ¾ slot. Also a 6.59 runner, he has plenty of athleticism and versatility to help boost his profile. He took a strong round of BP on top of his defense, showing a loose and uphill path with a simple/compact operation, consistently working on the barrel with loud results pull-side, averaging 96 mph while peaking at 102 mph (T372’) - also averaging 73 mph for his bat-speed."

Alec Novotney RHP / Marquette Academy, IL / 2026 POS IP W/L H K BB ERA WHIP RHP  58.2 8-2 38 105 5 1.84 0.73 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS SS .484 21 4 3 47 48 21 9 .648 1.429 Novotney had a storied career at Ottawa Marquette, helping lead the Crusaders to two state titles in 2024 & 2025. Named the IHSBCA 1A Player of the Year in 2024 (his sophomore season), he has only continued to put up numbers on both sides of the ball throughout his career. On the mound, he amassed over 100 punchouts in 2026 (105), while going 8-2 with a 1.84 ERA over 58.2 innings. Offensively, he batted .484 with a .648 OBP while hitting 21 doubles, four triples, three homers, driving in 47, and striking out just nine times, helping lead the Crusaders back to State in 2026.

Ryan Pipkins OF / Champaign Central, IL / 2028 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS OF .466 10 5 7 46 59 28 11 .580 1.399 POS IP W/L H K BB ERA WHIP RHP  57.1 8-2 40 69 15 1.46 0.96 From 6/3/26: "Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 18 in Illinois’ 2028 class. 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame. Pipkins got the start on the mound for the Maroons, tossing a complete game while giving up just one run. Gave up only three hits while striking out five and allowing one walk. The fastball sat 83-86 mph and paired with a breaking ball at 73-74 mph. Consistently competed in the zone with each offering. Flashed a changeup with arm-side run. Simple, repeatable delivery with a clean arm action. Offensively, the left-handed hitter hit in the leadoff spot, went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Simple, balanced setup with a mature approach and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Direct to the ball."

Andrew Dawson 3B / Tremont, IL / 2026 POS AVE 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K OBP OPS 3B .518 15 6 6 51 51 15 12 .567 1.414 POS IP W/L H K ERA RHP  56.1 10-0 42 94 1.84 From 5/6/26: "Valparaiso commit, ranked No. 82 in the state's senior class. Stands in a 6-foot, 187-pound frame with strength throughout. Started at third base and batted third. At the plate, finished 3-for-4 with two RBI, showing a simple swing with a direct path through the zone that works slightly uphill. Had multiple hard-hit balls in the game, including a line out to the centerfielder. Steady defender at third base with a quality arm across. On the mound, worked two innings, striking out four while allowing one walk and no hits or runs on 33 pitches with 23 strikes (70%). Up-tempo mover with a high leg lift, drop and drive down the mound. Fastball sat 86-89 mph and touched 91, mixed in a slider at 72-76 mph and a changeup at 81 mph. A name to continue to follow on both sides of the ball."

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