This past weekend, we capped off our Illinois tournament circuit with the 15/17U Illinois Summer Championships in Rantoul, Illinois. This invite-only event proved to be one of the more talented of the summer with around 50 teams in attendance. Today, we are taking the time to shine some light on the players that stood out to our staff, found below. 

15U

Canes Central Illinois 15u Fisher

RHP Krue Honea (Metamora, 2028)
Athletic 5-foot-9, 145-pound frame with room to add strength. Honea shined in his inning of relief Saturday night as he struck out the side. Simple, uptempo delivery with a high leg lift with tuck and a tall/fall approach. Short, quick arm action from a ¾ slot. His fastball sat 80-82 mph while playing at the top of the zone. He mixed in a curveball that sat 65-67 mph with late actions.

INF Max Nestrud (Morton, 2028)
Standing in at 5-foot-10, 150-pounds with plenty of room for added strength, Nestrud looked impressive at the plate over the weekend. The Morton product finished 6-for-11 over the weekend, highlighted by a 3-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs in his first performance in his first game Sunday. Nestrud has a quiet, narrow-based setup pre-pitch but has a long stride that gains some ground in the box. He keeps the barrel through the zone for a long time and has a notably polished swing at his age. There is a lot to like with Nestrud, and he is a name to keep an eye on as he enters his sophomore season at Morton. 

OF Zakhary Kleist (Metamora, 2028)
Standing in at a compact 5-foot-7, 160-pound frame, Kleist possesses a smooth left-handed stroke and showed an ability to hit to all fields during the weekend. In the box, he features a simple setup with no wasted movement, and turns on the pitch with a slightly uphill stroke. Overall, he looked pretty polished in the box and could continue to develop into a quality hitter as he gets older. 

RHP Joel Nava (Dunlap, 2028)
Joel Nava is an athletic arm that really impressed throughout the weekend. We saw two outings during the Illinois Summer Championships, allowing just three runs in nine combined innings pitched. On the mound, Nava is an athletic mover that throws out of an overhand slot, working in-line on the mound. He showed an ability to repeat his delivery consistently. On Thursday, the fastball lived in the low 80s (T82) and he also offered a look at a low 70s curveball. 

UTIL Carter Fisher (Morton, 2028) 
Standing in at 6-foot, 160-pounds with athleticism, Fisher had a strong day at the plate in game one on Saturday going 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, and four runs batted in. Fisher has a wide base with little movement in his upper-half before the swing, but comes through quickly with a swing that is quick and compact through the zone. There is room for added strength in Fisher’s frame, and there is a lot to like with the Morton product. 

Canes Midwest 15U American

RHP Grady Bough (Owen Valley Community, 2028)
Athletic 5-foot-9, 150-pound frame with room to add strength. Bough shined on Saturday morning while striking out ten batters through 4.2 shutout innings. The right-hander operates from a simple, controlled delivery with a small leg lift and a tall/fall approach. Full, clean arm action from a high ¾ slot. His fastball sat 80-82 mph with arm-side run while topping out at 83 mph. He mixed in a sharp curveball that sat 67-69 mph.

Cangelosi Sparks North - White 2028

C Jaythan Collazo (Oak Park-River Forest, 2028)
Stands in at 5-foot-9, 170-pounds. With both a polished swing and a quality catch and throw, Collazo looks the part on both sides of the ball. He stands in with a quiet stance and a compact swing that makes consistent hard contact. On two strikes, he shortens up at the plate and puts up competitive at-bats consistently. A strong defender, there is a lot of reason to believe that as he continues to get better he can be a quality catcher behind the dish.

OF/1B Jack Trybus (Glenbard West, 2028)
Stands in at a lean 6-foot-1, 170-pounds with some room to fill out still and long levers. There is little movement in his lower half pre-pitch, and his hands are quick through the zone with a direct-to-ball swing. He drove in the winning run in a game on Saturday, helping the Sparks take the win in a game that came down to the wire. 

Chicago Elite 2028

CF Isaac Schroeder (Normal University, 2028)
High-waisted 6-foot-3, 150-pound athletic frame with room to add strength. Schroeder stood out on Saturday as he went 1-for-3 at the plate. The left-handed hitter has a compact swing with a gap-to-gap approach. Schroeder connected on a sac fly to left field in the top of the third. In the seventh inning, he connected on a double to left field.

Edge Baseball 15U

INF Givon Storkson (Stoughton, 2028)
Givon Storkson was all over the barrel throughout the weekend, highlighted by a 3-for-4 day on Friday with two home runs and a double with four RBIs. The rising-sophomore operates out of a quiet, tall setup and has a slightly uphill swing through the zone with a strong feel for the barrel. A name to keep an eye on going forward.

Hitters UDC 2028

OF Evangelo Georganas (Hinsdale Central, 2028)
Stands in at 5-foot-7, 172-pounds. The left-handed hitter has a smooth and level lefty swing and showed an ability to take pitches hard the other way for hits. Has some twitch in the box and is quick down the line to first, and also features plenty of speed and athleticism in his profile to round out his game. 

SS Nick Pignatiello (Bishop McNamara, 2027)
Pignatiello features a lean frame with room for added strength, as well as advanced actions in the box. The right handed hitter has rhythmic actions pre-swing and does a quality job at using every part of his body to generate pop. He came up big for the Hitters in a game on Sunday, driving in three runs on a double to opposite field gap to tie it late in the game. Certainly a name to keep an eye on going forward.

RHP Sonny Mateja (Montini Catholic, 2028)
Athletic 5-foot-11, 140-pound frame with room to add strength. Mateja shined on Saturday as he struck out six batters through 5.2 innings while not allowing a hit. The right-hander operates from a simple, controlled delivery with a high leg lift and a drop/drive approach. Short, quick arm action from a ¾ slot. His fastball sat 80-83 mph with arm-side run. He mixed in a tight slider that sat 72-74 mph.

Rhino CI Miller 15U

RHP Weston Ensign (Fisher, 2028)
Stands at An intriguing 6-foot-4, 225lbs. Ensign had an impressive performance against Top Tier American 15U going 5IP with 7 strikeouts, one hit allowed and zero runs. On the mound he has a clean delivery, medium leg lift with a drop/drive approach. He works with a two pitch mix with his fastball sitting at 79-81 mph and pairing it with his 70-72 mph curveball. 

Top Tier Americans 15U 

RHP Matthew Kulig (Andrean, 2028) 
With one of the more impressive overall weekends, Kulig showed well on both sides of the diamond this past tournament. The lean 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame started off with a strong showing on the mound Friday afternoon. The right-hander tossed four innings, striking out seven and walking none. Working with a solid two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 83-85 mph, and the curveball was 72-73 mph. Delivering from an easy, repeatable motion, followed by a clean and quick short arm, Kulig was able to miss barrels with ease. Now with the bat, Kulig showed well later that night, going 2-for-3 with a single and opposite field triple. An easy right-handed swing with hands that work quick and direct to the ball. With still lots of room to grow into his frame, Kulig will be an interesting follow in the Hoosier state. 

OF Jacob Hite (St Laurence, 2028) 
A wiry, 6-foot, 170-pound frame, with lots of room to still grow, Hite showed well with the bat in Top Tiers' first game Friday afternoon. The right-handed bat went 2-for-3 with an opposite-field line drive single and a triple. With present rhythm in the box, Hite uses his size to his advantage to drive the ball to all parts of the field. An athletic runner for the frame, moving well around the bases. 

RHP Milan Bansal (Hinsdale Central, 2028) 
A high-waisted, wiry, 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame, Bansal put together a strong outing during Top Tiers Friday night cap. The right-handed arm tossed five innings of one-run ball, allowing only two hits and one walk, while striking out three. Working with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 79-81 mp,h and the curveball was sitting 67-70 mph. On the mound, it is a loose and clean delivery and arm action. The arm works long from a lower ¾ slot. Able to fill up the zone and induce weak contact. As Bansal continues to fill out his frame, he will be an intriguing one to keep an eye on. 

OF Jay Baird (Jinsdale Central, 2028) 
Another long-levered, 6-foot-2, 186-pound frame with plenty of room to fill out, from Top Tier. Baird showed well on his Friday night game, going 1-for-2 with a pull-side triple. In the box, it's a smooth swing working uphill, with developing bat speed. In center it’s confident actions, taking correct routes to the ball. 

C Andrew Lehman (St. Rita, 2028) 
Putting together a solid all-around weekend was the athletic 5-foot-8, 160-pound frame of Andrew Lehman. The right-handed hitting catcher first caught eyes behind the plate with clear athletic actions, along with strong forearms and soft hands. Showing the ability to stick at the position as he gets older. Then with the bat, Lehman backed up the catching ability, finding a pair of hits, including a double on a ball scrapping the fence and a pair of singles. Able to generate easy pop and bat speed from his smaller frame. Lehman has a present feel of the barrel, developing consistency. In the box, it's a wide set base with hands that work in timing, along with staying strong and quick through the zone. 

Wow Factor Illinois 2028 Scout Team

RHP Dean Marchand (Dunlap, 2028)
Athletic 5-foot-9, 176-pound frame. Marchand shined on Saturday as he struck out five batters through five shutout innings while allowing only three runners on base. The right-hander operates from a simple delivery with a high leg lift and a drop/drive approach. Loose, full arm action from a low ¾ slot. His fastball sat 80-83 mph with arm-side run. He flashed an upper-60s slider in his final inning. Interesting 2028 name to keep an eye on.

RHP/SS Ryder Rennette (Dunlap, 2028)
Athletic 5-foot-10, 155-pound frame with room to add strength. Rennette had quite the weekend at the plate and on the mound. At the plate, Rennette constantly found a way on base. The left-hander hitter has advanced bat-to-ball abilities from a compact swing that is direct to the ball. A top-of-the-order type bat that can set up the heart of the order. On the mound, Rennette struck out ten batters through seven innings across two appearances. The right-hander operates from a simple, controlled delivery with a high leg lift and a tall/fall approach. Long, loose, easy arm action from a ¾ slot. His fastball sat 80-83 with arm-side run. He mixed in a sharp curveball that sat in the mid to upper 60s. 

RHP/INF Brady Jones (Metamora, 2028)
Projectable 6-foot-6, 215-pound frame. Jones shined in all facets during the weekend. At the plate, Jones provided a power bat in the heart of the order. He utilizes an easy swing that is long through the zone with pull-side power. His long-levers allow him to attack pitches in all parts of the zone. On the mound, Jones shined on Sunday as he struck out two batters through four strong innings. The right-hander operates from an easy, simple delivery with a high leg lift and a tall/fall approach. Loose, easy arm action from a ¾ slot. His fastball sat 80-82 mph while playing up because of his extension. He mixed in a curveball that sat 66-68 mph with late actions.

RHP Kainin Mumma (Rock Ridge, 2028)
Had an impressive outing with the arm against Brew State 15U. On the mound he has a clean delivery, drop/drive approach, and operates from a high ¾ slot. His fastball sat 79-81 mph. 

Yard Goats Black

OF/RHP Ryan Pipkins (Champaign Central, 2028)
Currently ranked the No. 9 player in the 2028 class, Pipkens is no stranger to our staff. His skills were on display all weekend, going 11-for-22 with two doubles and a HR. He has a simple approach from the left side of the plate that produces hard contact consistently, and has a strong feel for the barrel. Pipkins started on the mound on Saturday where he struck out nine batters through five shutout innings. The right-hander operates from a controlled, easy delivery with a high leg lift and a tall/fall approach. Easy, short arm action from a ¾ slot. His fastball sat 81-84 mph and he was able to locate to all parts of the zone. He mixed in a curveball that sat 64-66 mph with sharp actions.

3B Beckett Moran (Armstrong, 2028)
Standing in at a strong 6-foot-1, 170-pounds, Beckett Moran really impressed at the plate this weekend. He has a rhythmic setup at the plate that leads into a swing that sent line drives up the middle multiple times throughout the weekend. He looks to have present strength in his frame already, and with his feel for the barrel he is a name to keep an eye on going forward.

SS/RHP Nic Bralts (Champaign Central, 2028)
It is hard to find someone who had as strong of a weekend as Nic Bralts did. The 6-foot, 167-pound infielder finished the weekend 14-for-20 with seven runs driven in. Bralts has a louder presence in the box than most, but is able to hone in everything going into the swing that found barrel after barrel. Nic Bralts has plenty of athleticism and projectability, and is certainly a name to keep an eye as he enters his sophomore season. Bralts impressed on the mound on Sunday as he struck out five batters through four plus innings. The right-hander operates from a simple, controlled delivery with a high leg lift and a tall/fall approach. Quick, compact, short arm action from a ¾ slot. His fastball sat 81-84 mph with arm-side run. Mixed in a sharp curveball that sat 65-68 mph.

RHP Jameson Ehler (St. Joseph-Ogden, 2028)
There is plenty of projectability in Jameson Ehler’s 6-foot-3, 150-pound frame, and there is a lot to like in the rising-sophomore’s pitch mix. Throwing out of a ¾ slot with simple, repeatable mechanics, Ehler attacked hitters with a low 80s FB (T84) that was lively and featured arm-side run. He has a pair of secondaries: a curveball that sat in the 65-67 mph range with hard 11/5 bite, as well as a low 70s changeup with both depth and fade. All three of his offerings look like pitches that could play at the next level with continued further development, and with his frame and projectability, there is a lot to dream on. His final line on Friday: 7IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 12 Ks.

CF Preston Walk (Mattoon, 2028)
Athletic 6-foot-1, 150-pound frame with room to add strength. Walk shined on Saturday as he went 3-for-5 at the plate while driving in two runs. The right-hander hitter has a compact swing with a whole field approach. Lead-off hitter that has a table setting type of bat that impacts the entire lineup.

3B Gunnar Larner (Maroa-Forsyth, 2028)
Strong 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame. Larner was all over the barrel on Sunday as he finished the game going 2-for-3 at the plate. The right-hander has a gap-to-gap approach with whole field power. Drilled a ball into the right-center gap for an RBI double in his second at-bat. Connected on a single to center field during his first plate appearance.

17U

2026 Athletes HQ-Fuscone

Gavin Fuscone, 3B, St. Charles East, 2026
Projectable, long-levered 6-foot-5, 190-pound frame with room to still fill out. Fuscone went 2-for-4 with a triple and four RBIs. Balanced stance with a simple stride and small bat tilt. Flat bat path with a line drive approach. Played a quality 3B with a strong arm across the infield.

Canes Midwest Black 

RHP Chase Walsman (Greensburg, 2026) 
A wiry, long-limbed, 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame, Walsman had a strong outing Thursday afternoon. The right-handed pitcher tossed five innings, allowing two runs on four hits, while striking out five. Working with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 80-82 mph, and the curveball was sitting 73-74 mph with late break and 11/6 profile. On the mound, Walsman works from a fluid downhill delivery with a loose full-circle arm action from the ¾ slot. The righty was able to generate soft contact, working with confidence, pounding the zone all game long. 

CF Koel Whaley (Avon, 2026) 
An athletic, 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame, Whaley showed well with the bat Thursday afternoon. The left-handed hitter went 1-for-2 with an opposite-field double and two walks. A quiet presence in the box with a patient approach, Whaley sets up a wide and athletic base and a small lego drop load. The hands drift back and create an uphill swing that is able to lift the ball to all parts of the field. 

Central Illinois Elite

RHP Trenton Bridges (Warrensburg-Latham, 2026)
Athletic 5-foot-11, 176-pound frame. Came out of relief and struck out the side in his lone inning of work. Impressed with a lively fastball at 83-86 mph that generated multiple whiffs. Paired it with a big breaking ball at 73-74 mph with sharp bite. Froze multiple hitters. Drop and drive delivery. Loose and athletic arm action out of a ¾ arm slot. 

Chicago Elite Royal

OF Tommy Hosty (Marist, 2027)
Currently ranked No. 53 in the state. Athletic LHH, hitting leadoff for a talented Chicago Elite Royal club. Handled the bat well all weekend with a number of impressive swings, good direction in his swing through the zone with the ability to cover the plate, taking a 90 mph fastball on the outer-half the other way for a barrel, simple and on-time swing. Roams centerfield with confidence, quality jumps and reads off the bat. 

2B Casey Mikrut (Lincoln-Way East, 2027)
Currently ranked No. 83 in the state. Continues to hit at each stop in front of our staff. Showed well against a premium arm Friday afternoon, appearing more than comfortable and on-time for low-90s fastballs before turning on a breaking ball in the zone for a loud barrel to his pull-side for a ground-rule double. Steady and athletic actions on the infield, clean hands and transfers, should be able to stick on the dirt at the next level. 

LHP Anthony Farina (Lockport, 2027)
Athletic 5-foot-7, 145-pound frame. The left hander held a quality lineup to only one earned while tossing a complete game. He works with a true three-pitch mix. His fastball sat 81-83 mph locating it on both sides of the plate. The breaking ball sat 68-71 mph with depth. Put hitters away with it and landed it for strikes. Added a changeup at 73-75 mph with fade. Altered his leg lift to mess with hitter’s timings. Competitor on the mound who knows how to pitch.

SS Evan Riiff (Lincoln-Way East, 2027)
Athletic 5-foot-11, 182-pound frame. Riiff had a strong weekend at the plate collecting twelve hits and seven RBIs. Upright, balanced setup with quiet pre pitch movement. A simple, repeatable operation. Line drive approach, driving the ball to all fields. Can pick it up the middle. A RHH to keep an eye on moving forward. Riiff also impressed on the mound on Sunday as he struck out seven batters through five strong innings. The right-hander operates from a simple, easy delivery with a high leg lift while having a tall/fall approach. Long, easy arm action from a low ¾ slot. His fastball sat 82-84 with arm-side run. Riiff mixed in a slider that sat 70-71 with late actions that he threw with confidence.

C Rocco Triolo (Lincoln-Way East, 2027)
Currently ranked No. 77 in the state. Strong 5-foot-10, 177-pound frame. Triolo shined this past weekend as he went 6-for-12 at the plate. Strong hands with a flat bat path, gap-to-gap approach with pull-side power. Consistently on the barrel and continues to be a top contributor in the middle of the order.

LHP Nathan Zdenovec (Lemont, 2028)
Standing in at 6-foot-2, 160-pounds, Nathan Zednovec shows plenty of projectability in his frame. He also had the single strongest outing of anyone throughout the weekend, throwing a perfect seven innings, allowing nobody on base and striking out 15 batters in the process. Zdenovec has a loose and easy arm action from the left side, offering a fastball in the low 0s that held its velo throughout the start. The rising sophomore also showed a feel for two secondary offerings: a low 70s breaking ball with late bite and some sweep, as well as a changeup in the 77-78 range that came with depth. There is a lot to like with this young arm, and following his performance on Friday, he is surely to be a name to keep an eye on. 

Chicago Rake 

RHP Anthony Baldassano (Notre Dame, 2026) 
A built, 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, Baldassano showed well during his Friday night start. The right-hander tossed five and ⅔ innings, allowing four earned runs, while walking only two and striking out 12. Working with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 80-83 mph, and the curveball was sitting 70-72 mph with a big hook 12-6 profile. Baldassano didn’t run into trouble still the sixth, but working out of a clean high-kick motion, followed by quick over the top arm action, the righty was able to induce whiffs and weak contact.  

3B Nathan Olivares (Notre Dame College Prep, 2026)
5-foot-10, 165-pounds, athletic and trim build. Athletic right-handed swing, fluid rhythm and load, intent to elevate the baseball, nearly left the yard to straightaway center for a loud flyout, gets good swings off with intent to do damage. Steady defender at third with sure-handed actions. 

Chicago White Sox Ace 2026 - Hunt

CF Curtiss Crossley (Lincoln-Way East, 2027)
Lean, athletic 5-foot-10, 165-pound frame with room to add strength. Launched a grand slam to his pull-side the first game of the weekend and added two more doubles throughout the weekend. Upright, balanced stance with his hands back. Simple stride with quiet hands. Slightly uphill bat path with a gap to gap approach looking to do damage. Covers ground in the outfield.

Edge Baseball 17U

UTIL Oliver Heckelsmiller (Verona, 2027)
Athletic 5-foot-9, 167-pound frame who looks the part in the uniform. On the barrel all weekend long finishing 7-for-9 with three doubles and five stolen bases. Balanced stance with a small leg lift, and quiet hands. Repeatable swing, direct to the ball with a flat bat path, and a line drive approach. Heckelsmiller sprayed the ball to all fields throughout the weekend. Athletic in the infield with soft hands.

RHP Brody Schmidt (Monona Grove, 2026)
Brody Schmidt was in control of the game throughout his start on Saturday. The rising senior threw six innings and allowed four hits, two earned runs, two walks, and punched out eight in his start. Schmidt shows repeatability in his delivery and throws out of a high ¾ slot. He topped out at 82 mph in the first inning with his fastball that came with arm-side run, but mostly lived in the 79-80 range throughout his start. He also offered a sharp 12/6 curveball that lived in the 66-68 range. At 5-foot-11, 175-pounds, there is still some room for added strength.

Gateway Bruins 17U American 

RHP/3B Lucas Dunn (Nashville, 2026) 
Coming in at an athletic, long-levered, 5-foot-10, 164-pound frame, Dunn impressed on both sides of the field this weekend. Starting on the mound, the right-handed pitcher came in for a brief one-inning relief outing, when he flashed some impressive stuff. Working with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 84-86 mph with life throughout the zone, and the curveball was sitting 72-74 mph, with 2600-2700 RPM and sharp late break. The arm works clean and quick with some late snap. Although a brief showing, Dunn impressed right out of the gate. Now with the bat, the right-handed hitter would show well during his Friday morning game. Showing the ability to work at-bats, sitting on a curveball, and driving it for a double, also lining a ball down the third baseline for a single. It’s a simple setup with a two-tap trigger. The hands work quic, creating a direct path, able to drive the ball pull-side. With the glove, Dunn saw time at third and short, looking the part with confident, clean actions, with a loose, whippy arm working on a line. The feet work well, getting around the ball, showing lateral range to his glove side.  

RHP Cohen Merrill (Freeburg, 2026) 
A tall, long-limbed, lean, 6-foot-1, 197-pound frame, Merrill showed well during his Friday morning start. The right-handed arm tossed six innings, allowing one run on one hit, while striking out six. Working downhill on a line from a repetitive, easy motion, followed by clean full-circle arm action from a lower ¾ slot. Merill was tossing in a three-pitch mix with the fastball sitting 79-81 mph with natural cut, the curveball was 68-69 mph with 11-5 shape, and the changeup was 70-71 mph, developing with arm-side fade. Merill was able to fill up the zone and work out of a bases-loaded third inning. 

Gateway Bruins 17U - National 

SS/RHP Nolan Keller (Triad, 2026) 
An athletic 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame, Keller was making some loud contact Thursday night, showing well with both the bat and glove. Ending his day 2-for-4 with a single and solo home run. Setting up in the box, the right-hander has a wide base, with a quiet trigger and strong hands creating separation, with an uphill path. Then, at short, Keller showed confident, clean actions, with quick feet, and a loose arm working from a ¾ slot. Keller also showed well on the mound this weekend going seven strong innings while allowing only one run against a strong lineup. He used a three-pitch mix and could throw any of them in any count, keeping hitters off balance. Strong tunnels between the three pitches. Fastball sat 82-84 mph commanding it on both sides of the plate. Went to a slider at 75-76 mph with depth and a changeup at 77-78 mph. A two-way player who can make a strong impact on the mound and at the plate.

RHP/OF Nasir Fares (Belleville East, 2026) 
A strong 6-foot, 215-pound frame, Fares showed well during his start Thursday night. The right-hander tossed four innings, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks, while striking out four. Working with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 80-81 mph, T83 mph, and the curveball was sitting 70-71 mph, a good change of pace pitch. Fares works from a quick, high-kick motion, getting into his lower half and driving through. The arm works from a ¾ slot, with clean and quick action. The righty was able to fill up the zone and keep hitters off-balance early in his outing. Fares impressed throughout the weekend at the plate as well. Ended the weekend 5-for-10 with three doubles. Worked multiple quality at bats for walks. Wide stance with a leg lift and quiet hands. Slightly uphill bat path with a gap to gap approach.  

OF Will Mulholland (New Athens, 2026)
Standing in at 5-foot-8, 165-pounds, Will Mulholland has plenty of athleticism and speed on the basepaths and on the field. The LHH has a quick left-handed swing that whips through the zone. In the field, Mulholland shows plenty of range and with his speed was able to track down balls that most would be unable to get. It’s clear that speed is a big part of his game, and could be a real sparkplug type player in the future.

Longshots Navy 2026

RHP Sam Walton (Glenbard East, 2026) 
A strong outing from the towering 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame, Walton tossed four innings, allowing two earned runs, while striking out four. Working with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 82-84 mph, firm throughout the zone, and the curveball was 69-71 mph. A tall and fall delivery working from a ¾ slot. Walton overpowers hitters and is an interesting arm to keep an eye on as he heads into his senior season. 

Longshots Teal

INF/RHP Jacob Johnson (Wheaton North, 2026) 
A built and athletic, 6-foot, 185-pound frame, Johnson was showing well with the bat Thursday afternoon. The left-handed hitter went 2-for-3 with two doubles, working the opposite field with both doubles. An athletic open base in the box, with a quiet load, followed by quick, strong hands working compact and through the zone, creating a flat path, sending balls on a line. Out of the box, Johnson is an athletic runner with game speed around the bases. Johnson would also make a relief appearance to close out the game. Working with a two-pitch mix with the fastball sitting upper 70s and the breaking ball sitting upper 60s. 

RHP Jack Walti (Glenbard West, 2026) 
A lean, long-limbed, 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, Walti gave an intriguing look during his start Thursday night. Tossing four and ⅔ innings, Walti was working with a two-pitch mix, the fastball sitting 81-83 mph and the curveball sitting 64-65 mph. A fluid and loose delivery, working on line, followed by easy arm action from the ¾ slot.  

RHP Grant Umbright (Naperville Central, 2026)
Lean, Long-levered 6-foot-3, 183-pound frame with athleticism. Umbright came out of the bullpen tossing 1 ⅔ scoreless innings allowing no hits. Relied heavily on his fastball that sat 87-90 mph with major arm side run producing weak contact and multiple ground balls. Flashed a developing changeup at 76 mph. Athletic drop and drive delivery, low ¾ arm slot, and a loose arm. An uncommitted RHP to know.

NWO Elite-Weber

LHP Ben Kubicz (Maumee, 2026)
The southpaw threw the ball well Thursday afternoon in pool play. Currently the No. 344 ranked player in the state of Ohio, Kubicz attacked hitters with a sinking fastball in the 77-79 mph range, pairing well with a slider he kept around 70 mph with late bite and depth. Works with some pace and tempo on the mound, uncommitted name to know. 

Premier Sports Academy - Hill

SS/RHP Jackson Ryan (Wentzville, 2026) 
6-foot-1, 150-pounds, lean and wiry frame with room to add strength, athletic build. Stood out at the top of his club’s lineup, athletic left-handed hitter with strong bat-to-ball skills in this look, direct path with athletic hands. Steady defender on the dirt, athletic and fluid footwork, sparkplug type that plays the game hard. 

OF Cooper DeManuele (Francis Howell, 2026)
Currently ranked No. 124 in the state. 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame, present strength throughout with round shoulders. Swings a loud and heavy barrel from the left side, easy strength at impact with the ability to leverage the baseball, left the yard to his pull-side in his second at-bat Saturday and followed it up with a double in his next at-bat.

Rantoul Rush

RHP Heyden Romano, Monticello, 2026
Uncommitted. Stands in at 6-foot-1, 165-pounds with athleticism down the mound. He offered a look at a FB/CB combo that silenced bats throughout his outing: a low 80s fastball with arm-side run (T83) and a high 60s curveball with 12/6 bite. He keeps it simple throughout his delivery and is an uncommitted senior to take note of. 

17U Riverbats Showcase 

RHP Austin Payne (Hamilton, 2026)
A strong 6-foot, 195-pound frame, Payne showed well during his Thursday afternoon start. The right-handed pitcher tossed four innings, allowing two runs on two hits, while striking out five. Working off-set on the mound, from a tuck and go motion. Payne was using a two-pitch mix with the fastball sitting 80-81 mph, firm playing up, and the curveball sitting 70-72 mph with 11/5, short break shape. Payne attacked the zone, generating weak contact, showing evident feel for his two-pitch mix. 

OF Kameron Gaalaas (Lakota West, 2026) 
An athletic, long-levered, 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame, Gaalaas showed well with the bat Thursday afternoon. The left-handed hitter went 2-for-3 with an opposite-field single and a two-run home run. It’s a simple approach at the plate with quick trigger hands that work compact and direct to the ball, creating an uphill path. 

1B Luke Engaczyk (Indian Hill, 2026) 
A powerful 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, Engaczyk gave an intriguing look with the bat Thursday afternoon. Going 1-for-3 with a hard line drive, driving in a run. The big right-handed hitter set up with an open, wide base, followed by a big high leg kick to the belt. The hands create separation and a line drive approach that work strongly through the ball. It’s easy power from the big frame, with lots of pull-side power potential. 

RHP Trenton Hampton (Fairfield, 2026)
Lean, long-levered 6-foot-3, 184-pound frame with room to add strength. Got the start Saturday morning going five strong innings and struck out eight batters. Attacked hitters with his fastball that sat 87-89 mph and topped out at 90 mph with carry through the zone. Added a breaking ball at 77-78 mph to put hitters away. Utilizes his long-levered frame to create extension down the mound. Works out of a high ¾ arm slot with a quick arm. 

Top Tier Springfield West

RHP Reid Hepperly (New Berlin, 2026)
Standing in at 6-foot-2, 193-pounds, Hepperly went the distance in a dominant 7 innings shutout last Friday. He attacked hitters with a lively fastball that sat in the 81-84 range and topped out at 85 with arm-side run. He offered a pair of secondaries: a low-70s curveball with late 11/5 bite and a high-70s CH that he flashed throughout his outing. Delivering the ball out of an easy and controlled delivery, he throws out of a higher ¾ slot and is an uncommitted senior to keep an eye on.

SS Jett Karrick (Porta, 2026)
At an athletic 5-foot-9, 155-pounds, there is room for added strength in Karrick’s frame and put together multiple strong looks this weekend. He has a simple approach from the left side of the plate that led to multiple line drives throughout the weekend. Overall, he has a quality line drive approach and a solid feel for the barrel.

RHP Will Pennell (Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2026)
At 6-foot-3, 1991-pounds, there is a lot of projectability within Pennell’s frame and he has a quality four-pitch mix to go with it. His delivery is compact and controlled, using his frame to gain ground down the mound and throws out of a ¾ slot. He attacked hitters with a low 80s fastball (T83), as well as a pair of breaking balls: a slider in the 71-75 range and a curveball in the 69-70 range. He also flashed a changeup that was clocked at 76. An uncommitted name to know as he heads into his senior year.

USA Prime Stars 17U

C/OF Quentine James (Wapahani, 2026) 
Uncommitted. Stands in at 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. At the plate, his actions look polished and has a controlled swing that lead to some barrels in his game on Saturday in which he finished with two doubles. He has a higher leg kick during the load with a heavy weight shift, but does a good job of staying balanced through the swing. 

Wow Factor Illinois 2027 Scout Team 

CF/LHP Cole Brent (Normal University, 2027)  
An athletic 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame with room to fill out, Brent started the weekend loud, showing well with the bat, while also flashing it on the mound. The left-handed hitter ended his first game going 2-for-2 with two doubles, two walks, and an RBI. It’s a simple setup in the box with a slight open stance from the back of the box. With a simple toe tap trigger and hands that create separation with a direct bat path, Brent is able to drive the ball to all parts of the field. With a two-hand finish, Brent is athletic out of the box, able to show game speed, previously running a 6.47 60-yard dash during the winter. The lefty would also get the start on the mound. While not the results he was looking for, Brent flashed a two-pitch mix with the fastball sitting 80-84 mph, T85 mph, with the curveball sitting 71-72 mph. 

RHP Hunter Long (Limestone, 2027)
An interesting arm out of the bullpen from the lanky, 5-foot-11, 140-pound frame. Long was working with a two-pitch mix with the fastball sitting 76-79 mph and the curveball 65-66 mph with 12-6 shape. Tossed five scoreless innings while striking out one and allowing only two hits and two walks. Long was filling up the zone and inducing weak contact from a clean, athletic delivery, followed by clean half-circle arm action, working on time. With lots of room to still fill out, Long will be an interesting arm to follow as he continues to grow. 

SS/CF Kash VanHouten (Canton, 2027) 
VanHouten showed well all tournament long and put out one of the best swings we have seen all summer when the righty sent a ball deep over the left-field fence for a loud grand slam. A lean and athletic 6-foot, 181-pound frame, VanHouten is a physical presence on the diamond. In the box, VanHouten has control of the zone with strong, powerful hands that create natural bat speed, able to do damage to any ball left over the plate. There is clear confidence in the box with a patient approach, knowing what he can handle and drive. Then with the glove both at short and in center, it's confident, fluid actions, with a rocket arm working in the lower 90s across the diamond. One of the premier two-way players in Illinois, VanHouten continues to prove why with the bat. 

2B Evan Daxenbichler (Limestone, 2027) 
An athletic 6-foot, 185-pound frame, Daxenbichler gave a strong showing with the bat Friday morning. The left-handed bat went 2-for-2 with a line drive double and three RBIs. In the box, Daxenbichler works with present rhythm, sets up athletically with an easy uphill swing with hands that work strong through the ball. With the glove, it's confident actions, making plays with ease, with clean footwork. As he continues to fill out his lean, long-limbed frame, it will be an interesting follow in the coming years. 

C Paxson O’Malley (Mahomet Seymour, 2027) 
A strong, 6-foot, 176-pound frame, O’Malley had a strong day both with the bat and behind the plate Friday morning. The right-handed hitting catcher went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles and three RBIs. Showing a good two-strike approach, widening out, able to stay short and get the barrel to the ball to create production, with both singles coming in two-strike counts. A mature presence in the box with an understanding of how to produce with the bat. Now behind the plate, O’Malley shows his athleticism and strong arm, with throws working on a line, with a 2.15 pop at past events. 

RHP Connor Fox (Mt Zion, 2027)
Fox continues to improve every time we see him. A wiry, athletic, 5-foot-11, 160-pound frame with a lot of room to fill out, Fox was dominant during his Friday morning start. The right-hander tossed five innings of one-run ball, striking out six, while allowing three hits and zero walks. Working with a three-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 84-86 mph, holding through his outing, the slider was 73-76 mph with sweep, and the change-up was 77-79 mph. Clear feel for all three pitches, able to mix and match, keeping hitters off balance and pounding the zone. The arm works extremely loose and clean from a lower ¾ slot. As Fox continues to fill out his frame, he will be a name to know in the state of Illinois. 

RHP Eli Michanicou (Dunlap, 2027)
Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 87 in the 2027 class. Athletic down the mound and features a controlled delivery, offered a look at a strong three-pitch mix. He attacked hitters with a fastball in the 82-84 mph range (T85), as well as a pair of secondaries: a curveball with 12/6 bite and stayed in the 67-71 mph range, as well as a changeup with killed spin and plenty of depth in the 72-75 mph range. In his outing, he racked up four innings, allowing two hits, no walks, no earned runs, and punched out five batters. 

Yard Goat Baseball

RHP Avery Bowles (Christian Life, 2026) 
A filled-out and athletic, 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame, Bowels got the start Thursday morning and tossed a strong five innings. The right-hander struck out five, while allowing two runs on four hits and four walks. Working with a two-pitch mix, the fastball was sitting 81-84 mph with late ride at the top of the zone, and the slider was sitting 73-75 mph with late sweep. Bowels would also flash a promising changeup with arm-side fade. Working with high intent on the mound from a fluid delivery, followed by loose, lower ¾ arm action. Bowles was locating his slider effectively on the outside corner while collecting whiffs, also working out of an early bases-loaded jam. 

RHP Max Young (Mahomet-Seymour, 2026)
A lean and athletic, 6-foot-1, 173-pound frame with more room to fill out. Young came in out of the bullpen and struck out the side. He finished the game going three strong innings striking out five allowing no hits and one run. Relied on a two-pitch mix, the fastball sat 85-87 mph with life through the zone. The slider sat 73-74 mph with sweep and consistent strikes. Smooth, athletic delivery with a ¾ arm slot. Attacks the zone. An uncommitted arm to know in the 2026 class.

Yard Goat Black

RHP Finn Miller (St. Joseph-Ogden, 2027)
There is a lot to like with Finn Miller. He stands in at a lean 6-foot-1, 160-pounds with room for more added strength and already has a quality feel for pitching as a whole. In his start on Sunday, he mostly worked with a two-pitch offering of a fastball that lived in the 71-81 mph range and topping out at 82 with ASR, as well as a low-70s curveball that kept hitters off-balance. He finished the day with 5 innings pitched, allowing 5 hits, 2 walks, an earned run and picked up 7 strikeouts. With some physical projectability and a quality feel for pitching, Finn Miller is a name to keep an eye on.

3B/1B Ben McDaniel (Champaign Central, 2027)
A physical 6-foot-2, 215-pounds, Ben McDaniel has present strength with a lot of bat speed at the plate. He stands in at the plate with a simple, tall setup and whips the bat through the zone with his quality bat speed. In a game on Sunday, he drove in two key runs late in the game to help propel the Yard Goats to a 4-2 win, finishing 1-for-3 with a triple. There is a lot of power potential to dream on with McDaniel, and he is an uncommitted name to know going forward.

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