On Sunday, March 2nd, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff traveled to Rhino Baseball in Shorewood, IL to host the Joliet Preseason ID. This event was host to about 120 players from around the state, and gave our staff one final look at a number of talented prospects before the spring season kicked off.

Today, we are beginning our post-event rollout with a look at every single catcher from the day, found below. 

A couple underclassmen to note from the day are Jack Bullington (Marist, 2028) and Jules Hoecker (St. Francis, 2027). 

Bullington looks to have an extremely bright future ahead of him. Listed at a projectable 6-foot-1, 183-pounds, it's easy to dream on the upside he has in the frame alone. The right-handed hitter took a clean round of BP from the right side, working on the barrel some to the whole field with a polished swing. He also looks to be a quality receiver of the baseball with a strong arm to pair (T74 mph).

Hoecker stood out with his advanced actions behind the plate, showing an above-average ability to receive while also showcasing a clean glove-to-hand transition from the chute, reaching as low as 2.05 for his pop-time (T74 mph). He also registered some loud results throughout his round of BP with a peak exit velocity of 94 mph. 

Catching Prospects (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Jack Bullington, Marist (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-1, 183 pounds. Lean, well-proportioned build with some present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, toe-tap stride. Loose athletic hands, works on plane, on time and on the barrel. Worked the entire field. 69.9 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (84.1 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.11-2.19 pop time range; Clean and easy out of the crouch, worked in line, feet replace, soft and controlled blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.98 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 58.58 Edge Score.

Matthew Ciesla, Lemont (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-11, 179 pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame with present strength in the lower-half.
Hit: RHH. Narrow setup, short stride. Swing works on plane, direct into the zone. 53.8 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (80.5 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Plays true, 3/4 slot, accurate throws on the bag.
Defense: 2.05-2.15 pop time range; Flexible one-knee receiver, works up through the baseball, natural receiving actions. Works in line to second, quick transfer, athletic out of the chute.
Athletic Testing: 7.35 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 65.84 Edge Score.

Jorge Contes Jr, Lane Tech (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-5, 172 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, upright, relaxed setup and short stride. Repeatable, balanced swing, uses the whole field. 65.6 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 85 mph max exit velocity (79.7 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 67 mph. Compact, high ¾ slot, accurate throws on the bag.
Defense: 2.25-2.43 pop time range; Flexible one-knee receiver, works up through the baseball, loose-wristed. Feet work inline, quick and clean transfer, soft block, athletic out of the chute.
Athletic Testing: 8.08 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 57.91 Edge Score.

Nathan Franks, Plainfield Central (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-11, 207 pounds. Sturdy, well-proportioned frame with some present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly crouched setup, short stride. Aggressive swing, looks to do damage, pull-side, lifted approach. 70.7 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (80.7 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Compact, high ¾ slot.
Defense: 2.22-2.38 pop time range; One-knee receiver, works to present the pitch. Steady transfers, feet work inline.
Athletic Testing: 7.62 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 76.2 Edge Score.

Mason Gialo, Lakes Community (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-2, 183 pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame with room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, fluid load. Fluid swing, repeats, loose hands, on time, on-plane. 67.5 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (84.6 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. OF - 79 mph. OF: Compact, high ¾ release. C: Whippy, compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.37 pop time range; OF: Stays behind the ball, long strided, fields cleanly off his front foot. C: Quick transfers, flashes athleticism out of the crouch, feet work inline.
Athletic Testing: 7.77 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 56.17 Edge Score.

Ty Gleason, St. Charles North (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-10, 155 pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame, long levers.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, upright setup, smooth load. Easy, loose levers. long path, on-plane and lifted gap-to-gap approach. 65.3 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (77.3 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Compact, quick arm action, high ¾ slot.
Defense: 2.03-2.15 pop time range; One-knee receiver, works up through the baseball, loose-wristed. Athletic out of crouch, feet replace, quick transfer.
Athletic Testing: 7.45 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 85.5 Edge Score.

Jules Hoecker, St. Francis (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10, 180 pounds. Muscular, well-proportioned frame with present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load and quiet pre-pitch. Aggressive, intentful swing, on time and on the barrel. 70.1 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (84.1 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. 3/4 slot, whippy, plays true, accurate.
Defense: 2.05-2.30 pop time range; One-knee receiver, soft glove, works up through the baseball. Quick feet, replaces, works in line and towards second, natural actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.69 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 79.08 Edge Score.

Sean Hogan, Joliet West (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-3, 243 pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, open setup, stride works back to even. Loose, strong swing, works on-plane, authority to both gaps. 70.4 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (88.4 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Plays true, high 3/4 slot, throws on bag.
Defense: 1.97-2.19 pop time range; Flexible one-knee receiver, loose-wristed, works to present the pitch. Quick and clean transfer, feet replace, works in line.
Athletic Testing: 8.12 runner in the 60-yard dash; 16.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 80.8 Edge Score.

Logan Long, St. Charles East (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9, 177 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Upright, relaxed setup, minimal stride. Easy, simple swing, whole field approach, on time. 60.4 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 84 mph max exit velocity (73.1 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 62 mph. Compact, ¾ slot.
Defense: 2.44-2.59 pop time range; One-knee receiver, works up through the baseball, works to present the pitch. Steady transfers.
Athletic Testing: 8.16 runner in the 60-yard dash; 14.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.75 Edge Score.

Xavian Lorenzana, Saint Patrick (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-11, 155 pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame with long levers.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, relaxed setup, short stride. Easy, loose hands, long and level through the zone, gap-to-gap approach. 65.3 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 mph max exit velocity (75.4 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. 3/4 slot, accurate throws on the bag.
Defense: 2.11-2.37 pop time range; One-knee receiver, loose-wristed, works to present the pitch. Smooth transfers, feet work inline, clean actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.64 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.45 Edge Score.

Dylan Manna, Glenbard West (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-7, 177 pounds. Compact frame with present strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, slightly coiled load. Controlled aggressive swing, whole field approach, balanced finish. 68.3 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (83 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph.
Defense: 2.18-2.40 pop time range; One-knee receiver, loose-wristed, works to present pitches. Soft blocker, clean transfers, feet work inline, athletic out of the chute.
Athletic Testing: 7.80 runner in the 60-yard dash; 16.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 77.61 Edge Score.

Evan Mendiola, York (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-1, 187.6 pounds. Long-levered, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Simple, loose swing, on-plane and on the barrel to the pull-side gap. 61 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (82 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. 3/4 slot, accurate.
Defense: 2.08-2.47 pop time range; Relaxed, one-knee receiver. Quick transfers, feet work inline, flashes athleticism out of the crouch.
Athletic Testing: 7.57 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.70-inch max vertical jump.

Braxton Nelle, Marquette Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-4, 173 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, slightly open setup. Early load and preset, lifted path through the zone. 60.7 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 83 mph max exit velocity (75.4 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 63 mph. INF - 68 mph. INF: Short, ¾ slot. C: Longer path, ¾ slot.
Defense: 2.25-2.57 pop time range; INF: Steady two-hand gather into body, glove-pat transfer. C: One-knee receiver, steady receiving actions. Steady transfer, feet work inline.
Athletic Testing: 8.14 runner in the 60-yard dash; 16.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 76.05 Edge Score.

Giovanni Rizza, Maine East (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-5, 155 pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, narrow setup, quiet pre-pitch load. Simple swing, uphill path, lifted approach to the middle of the field. 61.7 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 77 mph max exit velocity (66.6 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 63 mph. Whippy, 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.40-2.65 pop time range; One-knee receiver, steady receiving actions. Quick transfer, feet work inline, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.57 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 61.42 Edge Score.

Gavin Sauter, Downers Grove South (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-3, 215 pounds. Lean, sturdy build.
Hit: LHH. Slightly crouched, open setup, short stride. Strong, physical bat, uphill swing, on the barrel and on time. 66.4 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (87 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Compact, high ¾ slot.
Defense: 2.00-2.26 pop time range; One-knee receiver, works up through the baseball. Quick feet that work inline, clean transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.63 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 70.23 Edge Score.

Grant Seppelfrick, Oswego East (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-8, 222 pounds. Strong and sturdy frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced upright setup, short stride. Compact, repeatable, strong swing, uphill approach. 69 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (86.6 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Whippy 3/4 slot, plays true.
Defense: 2.16-2.34 pop time range; Square setup, works up through the baseball, works to present the pitch. Clean transfers, feet work inline.
Athletic Testing: 8.20 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 83.79 Edge Score.

Jimmy Slater, St. Charles East (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11, 151 pounds. Compact frame.
Hit: LHH. Crouched setup, leg kick stride. Flat swing, stays up the middle of the field, on time. 64 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (80.3 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. OF - 74 mph. OF: Long, ¾ slot. C: Compact, ¾ slot.
Defense: 2.26-2.48 pop time range; OF: Steady two-hand gather into body, stays behind the ball. C: Square receiver, works to present pitches. Quick transfers, quick feet, works inline.
Athletic Testing: 7.48 runner in the 60-yard dash; -inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 50.92 Edge Score.

Luke Vercelli, Joliet Catholic (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-11, 222 pounds. Compact frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, upright setup, short stride. Strong hands, direct swing, controlled intent and looks to elevate contact. 63.2 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (76.1 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 67 mph. Whippy, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.10-2.30 pop time range; Quick feet that work inline, clean and soft block, quick transfers.
Athletic Testing: 8.27 runner in the 60-yard dash; 15.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 54.44 Edge Score.

Aaden VerStraete, Annawan (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-7, 151 pounds. High-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Upright, balanced setup, long stride. Direct swing, hands work on top of the ball, backspin contact. 68.1 mph bat speed with 17g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (77.8 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. 3/4 slot, whippy, clean and compact arm action.
Defense: 2.00-2.11 pop time range; One-knee receiver, works up through the baseball. Quick actions out of the chute, feet work inline.
Athletic Testing: 7.58 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 56.64 Edge Score.

Trent Wetherell, Gibson City (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 198 pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame with some present strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Simple swing, quick hands, uphill approach. 70.6 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (83.2 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Compact, high ¾ slot.
Defense: 2.12-2.40 pop time range; One-knee receiver, steady receiving actions. Quick actions out of the chute, feet work inline, steady transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.10 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.37 Edge Score.

Colin White, Brooks College Prep Academy HS (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 145 pounds. Trim frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide setup, short stride. Long, loose swing, level through the zone, middle of the field approach. 66.9 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (82.7 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.09-2.40 pop time range; Soft block, feet work inline, steady transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.51 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.00-inch max vertical jump. 

Phillip Yu, Yorkville (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-8, 155 pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, quiet load and short stride. Repeatable swing, works on balance, on-plane and was on the barrel throughout. 61.3 mph bat speed with 3g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 80 mph max exit velocity (72.9 avg.).
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Whippy arm action, high ¾ slot.
Defense: 2.11-2.31 pop time range; One-knee receiver, loose-wristed, works up through the baseball. Quick transfer, feet work inline.
Athletic Testing: 8.14 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.30-inch max vertical jump. 

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