This Sunday, March 2nd, the Prep Baseball Illinois team is hosting the Joliet Preseason ID at Rhino Sports Academy in Shorewood, IL. This is an open event for all high school classes (2025-28), 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 4 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 17 commitments among them. 

OF Constantine Coines (Maine South, 2025; Lewis University) was in attendance last year for the Joliet Preseason ID where he put together an all-around impressive day. The outfielder threw 87 mph from his position and ran a 6.87 60-yard dash. At the plate, Coines had a max EV of 91.4 mph while averaging 88.3 mph.

RHP Nolan Hooper (Yorkville Christian, 2025; Lewis University) had a loud bullpen at this event last year where he was up to 88 mph with his fastball, sitting 86-88 mph. Hooper flashed his curveball at 74-76 mph with an average spin rate of 2409, a slider at 72-75 mph with -18.4 in. HM and a changeup at 81-82 mph.

C Zach Pomatto (Joliet Catholic, 2025; Northern Kentucky) had an impressive BP round at the 2024 event where he powered balls at 97 mph off the bat while showing off a 1.94-2.10 pop time and throwing 81 mph from the chute. This performance propelled Pomatto to be invited to the 2024 Illinois State Games.

C Nick Sichel (New Trier, 2026; Richmond) participated in last year’s event with a max EV of 90 mph and a 2.09-2.21 pop time while throwing 76 mph from the crouch. This was Sichel’s first of three events in 2024 where he improved at each one, eventually getting the nod for the Illinois State Games.

C Brandon Stinson (Kenwood Academy, 2025; Prairie View A&M) was another backstop that was a winner from this event in the past. Stinson flashed a 1.94-2.09 pop time and threw 76 mph from the squat. At the plate, Stinson had a max EV of 89 mph.

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.

RHP/C Jack Bullington (Marist, 2028) former Illinois Junior Future Gamer, Bullington is a name to watch on Sunday. At 6-foot, 180-pounds, the right hander has been up to 80 mph in the past with high spin and working a three pitch mix. The slider has been 66-69 mph and the changeup at 70-73 mph. We have also seen EVs up to 95 mph with fluid actions over this past summer.

C Evan Mendiola (York, 2026) will be in attendance for the second year in a row. The backstop is bound to breakout this weekend as we have seen the backstop improve with each appearance. Most recently we have seen the catcher flash a 2.08 pop time with EVs, up to 97 mph.

SS/RHP Alec Novotney (Marquette Academy, 2026) the 51st ranked prospect in the state’s 2026 class and former Illinois State Gamer has shown well on the mound as well as at the plate in front of our staff. At the plate, Novotney has been up to 90 mph with a bat speed avg. of 70 mph. On the mound, the right hander has been clocked at 87 mph with the fastball and feel for offspeeds.

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 Sunday’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 Position players: 8:45 AM
• All Pitchers only: 12:30 PM
• Catchers will stay and 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.

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