McCook Rising Stars ID: Takeaways & Statistical Analysis
April 16, 2026
On Wednesday, April 8th, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff traveled to The Max in McCook, Illinois to host the McCook Rising Stars ID. This event served as an open identifier into the state's 2030 and 2031 graduates, providing our staff an early look at the area's top players as they continue to progress as prospects.
These early Rising Stars events also serve as key identifiers for future invite-only events, including the Prep Baseball Junior Future Games and the Illinois Rising Stars Game coming on Tuesday, June 2nd.
Today we take a look at a couple of the standouts, as well as breakdown the top statistical performers from the day with our “Statistical Analysis” below.
TAKEAWAYS
There were a number of prospects who should factor into the rankings and invite only events down the road as they continue to develop and get into high school. One name that has stood out ever since we saw him last year for the first time is left-handed hitting SS/RHP Braden Murray (Cary-Grove, 2030). Murray has a high-waisted frame, loose levers and upside to all parts of his fame.
INF Van Ozment (Crystal Lake Central, 2030) is another high-waited, long-levered, left-handed hitting infielder who continues to stand out with each look over the past couple of years. Current high-floor, high-ceiling prospect who should be fun to follow over the coming years.
INF/RHP Ajay Redman (Richland County, 2030) made the trip up from the Southeastern part of the state and stood out with a loud combination of tools and present ability.
C Ahmi Hale (Glenwood) was another standout with advanced tools across the board, already running a 7.16 60, highly-advanced for his age. He was also one of the top defensive catchers in attendance.
Torrey Langston (NA, 2030) was another one of the top defensive catchers in attendance with his arm playing at 75 mph from the crouch and registering a low pop time of 2.04.
INF Noah Fountain (Brother Rice, 2030) has all the makings to be a higher level prospect in the class. Strong and athletic at 5-foot-10, 165-pound, Fountain ran a 7.28 and has advanced defensive actions on the infield.
There was a host of other 2030s who showed well, will earn invites to the upcoming Illinois Rising Stars Game and will be followed closely moving forward.
Along with the 2030s there were a number of 2031s in attendance. 1B/LHP Davis Romejko (N/A), Kevin McCann (St. Ignatius), Kyle Cobbs Jr. (Lincoln-Way East), Dylan Davis (N/A) and others were all highly-impressive seventh graders with bright futures.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
FASTBALL VELOCITY (MAX)
FASTBALL SPIN RATE (AVG.)
60-YARD DASH
EXIT VELOCITY (MAX)
TOP INFIELD VELOCITY
TOP OUTFIELD VELOCITY
TOP CATCHER VELOCITY
TOP POP TIMES
+ CLICK HERE for a look at the complete statistics from the event.
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