This past weekend in Rantoul, IL, our staff kicked off the summer tournament circuit with the PBT IL Open at the Rantoul Family Sports complex. With just over 20 teams in attendance, it was a smaller yet talented event with numerous prospects showing well for themselves. 

Today, we are taking a look at some of the event's biggest standouts, found below. 

15U

Canes Midwest Black 15U

Parker Johnson, CF, Cathedral, 2029
Uncommitted. 5-foot-7, 140-pound frame. Johnson set the tone for the lineup out of the lead off spot. Went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk, two runs scored, and two stolen bases. Showed the ability to work counts all weekend. Showcased his aggressiveness and speed on the bases.

Anthony Bruno, SS, New Palestine, 2029
Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 160-pound frame. At the plate, went 2-for-4 with a triple, two runs batted in, and a run scored. Bruno would add a double in the following game. Flat bat path with the ability to drive the ball to the gap.

Lincoln Cadle, OF, Avon, 2029
Uncommitted. 6-foot-1, 150-pound frame with room to fill out. The left-handed hitter hit in the clean up spot. 1-for-3 with a double, one run batted in, and a run scored. Showed a patient approach drawing five walks throughout the weekend. Flashed gap-to-gap power.

Hit Dogs Illinois Fletcher

Andrew Pacchiano, SS, St. Francis, 2029
Compact 5-foot-6, 140-pound frame with plenty of room to fill in strength. Pacchiano showcased quality defensive actions up the middle throughout the weekend. The right-hander demonstrated easy range to both sides with a steady glove and athletic footwork in multiple looks. He also had a strong day at the plate in the Championship, finishing 1-for-3 with an RBI backside triple down the right field line and two runs. 

Ethan Trejo, 2B, Lemont, 2029
High-waisted 5-foot-9, 155-pound frame. Trejo had a strong day at the plate in Friday’s 8-2 win, finishing 1-for-2 with a double into center field, a walk, and a run scored. The right-handed hitter worked out of a wider stance, showcasing loose, rhythmic hands with some bat speed present. The middle infielder also presented natural actions up the middle throughout the weekend, making multiple tough plays in gameplay. 

Sergio Sandoval Jr., OF, Marist, 2029
5-foot-8, 135-pound frame. Sandoval Jr. had an impressive day at the plate in Friday’s 8-2 win, finishing 2-for-2 at the plate with a deep shot over the center fielder’s head for an RBI double. The right-handed hitter showed strong hands with some feel to lift the ball. 

Mattoon Hit-Men

Grant Jackson, OF/3B, Mattoon, 2029
Uncommitted, 5-foot-11, 155-pound frame that can gain muscle mass. A left-handed bat that went 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBI’s. The bat is aggressive and catches the barrel often. Jackson is a quality runner with 4.42 run time and plays a mobile right field.

Rantoul Rush

Drew Stockwill, CF, Rantoul, 2029
Uncommitted, 5-foot-5, 120-pound build with opportunity to gain muscle. Hit in the two hole and went 2-for-6 through two games with three stolen bases, has an above average run tool that makes him a skilled defender and a steal threat on the basepaths. Had a 4.25 run time in one game.

Avery McMorris, 3B/RHP, Rantoul, 2029
Uncommitted, 5-foot-10, 164-pound frame with room to grow. Threw three innings with six strikeouts and five earned runs topping out at 79 mph against a very advanced lineup of hitters. Fastball ranges 75-78 mph and runs arm side, slurve is 59-63 mph sweeping pitch. McMorris mixes pitches well and has a confident repeatable delivery.

Rhino K's 15U

Beau Purcell, SS/2B, Normal Community, 2029
Uncommitted, 5-foot-10, 155-pound developing body with natural athleticism. Purcell went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI’s. Has a natural compact swing with some feel for the barrel. Played shortstop with a smooth glove and above average range and moved with confidence.

Colt Daugherty, RHP/C, Fisher, 2029
Uncommitted, 5-foot-10, 185 pound strong athletic frame. Daugherty pitched 5 shutout innings, only surrendering one hit while striking out 7. Fastball was 80-83 topping out at 84 paired nicely with a sharp breaking ball at 73-75. Was confident enough to throw his breaking ball in any count. His motion is very fluid with a traditional ¾ arm slot. He also added a 2-RBI single at the plate.

Mason Hess, OF, Pekin, 2029
5-foot-11, 170-pound frame, lean and athletic build. Right-handed hitter, lived on the barrel all weekend with athletic hands and a direct swing, showed some thump and natural lift pull-side, narrowly missing a home run in his first game Friday. Athletic defender with quality reads and jumps on balls, strong arm with life and carry, played accurately. High-follow prospect in the state’s 2029 group. 

Top Tier Central Americans

Braden Davis, RHP, Galesburg, 2029
Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 160-pound athletic frame. Davis came on in relief throwing two no-hit innings while striking out three. Simple, tall-and-fall delivery. Full arm circle. Quick arm from a ¾ slot. Ran the fastball up to 83 mph overpowering hitters. Sat 80-83 mph with life. Added a breaking at 71-72 mph with depth.

Easton Wickline, RHP, Sullivan, 2029
Projectable 6-foot-4, 175-pound frame with additional room to add on strength. Wickline got the start on the bump in the first game of the tournament, showcasing a ton of swing-and-miss with his three-pitch arsenal in the game. The right-hander operated out of an up-tempo delivery, utilizing a high leg lift with coil into a drop-and-drive lower half. His fastball sat 80-83 mph throughout the game, touching 84 mph in his second inning of work. He also employed an 11/5 curveball at 69-70 mph and a horizontal slider at 72-75 mph that kept hitters off-balance the entire game. Final Line: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 10 SO. An arm to keep an eye on as he continues to develop. 

Braden Davis, RF/RHP, 2029
Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 160 pounds. Athletic, lean build with room to add strength. Right handed hitter. Started in RF and batted in the leadoff spot. Swings from a balanced setup, simple load. Consistently produced hard contact on the weekend. On the mound showed two pitches. Fastball topped at 83 mph, sat 80-81 mph consistently. Slider topped at 73 mph, sat 70-71 mph. 

Easton Drollinger, SS,2B, Okaw Valley, 2029
Uncommitted. 6-foot-0, 150 pounds. Athletic frame, room to add strength. Left handed hitter. Played 3B, SS and 2B while batting fourth/fifth in the batting order over the weekend. Consistently produced hard contact particularly to the middle and left side of the field in his at bats. Swing is quiet and repeatable. Defensively showcased the ability to play multiple spots on the infield and make the required/routine plays at each position. 

Tyler Shaw, C, Maroa-Forsyth, 2029
Uncommitted. 5-foot-10, 165 pounds. Strong, athletic build with defined lower half. Right handed hitter. Advanced defender behind the plate for the age. Showcased a willingness to block dirt balls and the ability to keep them in front. Arm strength was noticeable with on bag accuracy. In between inning pop times were 2.16, 2.17, 2.18. In the game threw a runner out attempting to steal second and later backpicked a runner at second base. At the plate showed a controlled swing that produced hard contact. 

Logan Wedig, OF, St. Joseph-Ogden, 2029
Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 155 pounds. Lean, athletic frame with room to add strength. Left handed hitter. Produced consistent hard contact on the weekend particularly to the left side of the field. Demonstrated quality running ability that translates in-game with multiple stolen bases on the weekend. Tracked the baseball well in the outfield running down a hard ball in the left center gap on Sunday. 

Marcus Hutchings, SS/RHP, Paris, 2029
Uncommitted. 6-foot-1, 160 pounds. Athletic, lean frame with room to add strength. Right handed hitter. Started at SS, batting third in the lineup. Hard contact throughout the weekend, showed the ability to drive the baseball with a two run homerun over the left field wall on Sunday afternoon. Swing showed good adjustability in getting to pitches in multiple locations. On the mound showed two pitches. Fastball topped at 81 mph, sat 79-80 mph with arm side run. Curveball topped at 68 mph, sat 66-67 mph. 

Twin City Defenders

Landon Stelte, SS/RHP, Normal West, 2029
Uncommitted, 5-foot-10, 150-pound athletic body with potential to gain muscle and develop. Plays a very athletic and smooth shortstop, and runs with above average speed, had two stolen bases while going 0-for-3 with a walk and hit by pitch. Bat looks to be talented just needs to grow and develop strength. On the mound Stelte showed three pitches. Fastball topped at 74 mph, sat 72-73 mph with arm side run. Curveball topped at 65 mph, sat 63-65 mph. Changeup was the strongest offering topping at 69 mph, sitting at 66-68 mph with fade, generating swing and miss.

Tristan Carroll, 3B, Leroy, 2029
Uncommitted. 6-foot-1, 190 pounds. Strong frame with proportional strength. Started at 3B, batting seventh in the lineup. Drove the baseball hard twice for doubles to left, left center. Open stance with a direct path to the baseball. Generated pop off the bat without overswinging.

Yard Goats Navy

Evan Burson, 3B, Mahomet-Seymour, 2029
Uncommitted. 6-foot, 150-pound frame with room to fill out. Went 2-for-4 with a run batted in, and a run scored. Burson showed off his two-strike approach driving a ball the other way for an opposite field single. Direct path to the ball with barrel accuracy. Defensively, showed arm strength at third base.

John Emkes, 1B, Champaign Central, 2029
Uncommitted. 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame. Emkes went 1-for-3 with a double, and one run scored. He made loud contact multiple times throughout the weekend. Gap-to-gap approach with natural lift in the bat path. 

Alex Johnson, OF/LHP, Mahomet-Seymor, 2029
Uncommitted, 5-foot-7, 135-pound build. Went 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBI’s. Johnson’s hit in the leadoff spot showing quality bat-to-ball skills, and the ability to hit to all fields. Displayed an above average run and defense tool making several plays in center field including a diving two-out catch.

16U

Gateway Bruins 16u-Yates

Aiden Briscoe, 3B/RHP, Belleville, 2028
Uncommitted, 6-foot-3, 185-pound body that is developed and athletic. Defined lower half that contributes to repeatable delivery. Fills the zone with a fastball that sits 78-81 mph, and a curveball at 75 mph. Fills zone consistently and is competitive with both pitches. Shows promising ability to move and will gain velo as upper body strengthens.  

Limestone Rockets

Lucas Suppert, SS/RHP, Limestone, 2028
Uncommitted, 6-foot-2, 140-pound frame that has great opportunity to build muscle and develop. Suppert plays an aggressive shortstop that has range and a strong arm that plays well with mobility on the infield. Suppert also went 2-for-3 with two doubles and four RBI’s. Bat speed is there, and with further development could develop even more power to all fields.

Mahomet Diamond Dogs

Brennan Bailey, C/RHP, Mahomet-Seymor, 2029
Uncommitted, 5-foot-8, 160-pound built that has potential to gain more muscle. Pitched one inning striking out one and giving up one run. Fastball was a firm 78-79 mph, and had a mature 12/6 curve at 65-66 mph. Has a developed lower half, that powers his quick, repeatable, closed off delivery.

Jack Kursell, RHP, Judah Christian, 2028
Uncommitted. Physical 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame. Kursell got the start on the mound, going 4.1 innings while striking out six. Simple, repeatable drop-and-drive delivery. Short, clean arm action from a ¾ slot. Three pitch mix. Went at hitters with a low-80s fastball and paired it up with a curveball at 73-74 mph with depth. Flashed a changeup at 79 mph.

Ben Ruffatto, OF, St. Thomas More, 2028
Uncommitted, long-levered 6-foot-3, 160-pound frame with plenty of room to fill in strength. Ruffatto put together multiple quality at-bats in Friday’s 11-0 victory. The left-handed hitter possessed a balanced, upright stance, loading into a longer stride with direct hands into a flat path. Ruffatto went on to finish 1-for-1 on the day with a triple into the right-center field gap and two walks. 

Rantoul Rush

Aiden Cheek, RHP, Rantoul, 2028
Uncommitted. Long-limbed 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame with room to fill out. Right-handed pitcher got the start, throwing 5.2 innings striking out seven, and giving up just two runs. Up-tempo; fluid, athletic drop-and-drive delivery. Loose, whippy arm-action from a low ¾ slot. Fastball sat 81-84 mph with arm-side run/sink at times. Mixed in a sweeping breaking ball at 69-73 mph with some depth. A 2028 to monitor moving forward. 

Lucus Summers, OF/LHP, Milford, 2028
Uncommitted, 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame that is mature and strong. Has athleticism provides raw power and velocity. Through two games going 3-for-9 with a double and a home run, while pitching three innings only giving up one hit and sitting 78-79 mph. controls his off-speed in the zone and gets batters out with an effective slider and efficient change-up. Summers will continue to develop and build muscle, while his athleticism will carry him in the meantime.

Twin City Defenders

Logan Hadsall, 3B/RHP, Christian Life Academy, 2027
Uncommitted, 5-foot-11, 185-pound mature, and still growing body. Went 4-for-6 through two games hitting a double and two home runs. Hadsall also pitched six innings striking out 11 and only giving up three runs. Maintained a 78-80 mph fastball all six innings with an aggressive curve that he places well and executes at 58-63 mph. Hadsall’s delivery is loose but strong, boasting his strong lower half and mature body.

Briggs Cushing, C/SS, Normal Community, 2028
Uncommitted, 5-foot-8, 140-pound built with opportunity to gain more muscle. Cushing has an aggressive mature bat, going 2-for-4 through two games racking up four RBI’s via a home run and sac fly. Body is muscular but has room for more. Moves well behind the plate and is very athletic. Also played a smooth, athletic second base.

Wow Factor Illinois/QC Milsteadt

Blake Determan, 3B/RHP, Moline, 2028
Uncommitted, 6-foot-5, 200-pound body that shows promise as it is not yet filled out. Moves athletically on the diamond, and swings with confidence and power. Hits the ball consistently hard to all fields and has distinct power to the pull side. Hit an impressive homerun in the championship game, displaying this power and athleticism.

Bryn Mayo, 2B, Eureka, 2028
Uncommitted. 5-foot-9, 160 pounds. Athletic frame, room to add strength. Quiet, under control, highly repeatedly swing at the plate. Consistently found the barrel during looks this weekend, showcased the ability to use the whole field with base hits to left field and right center. Defensively showcased smooth, soft hands with athletic footwork. In game was consistently engaged and communicating with his teammates. 

Yard Goats Navy

Logan Stortzum, 3B/RHP, Champaign Central, 2028
Uncommitted, 5-foot-9, 150-pound build that has room to mature. Has a powerful bat, and an advanced eye at the plate. Pitched six scoreless innings while sitting 79-80 mph with an effective two-seam and a sharp curveball. Only giving up five hits while striking out seven, Stortzum shows advanced ability to pitch, with an ability to fill the zone with ease. Will grow and mature.

Brady Stauffer, C/RHP, Yard Goats Navy, 2028
Uncommitted, 5-foot-9. Athletic frame, moves well all around the diamond. Simple swing setup with a direct path to the ball. Loud contact twice in game looks with a line drive triple to right center and a ground ball single through the six hole. Aggressive runner out of the batters box who took a hard turn at first base. On the mound showed three pitches. Fastball topped at 74 mph, sitting 71-73 mph. Slider topped at 64 mph, sitting 63-64 mph. Changeup topped at 70 mph, sitting 68-70 mph. 

17U 

Hitters Black 2027

Danny Harris, RHP, Andrew, 2027
Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 185-pound frame. Got the start on the mound, throwing 4.2 innings while striking out seven and giving up three runs. Drop-and-drive delivery with an over the top arm slot. The fastball sat 82-84 mph with carry through the zone. Generated multiple swings-and-misses up in the zone. Paired that with a 12/6 curveball with depth that he put hitters away with. 

John Curbis, SS, Joliet Catholic, 2027
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 162 in Illinois’ 2027 class. Lean, athletic 6-foot, 145-pound frame with room for added strength. Curbis got the start at shortstop and hit in the three hole. The left-handed hitter went 1-for-2 with a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base. Quality bat-to-ball skills with the ability to hit to all fields.

Nick Pignatiello, 3B, Bishop McNamara, 2027
Uncommitted. 6-foot-3, 175-pound athletic frame. Went 2-for-2 with two doubles and a walk. Balanced setup with a small leg lift into launch. Direct path with natural lift through the zone. Gap-to-gap approach. Athletic runner on the base paths. 

Mattoon Hit-Men

Wyatt Gordon, RHP/C, Charleston, 2027
Uncommitted. 5-foot-10, 175-pound athletic frame. Gordon was a big winner from this weekend. Made an impact on the mound and at the plate. On the mound, Gordon went six innings, striking out 10 and gave up zero earned runs. Stretch only; simple, repeatable drop-and-drive delivery. Short, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Five pitch mix. Two distinct fastball shapes. Four-seam fastball sat 87-89 mph (2200-2300 rpm) topping out at 89.6 mph with carry. Two-seam fastball sat 86-88 mph with arm-side run missing barrels. Two high-spinning breaking balls. Slider sat 78-79 mph (2700-2800 rpm) with sweep and serious wipe-out potential. Curveball sat 72-74 mph (2500-2700 rpm) with 12/6 shape. Rounded out his mix with an 80 mph changeup with the ability to throw it to righties and lefties. Gordon was just as impressive at the plate. Hit out of the two hole, finishing the weekend 9-for-14 with seven runs batted in, and six runs scored. Upright stance, utilizes a step back to create rhythm. Line drive approach with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Loud contact all weekend. 

Jackson Horst, RHP, Mattoon, 2027
Uncommitted. Lean, athletic 6-foot-1, 150-pound frame. Horst got the start on the mound, throwing a complete-game, striking out four while giving up just two runs. Simple, compact drop-and-drive delivery. Compact arm action from a ¾ slot. Utilized a true four pitch mix to generate weak contact. Fastball sat 80-81 mph with some-arm side run at times jamming hitters. Slider sat 75-76 mph with gyro shape. Curveball sat 71-72 mph with some depth. Changeup sat 75 mph with fade and the ability to throw it for strikes. 

Max Wetzel, MIF, Mattoon, 2028
Uncommitted. 5-foot-10, 150-pound frame with room to fill out. Hit in the three hole and played second base in the championship. Wetzel finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Three hard hit line drives to the outfield. Balanced setup with quiet hands. Direct to the ball, utilizing a flat path to spray line drives all over the field.

Brayden Hackett, RHP, Mattoon, 2028
Uncommitted. Physical 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame. Came on in relief in the championship game, throwing the final 5.1 innings. Struck out 10 while only allowing one earned run. Stretch only; repeatable drop-and-drive delivery with an aggressive move toward home. Short arm circle from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 80-83 mph and generated swing-and-miss at the top of the zone. Mixed in a curveball at 71-73 mph with depth. Flashed a changeup at 75 mph.

Richland County Raptors 17

Carter Blank, C/INF, Richland County, 2027
Uncommitted. 5-foot-8, 160-pound frame. Hit out of the leadoff spot. Set the tone in the first game of the day tripling to center field on the third pitch of the game. Finished the game going 3-for-3 with a walk, driving in three runs, and scoring three runs. Flat path with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. 

Keagan Puckett, 1B, Richland County, 2028
Uncommitted. 5-foot-10, 164-pound frame. Batted second and played first base. The left-handed hitter went a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk, two runs batted in, and two runs scored. Aggressive approach swinging early in counts. Direct bat path with a line drive approach to all fields. Defensively, showed fluid feet around the bag at first base.

Cooper Hires, RHP/SS, Richland County, 2027
Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 166-pound frame. Got the start on the mound, throwing three scoreless innings while striking out three. Simple, controlled drop-and-drive delivery. Short, clean arm action from a ¾ slot. Three pitch mix. Attacked with a 80-83 mph fastball in the zone with arm-side run. Added a curveball at 70-72 mph with 11/5 shape. Rounded out his mix with a changeup at 74 mph. Showed smooth actions at shortstop throughout the weekend making multiple plays on the run.

Mattey Sanders, OF, Richland County, 2028
Uncommitted. 5-foot-9, 150-pound frame. Sanders got the day started with a grand slam in game one. Finished the game with five RBIs and a walk. Short, compact bat path with the ability to create backspin to the pull-side. 

Jayden Smith, CF, Mt. Carmel, 2027
Uncommitted. 5-foot-9, 140-pound athletic frame with room for added strength. Smith made multiple catches in center field deep in the gap. At the plate, Smith went 2-for-2 with a walk, and two runs scored. Showcase speed on the bases stealing multiple bags throughout the weekend. Quiet in the box with a flat, direct path to the ball. Line drive approach. Consistently found the barrel throughout the weekend.

St Joseph Bandits 17u

Gavin Long, Westville, 1B, 2027
Uncommitted, sturdy 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame. Long had a quality day at the plate in the Bandits’ first game of the tournament, putting up a 2-for-3 day with a two-RBI double to center field and a walk. The left-hander presented a balanced setup, using a simple lift/place load with loose, rhythmic hands and some feel for the barrel. 

Strike Academy

Chase Altensey, LHP/1B, Byron, 2027
Uncommitted, 5-foot-11, 165-pound build that has a projectable development, thin but athletic  and has a loose arm path that plays with a controlled delivery. Sat 81-82 mph for three innings and collected eight strikeouts. Altensey has a curveball and a changeup, both are effective in the zone with deliberate placement and sharp break. The Frame is extremely projectable and will develop and fill out.

Team Ox Wood 17u

Tristan Hendy, CF, Farmington, 2027
Uncommitted. Athletic frame with present strength in the lower half. Hendy hit in the three hole going 3-for-4 with a double and drove in one. Consistently on the barrel throughout the weekend. Flat path with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Defensively, showcased range in center field with arm strength that played with carry. 

Eric Duckworth Jr., MIF, East Peoria, 2027
Uncommitted. Lean, athletic 5-foot-8, 126-pound frame. Hit out of the leadoff spot, going 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. Hit multiple balls into the gap on championship Sunday. Simple, repeatable operation with a path that stayed on plane through the zone. Showed defensive versatility over the weekend fielding multiple positions. 

Wahoos

Connor Henline, OF, Coal City, 2027
Uncommitted. 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame with room to fill out. Hit out of the leadoff spot, going 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Finished the weekend 8-for-10 with three extra base hits including a home run. Repeatedly found the barrel throughout the weekend. Flat bat path that stayed in the zone for an extended period of time. 

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