On Wednesday, February 19th, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff traveled down to Peoria, IL for the Peoria Preseason ID held at the Louisville Slugger Dome. This event is a great opportunity for our staff to get a look at players from the central part of the state, as well as the surrounding areas.

Today we are continuing our post-event rollout with a look at all the pitchers from the day, along with a ranking of who our staff deemed as the top pitching prospects.

RHP Cole Smith (Metamora, 2026) is an uncommitted junior with some upside to note. Listed at 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, the right-hander showed carry on a fastball in the low-80s to pair with a sharp curveball.

RHP Dean Marchand (Dunlap, 2028) will be an arm to follow throughout the years, showing a fluid operation and clean arm with a fastball up to 80 mph.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Kash VanHouten, Canton (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 179 pounds. Lean, athletic frame with room for added strength in the future.
Delivery: Clean, easy mover with a high leg lift; shows explosive actions down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Quick and long arm path from a ¾ slot.
FB: T92, 91-92 mph. Power fastball with straight action; comes out clean. T2463, 2386 average rpm.
SL: 73-75 mph. Sharp, sweeping action with 10/4 shape. T2368, 2348 average rpm.
CH: 78-80 mph. Deceptive offering; kept low in the zone. T1763, 1703 average rpm.

2. Caleb Cox, Lutheran (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-4, 180 pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Works with a quick tempo; repeatable mechanics. High leg lift with full extension down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Quick, short arm from a low ¾ slot.
FB: T91, 88-91 mph. Firm with late life. T2255, 2209 average rpm.
SL: 72-74 mph. Sweeping action with horizontal break; showed feel to land. T2257, 2156 average rpm.
CH: 75-82 mph. Deceptive, consistently kept down. T1892, 1771 average rpm.

3. Cullen Schwigen, Rockridge (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 176 pounds. Lean and athletic frame with present strength.
Delivery: Tall and easy mover with a steady front leg.
Arm Action: RH. Quick arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T86, 83-85 mph. Firm with command, capable of hitting both sides of the plate. T2410, 2279 average rpm.
CB: 71-73 mph. Sharp break with late movement. T2268, 2217 average rpm.
CH: 80-81 mph. Late fading action. T1965, 1923 average rpm.

4. Ryan Oelke, Rockridge (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 190 pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame.
Delivery: Clean, simple operation with a high leg lift and controlled tall/fall delivery.
Arm Action: LH. Quick and compact arm from a ¾ slot.
FB: T85, 81-84 mph. Firm with natural arm-side run. T2025, 1904 average rpm.
CB: 66-68 mph. 1/7 shape; showed some sweeping action. T1895, 1845 average rpm.
CH: 72-73 mph. Thrown with fastball intent; showed feel and late fade. T1334, 1188 average rpm.
SPLT: 73 mph. Kills spin.

5. Soogyeom Park, Champaign Central (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-6, 217 pounds. Long-levered frame with room for added strength in the future.
Delivery: Hybrid-style delivery with a small leg lift into a drop/drive delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Compact and clean from a ¾ slot.
FB: T89, 88-89 mph. Clean out of the hand with life through the zone. T2189, 1992 average rpm.
SL: 77-78 mph. Sharp, sweeping action. T2064, 2030 average rpm.
SPLT: 81-82 mph. Firm, kills spin.

6. Carsen DeKeyrel, Rockridge (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 133.4 pounds. Lean build with room to add strength.
Delivery: Clean mechanics with a high leg lift; utilizes a drop-and-drive approach down the mound.
Arm Action: LH. Full and clean arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T84, 82-84 mph. Firm and straight out of the hand. T2198, 2100 average rpm.
CB: 73-74 mph. 1/7 shape, resembling a slurve. T2299, 2249 average rpm.
CH: 77-78 mph. Quality sinking action, stays down in the zone. T1729, 1629 average rpm.

7. T.J. Heatherly, Galesburg (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 190 pounds. Mature frame with present strength throughout.
Delivery: Strong load into the back leg with a loose, high leg lift; easy mover down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Full and clean from a ¾ slot.
FB: T88, 85-87 mph. Firm with arm-side run; filled the zone. T2113, 2004 average rpm.
CB: 70-73 mph. 11/5 break with heavy depth; stays down. T2132, 2014 average rpm.
CH: 71-76 mph. Deceptive with run. T2020, 1885 average rpm.

8. Brody Oppendike, United Township (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 170 pounds. Athletic frame with present strength.
Delivery: Uptempo delivery featuring a high leg lift and tuck; utilizes a drop-and-drive motion down the mound.
Arm Action: LH. Clean and quick arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T85, 83-85 mph. Mostly straight with noticeable life. T2003, 1967 average rpm.
CB: 68-71 mph. More vertical break compared to his slider, with some depth. T2057, 1903 average rpm.
SL: 77-79 mph. Sharper action, effectively located low in the zone. T2322, 2165 average rpm.
CH: 77-80 mph. Thrown with fastball intent, showed occasional fade. T1574, 1421 average rpm.

9. Parker Roop, Normal University (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-1, 155 pounds. Trim, high-waisted build with potential for added strength.
Delivery: Smooth and easy mover with a high leg lift and tuck; employs a drop-and-drive technique.
Arm Action: RH. Compact and quick arm from a ¾ slot.
FB: T83, 80-83 mph. Clean release with slight arm-side run. T2125, 2002 average rpm.
CB: 71-73 mph. 11/5 shape with depth. T2069, 1993 average rpm.
CH: 72-75 mph. Plays low with some fade. T1744, 1666 average rpm.

10. Chase Beckham, Sacred Heart-Griffin (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-9, 165 pounds. Compact frame with some strength.
Delivery: Simple, quiet mover with a high leg lift and tuck; tall/fall down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose and clean arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T82, 80-82 mph. Rides through the zone; gets behind the baseball. T2139, 2075 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. 11/5 shape with depth; throws with confidence. T2102, 1990 average rpm.
SL: 67-71 mph. Short, horizontal action. T2102, 1983 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Confident to throw; plays with fade. T1920, 1813 average rpm.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Carter Brooks, Havana (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 185 pounds. Lean, well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Clean and simple mover with a strong lower half; high leg lift with tuck.
Arm Action: RH. Medium arm circle from a high ¾ slot.
FB: T79, 76-78 mph. Straight actions; fills up the zone. T1868, 1820 average rpm.
CB: 63-66 mph. Lateral shape with gradual break. T1741, 1685 average rpm.
CH: 64-66 mph. Maintains arm speed; plays with sink and for strikes. T904, 845 average rpm.

Cooper Burnside, Dunlap (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 163 pounds. Compact frame.
Delivery: Works exclusively from the stretch; small leg lift; tall/fall delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Long, easy arm action from a high ¾ slot.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Mostly straight out of the hand with occasional ride. T1911, 1840 average rpm.
CB: 71 mph. Gradual 11/5 break. T1992, 1950 average rpm.
SL: 72-73 mph. Sharp break with 10/4 shape. T1760, 1735 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Shows feel; flashed occasional fade. T1684, 1657 average rpm.

Caden Castleman, El Paso-Gridley (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-0, 220 pounds. Well-proportioned build.
Delivery: Stretch-only operation; high leg lift with slight tuck and coil; tall/fall mechanics working in-line.
Arm Action: LH. Compact arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T80, 78-79 mph. Straight action with occasional rise. T2116, 2055 average rpm.
CB: 60-68 mph. 11/5 shape; similar shape to the slider. T2332, 2251 average rpm.
SL: 68-70 mph. 11/5 action; lands low at times. T2407, 2377 average rpm.
CH: 74-75 mph. Works to the bottom of the zone; some fade. T1748, 1640 average rpm.

Ethan Cour, Sacred Heart-Griffin (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 165 pounds. Trim build with room for added strength in the future.
Delivery: Clean and easy mover with a high leg lift; tall/fall mechanics down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action from a low ¾ slot.
FB: T76, 74-76 mph. Sinking action; stays down in the zone. T1958, 1871 average rpm.
CB: 64-66 mph. 11/5 shape; sharp action with depth. T2023, 1998 average rpm.
SL: 64-69 mph. Gradual break. T2083, 1961 average rpm.
CH: 69-72 mph. Fading action; maintains arm speed. T1690, 1651 average rpm.

Ben Cronkhite, Metamora (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-11, 170 pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame with some present strength throughout.
Delivery: High leg lift with tuck; tall/fall operation down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, loose arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Straight out of the hand with some life. T2035, 1950 average rpm.
CB: 66-68 mph. Similar shape to the slider, plays with depth. T2101, 2068 average rpm.
SL: 69-72 mph. 11/5 shape with occasional sharp break. T2176, 2107 average rpm.
CH: 73-74 mph. Works to the bottom of the zone with slight fade. T1368, 1279 average rpm.
SPLT: 76 mph. Firm with depth.

Collin Crumrine, Normal Community (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-10, 170 pounds. Compact frame with strength.
Delivery: Short and quick leg lift; repeatable operation.
Arm Action: RH. Shorter action; stabs the ball toward the ground on the back swing; ¾ slot.
FB: T77, 73-76 mph. Shows accuracy with rising life. T2022, 1987 average rpm.
CB: 60-63 mph. Gradual 11/5 break. T1833, 1788 average rpm.
CH: 64-67 mph. Displays sinking action. T1503, 1350 average rpm.

Tanner Dye, Rockridge (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 171 pounds. High-waisted frame with room to add strength.
Delivery: Simple mover with a high leg lift and coil; utilizes a drop/drive lower half.
Arm Action: RH. Shorter arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T81, 78-80 mph. Plays mostly straight; mixed in a two-seam with slight run. T2155, 1997 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. 11/5 shape; plays with depth. T2075, 1955 average rpm.
CH: 70-72 mph. Mostly straight with downer tendencies. T1813, 1656 average rpm.

Landon Gray, Dunlap (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 164 pounds. Trim, athletic frame with room to add strength.
Delivery: Simple mover, smaller leg lift with tuck, tall/fall down the mound, works in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long, clean arm action, easy, high ¾ slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Clean out of the hand with arm-side run. T1882, 1811 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Gradual break with vertical shape; lands for strikes. T1903, 1795 average rpm.
CH: 74-75 mph. Plays mostly straight with occasional fade. T1865, 1839 average rpm.

Quinten Hale, Glenwood (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-11, 175 pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Simple mover; high leg lift with tuck; works with a drop/drive delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Compact, short arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T82, 78-81 mph. Mostly straight with a heavy finish. T2037, 1942 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Gradual action; still developing. T2069, 1986 average rpm.
CH: 72-73 mph. Plays with sink and fade. T1553, 1379 average rpm.

Haydon Hawksworth, Washington (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 160 pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Delivery: Repeatable operation; simple and clean down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Short, compact arm from a high ¾ slot.
FB: T82, 79-82 mph. Accurate; can work to both sides of the plate. T2046, 1926 average rpm.
CB: 68-70 mph. Gradual break. T2147, 1920 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Works down in the zone with depth. T1567, 1477 average rpm.

Boston Katz, Heyworth (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 165 pounds. Proportionate frame.
Delivery: Uptempo mover with a high leg lift and coil; tall/fall down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Full, clean arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T81, 80-81 mph. Mostly straight; mixed in a two-seam with occasional run. T1922, 1885 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. 11/5 shape with sharp downer action. T2200, 2052 average rpm.
SL: 68-70 mph. Sharper horizontal action. T2184, 2142 average rpm.
CH: 75 mph. Slight fade at the end with some deceleration. T1698, 1573 average rpm.

Asher Kauppinen, Dunlap (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-1, 160 pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame.
Delivery: High leg lift; throws across his body; keeps a steady head throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Submarine slot; full extension on the back swing.
FB: T71, 68-70 mph. Flat action; keeps it low in the zone. T2190, 2062 average rpm.
SL: 62-65 mph. Sweeping shape. T2288, 2157 average rpm.
CH: 65-68 mph. Fading action; works down. T2204, 1677 average rpm.

Carter Lippens, Dunlap (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 170 pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Begins narrow; high leg lift with a balanced, easy finish.
Arm Action: RH. Full extension on the back swing; ¾ slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Sinking action. T1847, 1736 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. Late 11/5 break. T2146, 2123 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Late depth; works for strikes. T1318, 1252 average rpm.
SPLT: 71-72 mph. Possesses depth; deceptive offering.

Auggie Lohnes, East Peoria (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-0, 233.3 pounds. Mature build with present strength and physicality.
Delivery: Loose lower half with an explosive, quick tempo.
Arm Action: RH. Compact and easy arm from a low ¾ slot.
FB: T84, 81-83 mph. Comes out clean with late life. T2071, 1966 average rpm.
CB: 65-67 mph. Sharp break with biting action. T1855, 1853 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Deceptive; shows feel with slight fade. T1446, 1424 average rpm.
CUT: 75-77 mph. Late bite.

Dean Marchand, Dunlap (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-5, 135 pounds. Well-proportioned frame with present strength.
Delivery: Clean mover with a high leg lift and tuck; maintains a loose and easy motion down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Comes out clean, mostly straight. T1914, 1850 average rpm.
SL: 62-63 mph. Sweeping action with occasional sharp action. T1950, 1870 average rpm.
CH: 73-74 mph. Plays with heavy fade at times. T1507, 1404 average rpm.

Wilson McDaniel, Champaign Central (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-1, 205 pounds. Strong and sturdy frame.
Delivery: Starts low with an easy leg lift and balanced finish.
Arm Action: LH. Full circle from a ¾ slot.
FB: T79, 78-79 mph. Shows slight cutting action. T2267, 2192 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. 12/6 shape; keeps it down. T2104, 2093 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Heavy arm-side run. T1689, 1616 average rpm.

Carson Mitchell, Morton (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-10, 160 pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Crouched setup; extends leg on lift; stays controlled.
Arm Action: LH. Full arm circle from a ¾ slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Heavy arm-side run. T1995, 1874 average rpm.
SL: 69-71 mph. Late horizontal movement; displays feel. T2293, 2226 average rpm.
CH: 70-72 mph. Heavy fading action. T1394, 978 average rpm.

Nico Ojeda, Galesburg (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-11, 200 pounds. Present strength throughout.
Delivery: Clean, athletic mover with a high leg lift and control; tall/fall delivery.
Arm Action: LH. Compact arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T80, 76-80 mph. Clean out of the hand with some run. T2015, 1940 average rpm.
CB: 64-67 mph. 1/7 shape; sharp at times. T2389, 2264 average rpm.
CH: 69-71 mph. Slight fading action. T1520, 1431 average rpm.

AJ Ozier, Springfield (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-3, 195 pounds. Athletic build with present strength; room for more fill.
Delivery: Simple mover; high leg lift with tuck; tall/fall lower-half.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, long arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Clean out of the hand with run. T1941, 1873 average rpm.
CB: 65-68 mph. Gradual break; still developing. T2171, 1995 average rpm.
CH: 69-72 mph. Heavy sink; thrown with intent; works at the bottom of the zone. T1413, 1327 average rpm.

Mason Phillips, Washington (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 210 pounds. Strong and sturdy frame.
Delivery: Simple mover with a medium leg lift; tall/fall down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Short, compact path from a ¾ slot.
FB: T77, 74-77 mph. Shows ride through the zone. T2048, 1917 average rpm.
CB: 60-61 mph. More vertical shape than the SL; gradual action. T1975, 1911 average rpm.
SL: 61-65 mph. 11/5 shape; gradual break. T2041, 1995 average rpm.
CH: 65-66 mph. Some fade at times. T1408, 1321 average rpm.

Cole Smith, Metamora (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 175 pounds. Highly projectable frame; lean with room to add strength.
Delivery: Simple, clean mover with a high leg lift and tall/fall approach.
Arm Action: RH. Compact and clean arm action from a high ¾ slot.
FB: T83, 81-82 mph. Comes out clean with some life. T2239, 2148 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. Tight, sharp break at times; has feel in the zone with spin. T2456, 2391 average rpm.
CH: 74-75 mph. Maintains arm speed; mostly straight with occasional sink. T1870, 1796 average rpm.

Camden Taylor, Morton (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 170 pounds. Proportionate frame with room to fill out.
Delivery: Athletic mover with a high leg lift; controls the balance point and works in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Clean and compact arm from a ¾ slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Mostly straight out of the hand. T2196, 2128 average rpm.
CB: 67-70 mph. 12/6 shape with vertical drop. T2050, 2019 average rpm.
CUT: 72-74 mph. Slight cutting action; similar to FB.
SPLT: 74-76 mph. Kills spin with deceleration; mostly straight.

Camden Vescogni, Washington (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 6-3, 205 pounds. Lean, well-proportioned build.
Delivery: Simple mover with a medium leg lift, tuck and coil; tall/fall down the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Longer arm action in the back; ¾ slot.
FB: T80, 79-80 mph. Sinking action; keeps it down. T2086, 1999 average rpm.
CB: 63-64 mph. 11/5 shape with occasional vertical depth. T1819, 1777 average rpm.
CH: 68-69 mph. Deceptive with slight fade. T1185, 1079 average rpm.
KN: 68-70 mph. Knuckle action with drop.

Maxwell Virgil, Washington (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 150 pounds. Compact frame with some strength.
Delivery: Clean and simple mover with a high leg lift; tall/fall mechanics.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action from a ¾ slot.
FB: T78, 77-78 mph. Clean out of the hand; mostly straight with occasional arm-side run. T2056, 1995 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. 11/5 shape with sharp break. T2167, 2090 average rpm.
CH: 73-74 mph. Maintains arm speed; plays with fade and sink. T1793, 1719 average rpm.

Nico Wiemelt, Urbana (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds. Compact frame.
Delivery: Controlled delivery; medium leg kick into balance point, tall/fall lower-half.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot.
FB: T68, 66-68 mph. Plays mostly straight. T1575, 1532 average rpm.
CB: 55-57 mph. Big break, 11/5 shape, lands. T1614, 1575 average rpm.
SL: 56-59 mph. Gradual lateral action. T1698, 1599 average rpm.
CH: 61-63 mph. Mostly straight actions, lands. T1239, 1158 average rpm.

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