On Saturday, February 22nd, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff traveled down to Wood River, IL for the Southern Illinois Preseason ID held at the SportsBarn East. This event is a great opportunity for our staff to get a look at players from the southern part of the state, as well as the surrounding areas.

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

A young prospect that really stood out on the day was CIF Robert Grosch (Fort Zumwalt North, 2028). Listed at 5-foot-10, 175-pounds with more physical development to come, Grosch showed an athletic right-handed stroke with an easy and balanced operation. He also showed steady hands and fluid feet on the infield to help cap off a strong all-around showing.

A pair of uncommitted juniors to note from the day are INF Nolan Lebert (Mascoutah) and OF Reid Neumayer (Belleville East).

Lebert showed natural, fluid actions on the infield to go along with an athletic and compact right-handed swing.

Neumayer, is an above-average athlete with a 6.92 in the 60, and he took a strong round of BP while showing a flat left-handed swing through the zone (T94 mph EV).

2027 Jack Rolves (Father McGivney) is another infield with a bright future moving forward. The upside, long-levered middle infielder looks like his best years are yet to come. Rolves is a fluid mover who should only continue to benefit from adding quality strength moving forward.

2026 RHH Tyson Filyaw (O’Fallon) is a right-handed hitter who took a loud round of BP on the day. The broad-shouldered junior was consistently on the barrel with authority to the pull-side of the diamond. Filyaw peaked at 96 mph off the bat with a 356-foot max batted distance.

TOP-5 POSITION PLAYERS

1. Mathew Crownhart, Homeschool (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 168.7 pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame with plenty of quality strength to come.
Hit: LHH. Upright, quiet setup with minimal pre-pitch movement; stays balanced throughout. Repeatable, efficient swing with loose, easy hands; creates whip through the zone and uses the whole field. Above-average bat-to-ball skills. 67.6 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (85.5 avg.); 337-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 82 mph. Long, loose arm action from a lower slot.
Defense: Steady footwork, stays behind the ball with easy range; moves well and plays with a confident glove.
Athletic Testing: 7.77 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 80.9 Edge Score.

2. Maxx Grieme, Taylorville (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10, 191 pounds. Sturdy build with an athletic frame and present strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall, quiet setup. Moderate leg lift, utilizes upper half through the swing. Compact stroke with barrel whip and above-average bat speed; consistent hard contact. 80.5 mph bat speed (rotational acceleration not recorded).
Power: 102 mph max exit velocity (92.3 avg.); 336-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 81 mph. Short-arms the ball with a quick release from a ¾ slot.
Defense: 1.80–1.89 pop time range; One-knee setup with a wide base to receive. Quick and athletic actions behind the plate.
Athletic Testing: 7.37 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 83.79 Edge Score.

3. Anderson Kaufmann, Alton (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 163.6 pounds. Compact frame with broad shoulders and room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall, quiet setup with a toe-tap trigger. Simple, repeatable actions with balance throughout. Loose, compact swing with a slight uphill path; worked up the middle. 68.5 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (82.6 avg.); 334-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Short, loose arm action from a ¾ slot; throws stay on a line.
Defense: 1.89–2.01 pop time range; Mature receiver with strong wrists and smooth, agile actions out of the crouch.
Athletic Testing: 7.23 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.80-inch max vertical jump.

4. Beau Breyman, Freeburg (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-10, 178 pounds. Strong and compact frame.
Hit: RHH. Upright, quiet setup with minimal pre-pitch movement; stays balanced throughout the swing. Repeatable and efficient swing with loose hands; creates whip through the zone and uses the whole field. Advanced bat-to-ball skills. 70.9 mph bat speed with 25g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (92.4 avg.); 356-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Low ¾ slot with clean, loose, and repeatable actions.
Defense: 2.06–2.20 pop time range; Strong wrists while receiving, athletic and agile behind the plate.
Athletic Testing: 7.42 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 63.43 Edge Score.

5. Hayden Harriss, Marion (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-1, 185 pounds. Lean frame with broad shoulders and long levers; plenty of projection.
Hit: RHH. Tall, square setup. Fluid weight shift with a slight stride; uses upper half through the swing. Whippy and flat path through the zone. Loud contact with a line-drive approach. 71.4 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (86.5 avg.); 352-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long arm path with a ¾ slot.
Defense: Quiet footwork, fields with confidence; fluid actions throughout.
Athletic Testing: 7.65 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.1 Edge Score.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Miles Browne, Breese Central (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 150 pounds. Developing, wiry frame with room to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Quiet, slightly open setup. Smooth hand load with minimal stride. Slight uphill path; barrel stays through the zone for a long time. 63 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (61.7 avg.); 102-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. Quick and loose arm from an overhand slot.
Defense: 2.19–2.32 pop time range; One-knee setup, sinks low while receiving; glove works up through the zone.
Athletic Testing: 7.32 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 45.44 Edge Score.

Avner Christian, Waterloo (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-1, 170 pounds. Lean, long-levered frame with projection.
Hit: RHH. Tall, active setup with a wide base. Hands work back with a toe-tap trigger; weight shifts to back leg. Longer swing with uphill path; intent to lift. 68.5 mph bat speed with 17g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (65.4 avg.); 308-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 86 mph. Loose arm from a ¾ slot; longer wind-up.
Defense: Athletic mover, plays through the ball, consistent transfers out of the glove.
Athletic Testing:20.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.28 Edge Score.

Lucas Dunn, Nashville Community (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 5-10, 152.1 pounds. Athletic, long-levered frame with room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Stock setup with a wide base. Rhythmic hand load, minimal stride; aggressive swing using upper half. Level path with quick, compact barrel; showed fast hands and hips. 71.3 mph bat speed with 20g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (77.8 avg.); 329-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 89 mph. Whippy arm action from a ¾ slot.
Defense: Slight prep step, fluid footwork, confident and deliberate actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.24 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 73.85 Edge Score.

Tyson Filyaw, O'Fallon (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-3, 188.3 pounds. Athletic build with sloped shoulders; present strength with room for more.
Hit: RHH. Square setup with a slight stride to trigger; loose upper half through the zone. Longer swing with a slight uphill path that stays in the zone. Swing looks effortless. 72.6 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (85.2 avg.); 356-foot max batted distance.
Athletic Testing: 7.92 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.00-inch max vertical jump.

Quinn Ford, Mascoutah (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 165 pounds. Lean frame with room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Square setup with a wide base. Minimal trigger; short, compact swing using upper half. Quick barrel through the zone. 69 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (84.5 avg.); 330-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 80 mph. Long wind-up from a ¾ slot.
Defense: Twitchy defender with quick feet; attacks the ball with intent.
Athletic Testing: 7.47 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 68.57 Edge Score.

Robert Grosch, Fort Zumwalt North (MO), 2028
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 5-8, 155.2 pounds. Physical build with broad shoulders and room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Quiet setup with easy actions throughout. Minimal stride, uses upper half to drive the swing. Long and quick through the zone with a slightly uphill path.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (81.8 avg.); 287-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Loose arm; throws confidently from multiple slots.
Defense: Wide prep step with deliberate actions; showed range and fielded with confidence.
Athletic Testing: 7.98 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 49.37 Edge Score.

Nolan Lebert, Mascoutah (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 5-9, 168 pounds. Compact frame with athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, square setup with a wider base. Minimal leg lift trigger, upper-half dominant swing. Compact stroke that stays in the zone; uphill path with intent to lift. 64.2 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (82.2 avg.); 304-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 84 mph. Loose arm from a ¾ slot with ease.
Defense: Clean, rhythmic footwork with advanced actions; showed range and body control.
Athletic Testing: 7.42 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 68.61 Edge Score.

Cohen Merrill, Freeburg (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-0, 186.3 pounds. Long-limbed with present strength; physical and projectable.
Hit: RHH. Quiet, slightly open setup with a narrow base. Slight leg lift and gains ground through stride. Longer path with slight uphill angle; stayed through the zone well.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (86.2 avg.); 337-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot.
Defense: Plays through the ball; attacks it confidently out front.
Athletic Testing: 7.82 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.17 Edge Score.

Blaine Mool, El Paso-Gridley (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 6-3, 160 pounds. Slender, long-limbed frame with high projectability.
Hit: RHH. Square, athletic setup with rhythmic actions into load. Minimal trigger, stays balanced. Longer stroke, worked up the middle with some barrels. 64 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (78.8 avg.); 252-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 77 mph. Long arm action from a true overhand slot.
Defense: Showed deliberate actions; attacked the ball out front with clean exchanges.
Athletic Testing: 8.05 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 63.31 Edge Score.

Reid Neumayer, Belleville East (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-9, 152 pounds. Lean, long-limbed frame with athleticism.
Hit: LHH. Closed setup with a wide base. Short, deliberate movements; minimal trigger. Quick hands and hips; short and direct swing with gap-to-gap potential. 66.8 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (82.3 avg.); 324-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 85 mph. Long wind-up with a quick follow-through from an overhand slot.
Defense: Agile defender with clean transfers; covered ground well.
Athletic Testing: 6.92 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 66.37 Edge Score.

Keagan Puckett, Richland County (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-0, 170 pounds. Lean, developing frame with sloped shoulders.
Hit: LHH. Slightly open, quiet setup. Minimal leg lift into a short, repeatable load; easy actions through the swing. Compact path with slight uphill plane. 55.9 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 83 mph max exit velocity (75.8 avg.); 203-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 74 mph. Long wind-up with easy arm action from a ¾ slot.
Defense: Quiet footwork with clean, confident lateral movement around the bag.
Athletic Testing: 8.09 runner in the 60-yard dash; 16.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 63.92 Edge Score.

Vladimir Rebarcak, Brown County (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 237 pounds. Sturdy frame with broad shoulders; shows physicality and projectability.
Hit: RHH. Tall, slightly open setup with a twitchy trigger. Utilizes upper half through the swing. Compact through the zone, flashes length at times. Fast hands create power. 66 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (85.4 avg.); 324-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Loose, whippy arm from a low ¾ slot.
Defense: Active footwork; attacks the ball with confidence; showed some range.
Athletic Testing: 7.95 runner in the 60-yard dash; 15.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 65.68 Edge Score.

Jack Rolves, Father McGivney (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 155 pounds. Long-levered developing frame with room to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Square setup with a quick leg lift trigger; carries momentum forward. Compact swing with some length, middle-of-the-field approach. 57.4 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 80 mph max exit velocity (76.9 avg.); 254-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Quick and loose out of a ¾ slot.
Defense: Quiet, agile footwork with some range; steady hands, confident glove.
Athletic Testing: 7.60 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 64.71 Edge Score.

David Schulte, Mascoutah (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 6-1, 160 pounds. Lean, long-levered frame with plenty of projection.
Hit: LHH. Quiet, square setup with a quick trigger; body stays in sync throughout. Long and loose swing with an uphill path; intent to lift. 66.7 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (79.6 avg.); 308-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 79 mph. Long, loose arm action from an overhand slot.
Defense: Gets around the ball; deliberate actions with agile footwork.
Athletic Testing: 7.61 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 65.99 Edge Score.

Nolan Spicer, O'Fallon (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 170 pounds. Compact frame with long limbs.
Hit: LHH. Square setup with a wide base. Minimal toe-tap trigger; utilizes lower half to create power. Long swing with barrel staying in zone; pull-side approach. 68 mph bat speed with 20g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (83.8 avg.); 359-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 81 mph. Quick, loose arm action from a ¾ slot.
Defense: Showed range; deliberate actions while attacking the baseball.
Athletic Testing: 7.82 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 68.05 Edge Score.

Jimmy Stavros, Prospect (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 155 pounds. Lean frame with room to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Slightly crouched, open stance. Small leg lift that gains ground through swing. Compact swing with slight uphill path; stays through the zone. 63.2 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (79.1 avg.); 300-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 83 mph. Quick, loose arm from a ¾ slot.
Defense: Quick and agile footwork; gets around the ball with deliberate actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.17 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 68.93 Edge Score.

Chase Stearns, Parkway Central (MO), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 155 pounds. Athletic build with room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup with a wide base; smooth weight shift into load. Slight uphill path; line-drive approach through the middle. 63.8 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (82.6 avg.); 302-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Loose arm action from a high ¾ slot.
Defense: Soft hands, confident actions, and quick first step; flashed range.
Athletic Testing: 7.27 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.32 Edge Score.

Joe Stephan, Marquette Catholic (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-10, 180 pounds. Sturdy, muscular build with present strength.
Hit: RHH. Crouched, square setup. Starts with weight back and uses a minimal stride; engages lower half well. Slight uphill path with intent to lift, up-the-middle approach. 74.1 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (85.5 avg.); 353-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Quick arm action from a high ¾ slot.
Defense: Agile footwork, works around the baseball with mature actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.44 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.14 Edge Score.

Wes Thompson, Normal University (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11, 165 pounds. Long-limbed, athletic build with projectable strength.
Hit: RHH. Quiet, square setup. Minimal stride with a slight weight shift into launch. Direct path to contact; intent to lift with looseness in the hands. 68 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (77.1 avg.); 311-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. OF - 89 mph. C: Quick release, throws on a line. OF: Loose out of a high ¾ slot.
Defense: 2.13–2.27 pop time range; One-knee setup, quick out of the crouch, glove works up through the zone.
Athletic Testing: 7.36 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 68.69 Edge Score.

Mason Voegele, Columbia (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 170 pounds. Lean frame with room for added strength.
Hit: LHH. Quiet setup with a narrow base. Small stride and simple actions throughout. Uphill path with intent to lift; found the barrel consistently. 65.3 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (83.9 avg.); 317-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 86 mph. Loose arm from an overhand slot with full wind-up.
Defense: Slight prep step; plays through the ball with confidence; glove works out front.
Athletic Testing: 7.35 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.74 Edge Score.

Xavier Voegele, Columbia (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-9, 135 pounds. Lean frame with developing strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow setup with minimal movement; smooth trigger. Compact stroke with a level path, utilizes lower half well. 62.5 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 81 mph max exit velocity (73.9 avg.); 253-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Loose arm from a high ¾ slot.
Defense: Fundamental receiver with deliberate actions; gets around the ball well.
Athletic Testing: 7.84 runner in the 60-yard dash; 15.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 50.06 Edge Score.

Nathan Walker, Mascoutah (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 6-0, 189.6 pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame with present strength.
Hit: LHH. Quiet setup with minimal pre-swing actions. Slight leg lift trigger; utilizes upper half through the swing. Compact through the zone; hands work directly to the ball; noticeable pull-side pop. 73.8 mph bat speed with 18g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (72.1 avg.); 349-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 78 mph. Long arm action from the glove; low ¾ slot.
Defense: Clean footwork; works around the ball with deliberate, confident actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.26 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.5 Edge Score.

James Weitekamp, Kirkwood (MO), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 150 pounds. Long-limbed frame with projection.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, square setup. Rhythmic load, slight stride into contact; uses lower half. Level path, line-drive approach with some pull-side power. 68 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (84.8 avg.); 307-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 82 mph. Long draw out of the glove, high ¾ slot.
Defense: Quick, quiet footwork; fields glove-side with confidence.
Athletic Testing: 7.25 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.70-inch max vertical jump.

Max Zimmerman, DuQuoin (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 175 pounds. Athletic build with broad shoulders and room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Square setup with a wide base. Minimal trigger to load; aggressive upper half through the swing. Level path; exceptional hip speed generates pop; line-drive approach. 68.7 mph bat speed with 23g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (80.5 avg.); 321-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Loose arm with a long draw from a high ¾ slot.
Defense: Agile footwork; stays on his toes and fields with confidence; showed range to both sides.
Athletic Testing: 7.73 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.05 Edge Score.

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