The Illinois Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the Prep Baseball Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more. Simply put, the Illinois Scout Blog is loaded with information …

Wednesday, May 7th

No. 15 Normal Community vs. No. 23 Normal University

By: Gavin Smith
Manager, Content & Operations/Area Scout

Jonah Roper, RHP, Normal Community, 2025
Rock Valley JC commit, ranked No. 150 in the state’s senior class. Stands in a strong 6-foot-3, 203-pound frame. Started on the mound for the Ironmen and tossed a complete game shutout with no walks and one hit allowed. Even more impressively, only needed 66 pitches to complete the game, throwing 51 strikes (77%). Easy mover on the mound, simple, high leg lift with tuck, tall and fall down the mound, easy arm path that worked out of a ¾ slot, minimal effort. Fastball sat 82-85 mph and touched 86 mph three times. Showed an 11/5 shape curveball that sat 72-74 mph and a change-up with fade at 72-73 mph. Impressive stuff after returning from an injury.