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 …

No. 1 Brother Rice (Games: 5/14, 5/15, 5/17)

Over the course of Week 9 in the IHSA season we got a look at three Brother Rice games, two against St. Laurence and one against Mount Carmel. Brother Rice went a perfect 3-0 in the contests. Read on below for reports on players that stood out during those games. 

By: Peter Hamot & Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Staff

Brady Cunningham, 1B/RHP, Brother Rice, 2027
Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 6 in the state, No. 208 nationally. 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, physical build with present strength throughout. Started on the mound and threw it well over his six innings of work in the first game against St. Laurence. Scattered just three hits with two earned runs, two walks and three strikeouts. The big right-hander has a high-leg lift that works into a back-leg sink, creating some uphill angle in the shoulders before working downhill, stays in-line and lands square. Compact arm action, tight window and higher ¾ slot. The fastball played in the 84-88 mph range with carry and finish, attacked in the zone with confidence. Curveball showed sharper action than in the past, 11/5 shape with depth, feel down and under the zone, 71-73 mph - also flashed a slider at 77 mph with gradual 10/4 action. At the plate, continues to look like one of the top overall right-handed bats in the Midwest. Cunningham has a physical presence in the box with advanced feel to hit to go along with well-above average power. Minimal swing-and-miss and minimal chase. Chance to do loud damage on every swing. One of the top 2027s in the state. FINAL LINE: 6-for-11, HR, 2B, 5 RBI, R, SB - 6IP, 3H, 2ER, 2BB, 3K.