I know, it’s been a while since the Who’s Hot section has appeared here. Please know that I have seen an exorbitant amount of baseball over the last four weeks, and my lack of entries in Duncan’s Diamond Notes is purely because I’ve been too lazy/busy to synthesize my notes after the fact. Self-reflection is sometimes a longer process than it should be.
With that said, I fully intend on reviving this blog from here on out. If I stumble again, please feel free to call me out. But enough about me and my lack of whatever … let’s get to the players.
Earlier this month I reported that two of the hottest names in the state were Marmion Academy RHP-OF Matt Milroy and Downers Grove North C Dan Sheppard. Shortly after, Milroy committed to the University of Illinois and Sheppard committed to Iowa. Milroy is one of five early commitments Illinois has already wrapped up. Lincoln-Way East SS Brandon Hohl, whose scorching bat and stellar defense helped lead the Griffins to the IHSBCA summer state championship, is another fine recruit the Illini has landed, along with Macomb OF Davis Hendrickson, Mount Carmel RHP Kevin Johnson and Harrisburg INF Christian Cummins.
* So who else has made big waves this summer with their play? Well, Benet coach Jeff Bonebrake said that his standout SS Alex Staehely has received the most inquiries from college coaches than any other player to pass through his powerhouse program. That’s saying something, considering Bonebrake coached 2006 PBR Player of the Year Connor Powers, who’s now tearing it up at Mississippi State. Staehely has become one of the most coveted infielders in the state thanks to his consistent play, strong arm, athleticism and hitting prowess.
* And speaking of Benet, 6-3 RHP John Boyle has opened a lot of eyes with his increased velocity and loose arm action. After going 7-0 in the spring, Boyle has looked particularly strong this summer, and has upped his velo up to 87 and sticking mostly in the 84-85 range.
* Everyone by knows about Neuqua Valley LHP Ian Krol, who has been the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2009 since his sophomore year. And Krol, who has earned invites to the AFLAC All-American Game, Area Code Games and Under Armor All-American Game, still is the No. 1 prospect. But his teammate, RHP Mike McKinley, has become one of the hotter names this summer because of his big-time breaking ball and 85-88 mph fastball.
* Stevenson HS has the most exciting trio of pitchers in the state, bar none. RHP Scott Firth, ranked No. 3 in the senior class, has been courted by some of the nation’s biggest powers thanks to his consistent 87-90 fastball and college-ready curve. Also receiving a lot of high-level attention is 6-3 RHP Brad Sorkin, whose 87-89 mph fastball and easy arm action have made him one of the most desirable prospects in the class. LHP Matt Robin recently committed to Ohio University.
* Fenwick RHP Cam Verbeke has steadily climbed the ranks and is now one of the premier prospects in the state. Not too long ago Verbeke was a mid-80s pitcher, but ever since the late May he has consistently pitched at 87-90 with a solid secondary stuff and a fearless, attacking mentality on the mound.
* Ian Gardeck, a muscular 6-foot-2, 210-pound RHP from Crystal Lake South HS, has established himself as one of the state’s best power arms. Gardeck has consistently sat at 88-91 mph with his fastball and has brushed a 94 from time to time.
* Gardeck isn’t the only prospect having a big summer on Pro Player Consultants’ summer team. PPC has also seen the rapid ascension of left-handed hitting Cary-Grove catcher Luke Mottashed, whose pop times have steadily registered in the 1.9-2.05 range, and Alden-Hebron LHP Mark Winkelman, who has been getting several schools out to watch his starts. What’s more, Cary-Grove OF Keegan Mascarella has also opened a lot of eyes this summer with his quick bat, athleticism and stellar outfield play.
* Rockton Hononegah RHP Matt Carroll continues to steadily climb the ladder this summer. The 5-10, 155-pound Carroll began the summer at 84-86, then climbed to 86-88 in mid July, and last week Carroll touched 90 at a recent showcase.
* Clay Murphy may not be the biggest in stature, but the 5-9 RHP-SS from Shawnee HS certainly has a big-time arm, one that is receiving a lot of attention as of late. Murphy possesses an 85-88 mph fastball to go along with a top-level, college-ready hammer. More importantly, he really knows how to pitch.
* Who are the best hitters in the state? If this summer is any indication, Limestone OF Seth Schwindenhammer, who earned PBR second-team all-state honors, very well may be the best. I have not seen a more powerful, consistent stroke than the 6-foot, left-handed hitting Schwindenhammer. Not far behind is Schaumburg 1B Mike Mistrata, who possesses a ridiculously strong and compact left-handed stroke, and first-team PBR All-State selection Justin Ringo from Stagg HS, who hit 15 bombs as a junior.
* Brother Rice junior SS-RHP Kevin Koziol, who earned PBR first-team All-State honors as a sophomore, very well may be the best pure hitter in the entire state. And Oak Forest sophomore slugger Tim Barry proved his off-the-charts freshman campaign was no fluke this summer. Barry, who tallied 73 RBIs, 13 HRs and 15 doubles as a freshman on varsity, was Top Tier’s 17-under most consistent hitter this summer.
* Brother Rice finished second at the IHSBCA summer state tournament in large part because of the scorching bat of senior catcher Ricky Palmer. Brian Baldwin, a 6-6 junior 1B, also emerged as a big-time offensive threat this summer. Senior LHP Pat Gannon, who’s been the Crusaders’ go-to pitcher since his sophomore year, continued to solidify himself as one of the state’s most effective left-handers, and 6-3 OF Bobby Schuch has also further established himself as a high-level prospect.
* Nick Tindall, an athletic 6-3 catcher from O’Fallon HS, has continued to raise his profile as one of the state’s best backstops – and he very well may be the best offensive catcher next to Sheppard. Other catchers who have been impressive this summer include Hersey’s Pat Hyde, Cary-Grove’s Luke Mottashed, Batavia’s 6-4, 210-pound Ryan Welter, Neuqua Valley’s Alex Lincoln, Glenbard East’s Scott Klepetka and Lake Park’s Brian Norwood.
* Prairie Ridge may have graduated a stellar senior class, but the defending 4A state champs certainly have plenty of talent left to compete for another state crown. Coach Dave Haskins’ squad advanced to the Elite Eight of the summer state tournament behind the strength of some lesser-known prospects – at least up until late July. The biggest eye-opener was senior Dan Rowe, a left-handed hitting SS with impressive arm strength and hands who was buried behind Bobby Martin (at Ohio University). This should be the second D-I shortstop the Wolves produce in as many years. And keep an eye on junior OF Kevin Kaczmarcki, who can flat-out fly from the left side. Catcher Nolan Jacoby also swings a big bat from the left side.
* Sheepishly, I admit I’ve never heard of Prospect SS Jason Leblebijan before this summer. But after watching him at several showcase events, the long and smooth athlete has clearly established himself as one of the Class of 2009’s top middle infielders.
Keep coming back to Duncan’s Diamond Notes. I should have a new entry every day or so. If not, email me and call me out.