Prep Baseball Report

Updated Class of 2014 Player Rankings



By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Illinois’ Class of 2014 continues to grow with high-level depth. That fact was further cemented over the last few months as we saw hundreds more new players, in addition to prospects who have made tremendous strides recently.

The bedrock of Illinois’ 2014 class is undoubtedly pitching depth, followed by athletic outfielders.  More and more arms continue to emerge in Illinois, which made refreshing the rankings that much more difficult.

The top 10 remained intact. RHP Brad Bass (Lincoln-Way Central HS), once again heads the talented list, followed by LHP Jake Latz (Lemont HS), RHP Jake Godfrey (Providence Catholic HS), OF/LHP Darius Day (Simeon HS), C Mitch Trees (Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin HS), C Michael Papierski (Lemont HS), RHP/INF Mike Kornacker (St. Laurence HS), RHP Bryan Pall (Sandburg HS), LHP Mike Costanzo (St. Rita HS), and C Chad Spanberger (Granite City HS).

Braden Mosley, a supremely athletic OF from Moline HS, jumped up to No. 11 after he ran a 6.62 60 while showing big bat speed and arm strength (88 mph). RHP Tanner Houck (Collinsville HS), who recently committed to Missouri, is also a new name in the top 20.

Other big risers include athletic 6-foot-3 RHP Bobby Pennington (Maine South HS), who has seen a considerable velocity spike, climbing as high as 89 mph. RHP Sean Leland (Sandburg HS), LHP Michael Peters (Rock Island HS), LHP Richard Fordon (Mount Carmel HS), OF James Davison (Morgan Park HS), RHP Alex Hitney (St. Laurence HS), and INF Anthony Justiniano (Clemente HS) all made considerable jumps.

The Class of 2014 will shake out completely after the Preseason All-State Showcase, which will feature 100-plus of the top juniors across the state on Feb. 17 at The Max.

Enough reading about the updated rankings. See for yourself.

Complete Class of 2014 Player Rankings

Quarry Fieldhouse SLIDE 2-18-13