Wisconsin 2018 Rankings Updated

April 26, 2016

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

The WIAA spring season is in full swing and several of the state’s top sophomores are making impacts on their high school teams this spring. With the updated 2016 and 2017 rankings in the rear view mirror we turn our attention to the Class of 2018, which has been expanded from 35 to 60.

CLICK HERE for complete Wisconsin Class of 2018 Rankings.

Holding firm at No. 1 is Louisville commit Jarred Kelenic (Waukesha West). Kelenic has been the mainstay at No. 1 since launching the 2018 rankings and recently has been showcasing a 90 mph fastball in his game. Kelenic’s upside is still as a position player with the bat but he’s been intriguing to watch on the mound in short stints this spring.

Speaking of bats Alex Binelas (Oak Creek) and Jeff Holtz (Arrowhead) round out the top three. Both are swinging high end bats and Binelas gets the slight edge hitting from the left side. However, Holtz has been on a terror this spring as one of No. 1 Arrowhead’s top hitters in a lineup loaded with talent top to bottom.

RHP Max Alba (Franklin) moved into the top five showcasing improved velocity on the mound this winter topping out at 89 mph. His arm is quick and projectable and his body still has plenty of room to go.

The biggest impact on the top 10 came from Ty Olejnik (Hamilton Sussex). Olejnik moved up ten spots to No. 9 after a huge performance at the Madison Preseason ID this winter. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound left-handed two-way player put on a tool show running a 6.63 in the 60 yard dash, an 89 mph arm from the outfield and a 96 mph exit velocity from the tee.

This week we will continue to break down the 2018 state rankings with a look at some newcomers and risers.