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2024 Metro East Kickoff Classic: Preview

March 13, 2024
By: Diego Solares & Tyler Defibaugh
Prep Baseball Illinois Staff

The sixth annual Metro East Kickoff Classic, sponsored by Prep Baseball Report, is back in 2023 and with a larger field of competitors than ever. Beginning on Wednesday, March 13, this four-day event will feature teams spanning the entire state of Illinois competing against each other in the St. Louis area across nine venues in the Metro East: GCS Ballpark in Sauget, Ill., SIU-Edwardsville's Roy E. Lee Field, Edwardsville High School, Blazier Field at City Park in O'Fallon, Belleville East High School, Father McGivney High School, Belleville West High School and Alton High School.

The PBR Illinois staff will provide on-the-ground coverage of the Kickoff Classic, producing game updates, post-game analysis that will impact our Power 25 rankings, as well as scout notes on the top performers through the week. Our homepage, prepbaseballreport.com/illinois, will house everything IHSA baseball fans will need in order to stay updated on this opening week of action, including daily schedules, participating team previews, game scores, player scouting reports, and more.

For all Metro East Kickoff Classic coverage, visit the event's homepage. For up-to-date information throughout the event be sure to follow PBR Illinois on Twitter at @PrepBaseballIL. 

PARTICIPATING TEAMS & HEAD COACHES

Althoff Catholic (Justin Williamson), Alton (Scott Harper), Belleville East (Ryan Wiggs), Belleville West (Todd Baltz), Benet Academy (Scott Lawler), Bradley-Bourbonnais (Brad Schweigert), Breese Central (Ryan Meyer), Brother Rice (Sean McBride), Civic Memorial (Nick Smith), Collinsville (Brett Swip), Columbia (Neal O’Donnell), Dunlap (Eric Stone), Edwardsville (Tim Funkhouser), Effingham - St Anthony (Tony Kreke), Effingham (Curran McNeely), Father McGivney (Chris Erwin), Freeburg (Drew Gericke), Galesburg (Jeremy Pickrel), Glenwood (Casey Erickson), Harrisburg (Jay Thompson), Joliet Catholic Academy (Jared Voss), Joliet West (John Karczewski), Kaneland (Brian Aversa), LaSalle-Peru Township (Matt Glupczynski), Lockport Township (Scott Malinowski), Mahomet-Seymour (Nic DiFilippo), Marissa (Jason Smith), Mascoutah (Don Eddy), Moline (Craig Schimmel), Mt. Vernon (Pierce Borah), New Trier (Mike Napoleon), Normal Community (Ryan Short), Normal West (Chris Hawkins), North Clay (John Frech), O'Fallon Township (Joe Bauer), Oak Forest (Ron Czarnecki), Oak Park - River Forest (Kevin Campbell), Oswego (Joe Giarrante), Plainfield North (John Darlington), Pleasant Plains (Dave Greer), Quincy (Rick Lawson), Rochester (Matt Carlson), Salem Community (Brian Lipe), St. Joseph-Ogden (Josh Haley), Teutopolis (Justin Fleener), Triad (Jesse Bugger), and Washington Community (Kyle Wisher). 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

ALTHOFF CATHOLIC

Hank Gomric, OF, 2024: Saint Louis signee. Highly physical 6-foot-5, 205-pound left-handed bat that slashed .464/.552/.897 with 20 extra-base hits and 44 RBIs last spring for the Crusaders. One of the top left-handed bats in the area. 

Bauer Dalke, RHP, 2024: Webster University signee. 6-foot-6, 185-pound right-handed pitcher with three-pitch polish, including a mid-to-upper-80s fastball and two above-average secondaries, that’ll look to headline this staff in his senior year. 

Bauer Dalke

Bo Gomric, INF, 2025: Strong, athletic 5-foot-9, 168-pound athlete. Polished right-handed swing that added bat strength and physicality this winter. Can run (6.75 60) and pick it at any three of the infield spots. Hit .277 and reached base at a .407 clip as a sophomore last spring. 

ALTON

Alex Siatos, RHP, 2024: Returns as the top arm on this Alton staff. Pitched to a 3.60 ERA over a team-high 60 ⅓ innings pitched, including six complete games.

Deon Harrington, INF, 2025: 5-foot-11, 167-pound athlete with strength and tools. Impressed at the St. Louis Preseason ID this winter. Showed a strong right-handed swing that was on the barrel often (87.4 mph average EV, T95.8 mph) and peaked at 87 mph across the infield. 


Jack Puent, OF, 2026: Strong 6-foot, 186-pound sophomore that popped as a follow from the Southern Illinois Preseason ID in February. On the barrel to the middle of the field in BP from a clean, polished left-handed swing. Was up to 86 mph from the outfield at that event and touched 83 mph on the mound, too. 

BELLEVILLE EAST

Tommy Kramowski, RHP, 2025: Added strength this winter onto a 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame. Fastball plays in the upper-80s, T89 mph, and spins two different breaking balls off it, each of them above-average pitches for his age. Comfortable turning over a quality changeup as well that completes a true four-pitch mix. One of the top uncommitted junior arms in the St. Louis’ area will look to take an expanded role for the Lancers on the mound this spring. 


Ty Reaka, LHP, 2024: Kaskaskia JC signee. 6-foot-3, 210-pound strong-armed southpaw with a mid-to-upper-80s fastball. Will play the outfield and first base for the Lancers this spring as well. 

Dawson Vernier, RHP, 2024: Illinois College commit. Made 11 appearances for Belleville East last spring, pitching to a 0.96 ERA with only five walks over 36 ⅓ innings. 

BELLEVILLE WEST

Noah Emge, RHP, 2024: Uncommitted. Long, lanky 6-foot-5, 175-pound senior. Fastball plays in the low-80s, spins a low-70s slider off it for strikes. Logged a team-high 44 ⅔ innings on the mound last spring. 

Jake Stedman, INF, 2024: Moberly CC commit. Has been a staple in this Maroons’ lineup for some time now, returning a .356/.374/.442 triple-slash from last year. 

Braden Fournie, C, 2026: 5-foot-10, 170-pounds right-handed hitting catcher that impressed at two different events this winter. Above-average bat strength for age, can really defend behind the plate with quality catch-and-throw. 

BENET ACADEMY

Luc Lawler, RHP/OF, 2024: Evansville commit. 6-foot, 180-pound two-way prospect that is currently ranked No. 192 in the state. Projected to be Benet’s ace entering the season, Lawler will also see time in center field.

Marc Iozzo, 3B/RHP, 2024: Miami-Ohio commit. All-Conference player in 2023 and is currently ranked No. 197 in the state. Iozzo will man the hot corner for Benet and also get innings as their top reliever this season. 

Jeremy Dewilkins, C, 2024: Uncommitted. All-Conference catcher in 2023 and likely to be one of Benet’s top hitters this spring.

Jake Rifenburg, LHP, 2025: 6-foot-2, 185-pounds and currently uncommitted. Was seen recently running his fastball up to 89 mph and will be another one of Benet’s starters on the mound in 2024.

NO. 22 BRADLEY-BOURBONNAIS

We recently rolled out an in-depth analysis on Bradley-Bourbonnais in our Preseason Power 25 countdown. To learn more about this year’s Boilermakers' team, click HERE.

NO. 4 BROTHER RICE

We recently rolled out an in-depth analysis on Brother Rice in our Preseason Power 25 countdown. To learn more about this year’s Crusaders’ team, click HERE. 

BREESE CENTRAL

Jonathan Husmann, 2024, C: Lake Land JC signee. Left-handed hitting backstop that slashed .336/.402/.427 in 126 plate appearances last spring. Quality defender, gives Breese Central a veteran presence behind the plate and controls the running game. 

Zane Schrage, RHP, 2024: 6-foot-6, 195-pound senior arm that’s also a basketball player for the Cougars. Was a top arm on the mound for this club last spring, pitching to a 1.24 ERA with 46 strikeouts over 45 ⅓ innings of work. 

CIVIC MEMORIAL 

Noah Petersen, C, 2024: Lewis & Clark CC signee. Strong, physical right-handed hitter that returns after an impressive junior campaign. Slashed .422/.519/.556 with a team-high 34 RBIs and 12 doubles. 

Noah Petersen

COLLINSVILLE

Ethan Bagwell, RHP, 2024: Mizzou signee and one of the top prospects in the Illinois’ senior class, currently at No. 10 overall. Highly physical 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame with power swing-and-miss stuff. Fastball has reportedly touched 96 mph this winter, continues to spin a firm low-80s slider that’s flashed out-pitch potential in previous looks. Punched out 68 over 40 frames last spring with a 2.45 ERA. Is also one of the Kahoks’ top offensive performers; slashed .465/.495/.644 over 101 at-bats last spring with 20 RBIs. 

Ethan Bagwell

Kris Alcorn, LHP/OF, 2024: Lindenwood signee. Athletic, well-proportioned 6-foot-2, 170-pound athlete with a notable ceiling on the mound. Fastball plays in the mid-to-upper-80s, has flashed an upside breaking ball in past looks at 70-72 mph. Should factor into the Collinsville offense as well - slashed .357/.505/.557 over 92 plate appearances in 2023. 

Kris Alcorn

Bryce Lemp, LHP/OF, 2024: St. Charles CC signee that’ll contribute on both sides of the ball once again for the Kahoks. Pitches in the low-to-mid-80s with his fastball and is able to consistently land a bendy breaking ball for strikes. Struck out 57 over 42 ⅓ innings of work last spring with a 2.15 ERA. Swings a strong, uphill left-handed bat that led Collinsville with six home runs last spring and slashed .282/.430/.600 over 107 plate appearances. 

Carter Harrington, INF, 2025: Athletic 6-foot, 165-pound frame with lean muscle mass and room to fill out further. Clean right-handed swing that’s a proven in-game performer. Returns a .307/.409/.507 triple-slash with nine extra-base hits and 17 stolen bases. 

Adam Bovinett, CIF, 2025: Strong middle-of-the-order type left-handed bat with above-average raw power for his age. Hit .342 for Collinsville last spring and returns the highest on-base percentage (.509) on the team amongst qualified hitters. 

COLUMBIA

Brady Mathews, LHP, 2024: Jefferson JC signee. Strike-throwing southpaw with a carry low-80s fastball and feel to spin. Threw six complete games and was stellar last year for the Eagles; 1.54 ERA in 36 ⅓ innings of work, 36 strikeouts, 15 walks. 

Lucas Riebeling, RHP, 2024: Missouri S&T signee. Another reliable senior arm on this Columbia staff. Fastball plays in the mid-80s and can spin a breaking ball for strikes. Carried a bulk workload last spring and should do so again in 2024; 50 ⅓ innings pitched, 1.25 ERA, 47 strikeouts to 12 walks. 

Cash Bailey, CIF, 2025: Strong, muscle-bound 5-foot-9, 200-pound athlete that swings a highly physical right-handed barrel; 96.1 mph average exit velocity at one of our events this winter, T103.9 mph. 

Brody Landgraf, 1B, 2026: 6-foot-5, 210-pound athlete that’s also a notable basketball player at Columbia. One of the top sophomores in the state, slotted at No. 8 overall on our 2026 class rankings. Highly physical left-handed bat that’s already established himself as a proven in-game performer; .367/.446/.571 triple-slash in 115 plate appearances last spring, with 12 extra-base hits and 33 RBIs. 

Brody Landgraf

DUNLAP

Jaxon Tresenriter, MIF/RHP, 2025: Uncommitted. Currently a top-100 ranked player in the state, can run his fastball in the mid-80’s to go with a sharp curveball that has feel for spin (2500+ rpm).

Davis Weeks, SS/RHP, 2025: Uncommitted and another top-100 ranked player on the 2024 Dunlap squad. Weeks has shown barrel strength (T93.5 mph EV) in the past, as well as a mid-80’s fastball (T85.6 mph). 

Jackson Newton, OF, 2025: A L/L outfielder that has shown the ability to be on the barrel for our staff in the past. Figures to be a key piece for this Dunlap lineup. 

Jack Piper, RHP, 2024: Carroll commit. Set to start in the tournament opener and will be a top-of-the-rotation arm for Dunlap this spring.

NO. 1 EDWARDSVILLE

We recently rolled out an in-depth analysis on Edwardsville in our Preseason Power 25 countdown. To learn more about this year’s Trevians’ team, click HERE.

ST. ANTHONY (EFFINGHAM)

Beau Adams, OF, 2024: 6-foot, 160-pounds. Returns as the everyday center fielder and leadoff man from last season. Top-of-the-order type bat that can run, scored 40 times last spring. 

Brock Fearday, RHP, 2025: Physical 6-foot-3, 200-pound uncommitted junior. Pitched to a 9-2 record with a 1.90 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 63 ⅔ innings as a sophomore last spring. Consistent strike-thrower, fastball plays in the mid-to-upper-80s. Also hit .372 with a 1.111 OPS last spring, driving in 30 runs and scoring 27 times himself, too. 

Connor Roepke, C, 2025: SWIC commit. Physical 5-foot-11, 190-pound backstop that’s coming off a strong offensive season as a sophomore. Hit six home runs to go along with a .355 batting average and 1.161 OPS. Quality receiver behind the plate, accurate arm.  

Aiden Lauritzen, RHP/OF, 2026: 6-foot, 180-pound sophomore that returns as a top two-way contributor for St. Anthony. Hit .341 and posted a 1.094 OPS in his freshman year, driving in 26 runs and scoring 33 times on his own. Should also be a top-of-the-rotation arm for this club, filling up the strike zone with three pitches. 

FATHER MCGIVNEY

Nicholas Franklin, C, 2024: Longwood signee. Highly physical 6-foot-2, 230-pound backstop. Swings a strong right-handed barrel with juice; .361/.531/.578 triple-slash over 114 plate appearances last spring, has already homered once in the 2024 season. Quiet receiver behind the plate with soft hands and an above-average arm. 


Ryker Keller, RHP, 2024: Concordia - Chicago signee. Lean 6-foot, 155-pound athlete. Made 19 appearances last spring, all in relief, and pitched to a 1.14 ERA over 24 ⅔ innings on the mound, leading the Griffins with five saves. 

Drew Kleinheider, INF, 2025: St. Louis commit. Clean, highly polished right-handed swing that’s consistently on the barrel and rarely puts together an uncompetitive at-bat. Returns a .403/.456/.573 slash line across 140 plate appearances in 2023 with a near team-best 43 RBIs. Advanced defensively on the infield, has the potential to be an impact defender at second base at the next level. 

Kannon Kamp, INF, 2025: Uncommitted left-handed hitter that’s already off to a strong start to the 2024 season. Homered and totaled three hits in Father McGivney’s opening day win over Vandalia. Hit .407 and reached base at a .528 clip as an everyday regular last season. Should see time at shortstop and second base throughout this spring; clean, polished defender with a clean, loose, and accurate arm across the diamond. Expected to slot into a top-of-the-rotation type of spot this spring. Throws three pitches for strikes consistently, hurled 25 innings with a 1.12 ERA in 2023. 


Mason Holmes, RHP, 2025: Uncommitted 6-foot, 160-pound athlete. Dominated in Father McGivney’s opening day win on Monday, punching out eight over three innings of work. Allowed only one hit, which was an infield bunt single. Comfortable throwing three pitches for strikes at any point in the count to any hitter. Hard two-seam run on a low-80s fastball, works to both corners. Consistently lands a gradual breaking ball for strikes and will sink a changeup. 

Isaac Wendler, 1B, 2026: Physical 6-foot, 197-pound athlete with strength throughout his frame. Coming off an impressive freshman year where he posted a .395/.483/.592 triple-slash and homered three times, driving in 17. Strong, uphill right-handed swing that should slot into the middle of this lineup. 

Omar Avalos, OF, 2027: A top prospect in the state’s current freshman class. L/L athlete that can really hit, finds the barrel often, and should be the spark at the top of Father McGivney’s lineup throughout the spring. Agile defender in the outfield, 6.92 runner. 

FREEBURG

Jack Barlow, C, 2024: Uncommitted. Strong, sturdy 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Returns as the everyday catcher for the Midgets. Slashed .343/.383/.463 with 11 extra-base hits and 17 RBIs in 2023. 

Lain Krauss, RHP, 2024: Returns as a top two-way contributor from last year’s Freeburg team. Will be the starting pitcher on Thursday. Threw 35 ⅔ innings with a 3.34 ERA last season. Also slashed .418/.491/.510 in 112 at-bats. 

GALESBURG

Colton Allen, C/1B, 2024: Uncommitted. Physical 6-foot-3, 205-pound left-handed hitting backstop that showed a strong, uphill swing with barrel feel at the Peoria Preseason ID this winter. 

Damien Snell, INF, 2024: Uncommitted. Strong, compact 5-foot-11, 175-pound. Showed a simple right-handed swing that sprayed line drives to all fields in BP at the Peoria Preseason ID. Plays with some bounce on the infield, steady hands. 

Braley Burford, 1B, 2025: Another strong-bodied upperclassmen on this Galesburg team, listed at 5-foot-10, 195-pounds. Flashed bat strength (93.2 mph) at the Peoria Preseason ID from a steep right-handed swing. 

T.J. Heatherly, RHP, 2026: 6-foot-2, 190-pound sophomore that we’ve heard positive reports on throughout the winter. 

GLENWOOD

Krayton Reincke, 1B, 2024: Uncommitted. Strong, physical 6-foot-3, 225-pound left-handed hitter that’s coming off a loud junior season in which he slashed .484/.564/.731 with 15 extra-base hits and 31 RBIs over 110 plate appearances. True middle-of-the-order type bat that’ll be a main run producer for Chatham this spring. 

Cru Erickson, OF, 2024: Uncommitted, 6-foot-2, 205-pounds. Another left-handed bat that produced at a high rate last spring. Posted a .452/.545/.619 triple-slash in 102 plate appearances, drove in 26 runs. Will be a staple for this offense once again in 2024. 

Cameron Appenzeller, LHP, 2025: South Carolina commit and one of the top left-handed arms in the entire Midwest. Long, lean-limbed 6-foot-5, 180-pound athlete that’s also a standout on the basketball court for the Titans. Clean, easy, and highly polished delivery, exerts little-to-no effort. Fastball plays in the upper-80s, spins a 72-75 mph slider that flashes sharp swing-and-miss spin at times. Also turns over a changeup with fade at 81-83 mph. A high-follow arm that should garner professional attention throughout the next 12 months. 

Cameron Appenzeller

Mason Marshall, OF, 2025: Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 170-pound junior that’s coming off a strong year on the hardwood for Glenwood’s basketball team. Short and athletic right-handed swing that knows how to use the whole field and doesn’t try to do too much. Hit near the top of this lineup last spring and should do so again. Confident defender, covers ground easily in the outfield. 

HARRISBURG

Ethan Golisch, INF, 2024: Olney CC commit. Was a middle-of-the-lineup force for Harrisburg last spring. Led the team in RBIs (46) and extra-base hits (23). Slashed .422/.516/.735 and plays up the middle defensively. Also pitched to a 2.05 ERA with 47 strikeouts and just 13 walks over 44 ⅓ innings on the mound. 

Camron Ande, INF, 2024: Lean, loose-bodied 6-foot-3, 175-pound athlete that’s also a standout for Harrisburg’s basketball team. True top-of-the-order type bat that was an integral part of the Bulldogs’ 31-win team in 2023. Slashed .460/.515/.628 with 32 RBIs, 14 extra-base hits, and 18 stolen bases. 

Camron Ande

Jackson Ford, C, 2024: Lincoln Land CC commit. 6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed hitting backstop. Coming off a year where he hit .456 with a 1.090 OPS. Doubled 10 times, drove in 27 runs and swiped 10 bags. 

Noah Arnold, RHP, 2024: Southeastern Illinois JC commit. Returns as the Bulldogs’ ace after a stellar junior season on the mound. Pitched to a 0.71 ERA over 59 innings of work, punching out 75 while walking just 17. Fills up the zone with three pitches; a low-80s fastball and above-average feel for CB/CH mix.

Brendan Bergan, OF, 2025: Wabash Valley JC commit. 5-foot-11, 175-pound athlete with strength throughout. Hit .385 as a sophomore last spring and had the second-highest OBP (.529) on the team.

NO. 5 JOLIET CATHOLIC

We recently rolled out an in-depth analysis on Joliet Catholic in our Preseason Power 25 countdown. To learn more about this year’s Trevians’ team, click HERE. 

JOLIET WEST

Jimmy Anderson, SS/RHP, 2024: Heartland CC commit and a top-35 prospect in the state’s senior class. Highly athletic right-handed bat that can really defend on the infield. Should serve as the everyday shortstop for Joliet West and can provide value on the mound in a pinch. 

Jimmy Anderson

James Love, 3B/SS, 2024: Eastern Illinois commit and another name on this club that’s inside the top-35 on our 2024 class rankings. Strong right-handed swing that’s regularly proven advanced raw power to our staff. Solidifies one of the more complete left sides of the infield in the state. 

James Love

Cael Karczewski, MIF, 2024: Jefferson JC commit. Heady, gamer-type player that impressed at the Illinois State Games last summer. Athletic right-handed swing with barrel accuracy and line drive feel. Clean, polished glove defensively with arm strength across the infield. 

LOCKPORT

Cal Korosa, RHP/1B, 2024: McHenry County JC commit. 6-foot-2, 216-pound righty that works his fastball in the low 80’s, while tossing in a curveball and changeup as secondary offerings. Polished strike-thrower that’ll look to anchor this rotation. 

Dylan Nagle, RHP/SS, 2024: Heartland CC commit. 6-foot-2, 195-pounds. Power arm that dominated at this same event last year. Fastball plays in the upper-80s and has also spun a mid-70s breaking ball that’s grabbed whiffs in our previous looks. 

James Love

Jack Schiek, RHP/INF, 2026: 6-foot-2, 155-pounds. Potential impact sophomore on the mound for Lockport this spring that should see significant time on the mound for the Porters. Fastball played at 82-84, T85 mph at one of our events this winter. Also showed feel to spin two different breaking balls for strikes. 

Trace Schaaf, LHP, 2026: Long, lanky 6-foot-3, 157-pound southpaw that should also see innings on the mound for the Porters throughout the spring. Set to start the 10:00 am on Saturday against Normal West. 

MAHOMET-SEYMOUR

Alec Bergman, RHP, 2024: Parkland JC commit. 6-foot-3, 205-pound athlete with long, upside levers. Fastball sits in the upper-80s, capable of climbing into the low-90s on occasion, and spins a gradual low-70s breaking ball off it. 

Finn Randolph, RHP, 2024: Wabash University (IN) commit. Lean, athletic right-hander that pumps a low-80s fastball for strikes. Can really spin a high-arching breaking ball in the zone as well. 

Mason Orton, LHP, 2025: Uncommitted. Lean, athletic 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. High pitchability arm that’s in the strike zone often with a mid-to-upper-80s fastball. Has feel for both his changeup and breaking ball as well. Should be one of the top arms for Mahomet-Seymour this upcoming spring. 

Gavin Bailey, OF, 2025: Uncommitted. 6-foot-1, 170-pounds. Strong left-handed bat that impressed at the Joliet Preseason ID this winter. Should be one of the top offensive performers for the Bulldogs in 2024. 


Tyson Finch, C/INF, 2025: Uncommitted. Strong, compact 5-foot-8, 180-pound frame. Hit over .400 as a sophomore in a brief stint at the varsity level. Will see time behind the plate and on the infield this spring. 

MARISSA

Tanner Middendorf, LHP/1B, 2024: Returns to the Meteors as a top two-way contributor from last year’s club. Pitched to a 1.91 ERA over 47 ⅔ innings of work last spring, punching out 64 batters in that span. Hit .338 and reached base at a .494 clip with twice as many walks (18) as strikeouts (9). 

MASCOUTAH

Austin Musso, RHP, 2025: Kansas commit. Well-proportioned 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame with present strength and room for more. One of the more dominant junior arms in the state; 1.31 ERA with 56 strikeouts over 32 innings of work last spring. Fastball plays in the upper-80s to low-90s, strikes often and on the corners. Throws three secondaries for strikes, including a firm low-80s slider that’s flashed out-pitch potential at the next level. Highly competitive presence on the mound, consistently wins and is a true ace in every sense of the word. 

Austin Musso

Gabriel Vojak, OF, 2024: McKendree signee. 5-foot-10, 160-pound left-handed hitter that captured MVP honors at our Illinois State Games this past summer. Competitive, top-of-the-order type bat that’s coming off a successful junior year; .350/.429/.487 triple-slash over 138 plate appearances, drove in 27 runs. 

Gabriel Vojak

Trevor Geis, OF, 2024: Lincoln Land CC signee. Strong, athletic right-handed hitter that’s been a mainstay in this Mascoutah lineup. Returns 14 extra-base hits, 27 RBIs, and a .352/.447/.543 triple-slash from last spring. 

Wyatt Beer, INF, 2024: Another senior that’s been an everyday regular for the Indians over the past few years. Steady, stable presence at the plate that hit .364 and reached base at a .438 clip over 116 plate appearances in 2023.

MOLINE

Alex Schimmel, SS/RHP, 2024: One of the top uncommitted seniors in the state. 6-foot, 190-pound left-handed bat that’s been on varsity at Moline since his freshman year. Will be an integral piece of the Moline offense, slotting into the middle of the lineup with the arm strength to provide positive value on the mound as well. 

Dylan Phelps, OF/INF, 2024: Elsworth CC commit. Three year varsity player that will be a productive piece of this offense and be an everyday regular in the outfield. 

MORRIS COMMUNITY

Cody DelFavero, OF/LHP, 2024: Parkland JC commit. 5-foot-10, 181-pound left/left athlete capable of impacting this club on both sides of the ball. Strong left-handed swing with bat strength that’s shown in-game. Also low-80s on the mound with advanced feel to pitch. 

Cody DelFavero

Keegan Waters, RHP/1B, 2024: Wisconsin-Parkside commit. Highly physical 6-foot-5, 205-pound frame. Fastball plays in the upper-80s and pairs it with a firm upper-70s slider he’s able to land for strikes as well as spot outside the zone for whiffs. 

Anthony Xydakis, OF/INF, 2024: Wisconsin-Parkside commit. Strong, compact athlete with tools across the board; 6.80 runner, 98.2 mph max exit velocity, and a 90 mph arm at one of our events last winter. Brings an intriguing blend of power and speed to this lineup. 

Jack Wheeler, 3B/RHP, 2025: Illinois commit and one of the top overall junior prospects in the state. Highly physical 6-foot-5, 190-pound frame. Has the talent to be a true two-way asset for Morris, swinging a handsy, yet strong, right-handed barrel that should produce at a high rate in the middle of this lineup. Also pitches in the upper-80s, touching 90 mph, with his fastball and can spin a mid-70s breaking ball with depth for strikes. 

MOUNT VERNON

Alex Kiefer, C, 2025: Uncommitted. 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame with strength in the lower half. Switch hitter that’s been a top offensive performer for the Rams and should captain this pitching staff as a regular behind the plate. 

Trevor McClure, RHP, 2027: Talented freshman that’s reportedly pitching in the low-to-mid-80s with his fastball. Will start against Mascoutah on Wednesday at 4:30 PM.

NO. 6 NEW TRIER

We recently rolled out an in-depth analysis on New Trier in our Preseason Power 25 countdown. To learn more about this year’s Trevians’ team, click HERE.

NO. 20 NORMAL COMMUNITY

We recently rolled out an in-depth analysis on Normal Community in our Preseason Power 25 countdown. To learn more about this year’s Ironmen team, click HERE. 

NORMAL WEST

Blake Crancer, MIF, 2024: Des Moines Area CC commit. All-Conference in 2023 and was 28-for-28 in stolen base attempts last season. Will be a mainstay offensively and at shortstop for the Wildcats. 

Sam DesCarpentrie, C/RHP, 2024: Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Earned All-Conference honors as a junior last year. Will be the team’s everyday backstop and should see time on the mound too. 

Jaxson Crancer, OF, 2026: Currently ranked No. 60 in state’s sophomore class. Has the potential to be an impact underclassmen for this team in 2024. 

NORTH CLAY

Carder Walden, INF, 2026: Hit .309 with a .431 OBP and swiped 10 bases as a freshmen for the Cardinals last spring. 

OAK FOREST

Andrew Lucas, MIF/RHP, 2024: Roosevelt commit. Well-rounded middle infielder who will be the team’s starting shortstop and also get innings out of the ‘pen for the Bengals.

Nick Segreti, RHP, 2024: Roosevelt commit. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hander will likely be a top-of-the-rotation arm yet again for Oak Forest. 

Andrew Dawson, RHP/INF, 2026: Currently ranked No. 57 in the state, Dawson is an intriguing two-way underclassmen to watch for the Bengals this spring and will likely get some starts on the bump. Dawson features a mid 80’s fastball that has topped out at 87 mph in the past. 

OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Ethan Moore, MIF, 2025: Louisville commit. Dynamic, do-it-all type of talent. Switch-hitter with strength and polish from both sides of the plate, true top-of-the-order type profile. One of the cleanest, more polished up-the-middle defenders in the Midwest, gives the Huskies a real asset at shortstop. A high-follow, name-to-know junior in Illinois. 

Brady Green, MIF, 2025: Northern Illinois commit. PBR Future Games alum and a top-40 player on our Illinois’ 2025 rankings. Strong right-handed bat that profiles near the top of this lineup. Adds versatility defensively with the ability to play at any spot on the infield. 

Brady Green

Mason Phillips, OF, 2024: Uncommitted. Premium athlete that’s one of the fastest players in the state, regardless of class. Has been on varsity for four years and will man center field everyday for the Huskies. 

Wilson Kruse, LHP, 2024: Xavier signee. Highly projectable 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame. Fastball plays in the mid-80s and spins a bendy breaking ball with depth for strikes. Should be one of the main arms for OPRF this spring. 

Carlo Lissuzo, OF/UTL, 2024: Led the team in hitting last season and plays a key utility role for the team.

OSWEGO 

Kamrin Jenkins, SS/RHP, 2026: Currently ranked No. 39 in the state at 6-foot, 166-pounds, Jenkins could make a big impact as an underclassmen for Oswego this spring. Jenkins has a strong arm in the infield (T86 mph) for his age, and can also swing a heavy barrel (T92 mph EV) from the right side. High upside name-to-know sophomore in the state.

NO. 13 O’FALLON

We recently rolled out an in-depth analysis on O’Fallon in our Preseason Power 25 countdown. To learn more about this year’s Panthers’ team, click HERE. 

PLAINFIELD NORTH

Joe Guiliano, MIF, 2024: Purdue-Northwest commit. Likely to be the team’s leadoff hitter this spring and starting shortstop. Will also be one of Plainfield North’s top arms and will draw the start on Friday against Belleville West. 

Joe Guiliano

Kyle Demay, RHP, 2024: Uncommitted, 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Led the team in saves last season and has reportedly taken a velocity jump, now pitching in the mid-to-upper-80s with his fastball. 

Ryan Mickenbecker, RHP, 2024: Lanky, high-waisted 6-foot-6, 185-pound athlete. One of the top uncommitted senior arms in the state. Has been up to 89 mph in our looks with feel to land an upper-70s breaking ball for strikes. 

PLEASANT PLAINS

Sean Lowder, 2025: Led Pleasant Plains on the mound last year. Pitched to a 2.55 ERA in 17 appearances (46 ⅔ IP), walking just nine total batters all season. 

Charle Severino, MIF, 2025: Returns to the Cardinals after a productive sophomore year where he slashed .349/.391/.433 and stole 10 bases. 

Zach Ponce, 2025, C: Uncommitted. 6-foot-4, 190-pounds. Had the highest OBP (.486) on the team last spring. Hit .338 with 10 extra-base hits. 

QUINCY 

Kyle Taylor, SS/RHP, 2024: Hendrix College commit. Quick twitch athlete with a mid-80s fastball that should be one of the top arms for Quincy this spring. 

ROCHESTER

Jack Swaney, 1B/LHP, 2024: Northern Illinois signee. Highly physical 6-foot-3, 225-pound athlete that’ll impact the Rockets on both sides of the ball. Strong left-handed swing that’ll work out of the middle of this lineup as one of their main run producers. Also pumps his fastball in the mid-80s with feel to land a slurvy-type breaking ball for strikes. 

Jack Swaney

Eli Carlson, MIF, 2025: Uncommitted. Strong, sturdy 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame. Flashes polish at the plate from the right side, and should be one of the Rockets’ top offensive performers this spring. Sure-handed glove on the infield with arm strength (T85 mph) to pair. 

Jorey Myren, CIF, 2026: Was a winner on our winter circuit and is a sophomore to know for this Rochester team. Swings a strong, polished left-handed bat that naturally elevates the baseball and is on the barrel often. Has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order impact throughout the season. 

SALEM COMMUNITY

Noah Nix, 2026: Top two-way talent for the Wildcats throughout his freshman year. Hit .346 with 21 RBIs and 10 extra-base hits in 123 plate appearances, .904 OPS. Punched out a team-high 63 batters over 43 ⅓ innings of work to a 1.62 ERA in 13 appearances. 

Gavin Zimmermann, 2025: Was one of the top offensive performers for this club last spring. Slashed .340/.429/.500 over 121 plate appearances with 10 extra-base hits and 18 RBIs. Also logged 36 innings on the mound.

ST. JOSEPH OGDEN

Luke Landrus, C/INF, 2024: Illinois commit and a top-20 prospect in the state’s senior class. Lean, wiry 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame with all sorts of physical upside. Loose right-handed swing that’s starting to show more raw power in-game. Advanced defender behind the plate with an arm that comfortably controls the running game. High follow, impact-type prospect.

Luke Landrus

TEUTOPOLIS

Austin Borries, RHP/INF, 2026: At 6-foot-3, 200-pounds, Borries was a recent standout at the Southern IL Preseason ID where he had feel for his entire three-pitch mix. His mix is headlined by a mid 80’s fastball that topped out at 85.9 mph. He rounds out his arsenal with a curveball and a changeup, both of which he has above-average feel for. Will be an arm to watch this spring for the Wooden Shoes. 

NO. 15 TRIAD

We recently rolled out an in-depth analysis on Triad in our Preseason Power 25 countdown. To learn more about this year’s Knights’ team, click HERE

WASHINGTON

Braden VanderHeydt, OF/RHP, 2024: Maryville commit. 6-foot-4, 185-pound athlete that also stood out on the basketball court for the Panthers’ program. Expected to be a top two-way contributor for this team in 2024 that’s coming off a strong junior season on both sides of the ball. 

Garrett Cox, RHP, 2024: Parkland JC commit. Strong, compact 6-foot, 190-pound athlete that should be a candidate to draw starts on the mound this spring. 

Gavin Lawrence, RHP/INF, 2025: Uncommitted. Returns after a productive sophomore year on both sides of the ball. Features a mid-to-upper-80s fastball and is also a quality defender on the infield. 

Tyler Humphrey, C, 2025: Uncommitted. 6-foot, 200-pound backstop with physicality throughout. Advanced arm strength behind the plate (T79 mph), popped in the 1.97-to-2.02 range at the Peoria Preseason ID. Looks to elevate the baseball from a strong right-handed swing. 

Anson Zaiser, C, 2026: Plenty physical at a compact 5-foot-10, 175-pounds; also a hockey player. Came away a winner from our winter circuit, showcasing a strong, right-handed swing with impact potential at two different events. Advanced blocker behind the plate, chests up the baseball consistently. Has the talent to be an impact sophomore for the Panthers in 2024. 

VENUES

  • Belleville East HS: 2555 West Blvd., Belleville, IL 62221
  • Belleville West HS: 4063 Frank Scott Parkway W, Belleville, IL 62223
  • Blazier Field, O'Fallon City Park: 401 E. Fifth St., O'Fallon, IL 62269
  • Edwardsville HS (Tom Pile Field): 6040 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
  • Edwardsville HS (JV turf field): 6040 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
  • Father McGivney HS: 7109 Bouse Rd., Glen Carbon, IL 62025
  • GCS Ballpark (all turf): 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget, IL 62206
  • Gordon Moore Park (Lloyd Hopkins Field): 4550 College Ave, Alton, IL 62002
  • SIU-Edwardsville (Roy E. Lee Field; all turf): 5200 New Poag Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025

For entire coverage of the 2024 Metro East Kickoff Classic visit prepbaseballreport.com/illinois and for up-to-date information throughout the event be sure to follow us on Twitter @PrepBaseballIL. 

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