On Sunday, October 9, PBR Illinois hosted the Class of 2024 Showcase at The MAX in McCook, Illinois. The event featured over 40 players from the 2024 class and gave our staff an in-depth look at a number of intriguing prospects within the state.

We begin our post-event rollout with the position players from the event, with scouting reports as well as some standout players mentioned, below. 

As the lone 2025 in attendance, C Collin Roche (Nazareth) fit right in with the older crowd. Listed at 6-foot-1, 165-pounds, Roche’s frame has started to fill out since our last look while still holding plenty of room for added growth. At the plate, he has a long/loose right-handed stroke that works line-drives to the middle of the field. Defensively, he is a quality receiver of the baseball with a clean transfer and top velocity of 73 mph down to second with a 2.11 pop-time. 

Chris Danko (York) and Cody DelFavero (Morris) are two left-handed hitting outfielders that just missed the cut. Danko has a long, athletic frame, loose hands at the plate and a high-level arm action that plays well from the outfield and on the mound. DelFavero has a strong swing that flashed pull-side power, peaking at 329’ off the barrel. DelFavero also moved well in the outfield topping at 85 mph while running a 7.07 60. 

Read on below for a look at the top-10 position players from the event, as well as every other prospect in attendance.

TOP POSITION PLAYERS

1. Jalen House, Downers Grove South (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Athletic frame with plenty more room for continued physical development.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, fluid load and heel-lift timing trigger. Easy, fluid swing, short to the ball, loose hands and middle/opposite field, line-drive approach.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 81.3 mph. 280’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 83 mph. Loose arm action, plays quick and out of a high 3/4 slot. Throws play with carry and life out of the hand.
Defense: Athletic outfield actions, breaks down and plays through the baseball in rhythm. Directional, clean routes.
Run: 6.78 runner in the 60. Clean, easy, straight line runner.

2. Ben Ford, Waubonsie Valley (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds. Athletic upside build with plenty of room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, wide setup, leg-kick timing trigger. Aggressive, intentful swing, stays short and on top of the baseball, creates backspin off the barrel at times. Quick hands, present bat speed and was on the barrel back up the middle throughout his round.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 86.7 mph. 307’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Long, lively arm, low 3/4 slot, accurate across the diamond.
Defense: Active defender, works to get around the baseball, effort through release.
Run: 6.95 runner in the 60. 

3. Brady Gilroy, Burlington Central (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-9, 165-pounds. Wiry-strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, fluid rhythm and long stride works back to even. Quick, strong hands, direct to the baseball, line-drive approach, on the barrel up the middle.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 84.3 mph. 339’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. OF - 84 mph. Short, easy arm action, throws play with carry.
Defense: Worked out on the infield and in the outfield. INF: Steady defender, secures into the middle of the body, clean release. OF: Clean, efficient actions, sure-hands, easy, clean release.
Run: 6.99 runner in the 60. 

4. Marc Iozzo, Benet Academy (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Athletic build, wiry strength, long levers.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, toe tap/leg lift trigger. Loose swing, flat path with a line-drive approach, athletic.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 83.6 mph. 312’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 84 mph. Some life on throws, high slot, loose arm action.
Defense: Some feel, soft hands, quick feet.
Run: 7.52 runner in the 60. 

5. Nicholas Franklin, Father Mcgivney Catholic  (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-1, 225-pounds. Sturdy, strong overall build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, stride works back to closed. Fluid rhythm, natural lift, stayed on the barrel up the middle and to his pull-side. Present bat-strength.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 87.5 mph. 332’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Clean arm, plays loose, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.09-2.27 pop times. Wide, one-knee setup receiving. Soft hands, clean and efficient transfer.
Run: 7.47 runner in the 60. 

6. Anthony Xydakis, Morris (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 5-7, 160-pounds. Lean well-proportioned frame with present strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, slight toe tap trigger. Quick bat, level through the zone, on the barrel, middle/pull approach.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 89.6 mph. 307’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 88 mph. Loose quick arm, life and carry on throws.
Defense: Quick feet, athletic actions, confident hands and routes.
Run: 6.90 runner in the 60. 

7. Jordon Dumas, Grayslake Central (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, fluid load. Aggressive swing, creates hand separation at foot strike, loose, strong hands, creates bat speed and hard contact to all fields.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 84.6 mph. 238’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 82 mph. Loose, easy arm action, throws out of a high 3/4 slot, plays accurate.
Defense: Gets behind the baseball, steady hands, clean release.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60. 

8. Clay Gadbois, Kankakee (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-3, 170-pounds. Lean, high-waisted, projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, toe-tap stride works back to even. Creates hand separation at foot strike, fluid rhythm in the swing, loose hands, flat path, creates whip in the barrel, on the barrel with authority.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 78 mph. 283’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. High 3/4 slot, long arm action, some life and carry.
Defense: Secures the baseball into the body at times, length through exchange.
Run: 7.14 runner in the 60. 

9. Kevin Zanin, Mount Carmel (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-9, 148-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame with long limbs, room for growth.
Hit: LHH. Athletic setup, balanced, short toe-tap stride.  Toe tap, back hip load, short direct to contact, loose through the zone, feel for the barrel.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 71.8 mph. 272’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. High 3/4 slot, loose/easy arm action.
Defense: Quick hands, quick exchange, fluid footwork.
Run: 7.02 runner in the 60. 

10. Max Miller, New Trier (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds. Sturdy build, broad shoulder, strength throughout the frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide Setup, leg lift timing trigger. Creates hand separation at foot strike, flat path to the ball, power to the pull-side.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 72.6 mph. 317’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Over the top arm action, loose with some life, some effort.
Defense: 2.02-2.28 pop times. Quick footwork, clean exchange, soft hands.
Run: 8.02 runner in the 60. 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Cole Benson, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-4, 175-pounds. Thin frame, long levers, room for added muscle.
Hit: LHH. Balanced/open setup, knee-knocks into a long stride. Loose hands, long through the zone.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 75.2 mph. 267’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 83 mph. High over-the-top slot, long loose action, some carry.
Defense: Clean footwork, aggressive through the ball, soft hands.
Run: 7.37 runner in the 60. 

Leif Blair, Normal West (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-11, 190-pounds. Sturdy strong frame, defined lower half, broad shoulders.
Hit: SH. Balanced from both sides. LHH: Loads hands at footstrike, long path, uphill with intent to lift. RHH: Hand load at footstrike, long to the ball, swing works uphill.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 71.6 mph. 255’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. High 3/4 slot, throws are accurate.
Defense: Two hand field out front, clean footwork, clean exchange.
Run: 8.14 runner in the 60. 

Alexander Boliker, Fenwick (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-0, 200-pounds. Well-proportioned frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open setup.  Level through the zone, line-drive approach.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 63.3 mph. 282’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Low 3/4 slot, loose and easy arm action, throws have some life.
Defense: Clean footwork, clean/fluid exchange.
Run: 7.82 runner in the 60. 

Eduardo Bravo, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame, defined lower half.
Hit: RHH. Wide, slightly open.  Level through the zone with bat-speed, extension through contact, line-drive approach.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 78.3 mph. 268’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 75 mph. High 3/4 slot, short arm action, loose and accurate.
Defense: Steady hands, deliberate actions.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60. 

Ramiro Constantino, Lyons Township (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-1, 220-pounds. Sturdy frame, broad shoulders, strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride.  Level through the zone, line-drive approach, on the barrel up the middle of the field and to the pull-side.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 75 mph. 289’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Loose arm, low slot, accurate on bag.
Defense: Clean footwork/exchange, soft hands.
Run: 8.26 runner in the 60. 

Chris Danko, York (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Lean, well-proportioned frame, room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Narrow setup, hands load pre-pitch with a medium stride. Long path, whippy, athletic hands through the zone, occasional lift.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 81 mph. 324’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 89 mph. Loose, quick arm, plays with life and carry out of the hand.
Defense: Athletic defender, plays light on his feet, clean actions, soft hands and plays through in rhythm.
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60. 

Cody DelFavero, Morris (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-10, 175-pounds. Well-proportioned frame, strength in the lower half.
Hit: LHH. Athletic setup, front knee bowed inwards, toe-taps into a long stride.  Toe tap, barrel is direct to contact, contact out front, loose hands, handsy swing, pull approach.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 85.1 mph. 329’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 85 mph. High 3/4 slot, plays with some carry.
Defense: Sound actions, active footwork through the ball, steady hands.
Run: 7.07 runner in the 60. 

Johnny Dwyer, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-8, 155-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame, strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, medium/long stride to even. Quick hands, whip in the barrel with a flat path to the ball, line-drive approach up the middle.
Power: 83 max exit velocity, averaged 67.3 mph. 268’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Low slot, loose arm, flicks the ball across the field.
Defense: Quick hands, quick exchange, fluid footwork, some feel, plays with tempo and rhythm.
Run: 7.66 runner in the 60. 

Kade Fatland, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Athletic frame with present strength, room for growth.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride.  Short to the ball with a flat path, line-drive approach, uses the middle of the field.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 84.8 mph. 283’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 81 mph. High 3/4 slot, loose arm action, short and quick some life and carry.
Defense: Athletic actions, plays through the ball with intent, fluid footwork, steady hands.
Run: 7.37 runner in the 60. 

Benjamin Fromm, Glenbrook North (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Large durable frame, present strength.
Hit: RHH. Starts open, toe tap trigger, strides to even. Hands start middle, flat path with extension through contact, on the barrel up the middle.
Power: 86 max exit velocity, averaged 72.5 mph. 287’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short to the ear, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.20-2.39 pop times. Works to present pitches around the zone, quick/clean transfer, works in-line with second on throws, gains ground.
Run: 8.06 runner in the 60. 

Jake Greenspan, St. Charles East (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-8, 150-pounds. Lean, proportional frame, room for growth.
Hit: LHH. Wide setup, front foot bowed inwards, lift and place stride with a high leg-lift.  Short swing, direct to contact, loose through zone, gap to gap approach.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 69.7 mph. 244’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. 3/4 slot, winds up on throw, some carry.
Defense: Quick hands, quick exchange, fluid footwork.
Run: 7.44 runner in the 60. 

Lucas Hicks, Westmont (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 185-pounds. Well-proportioned frame with present strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall open setup, strides back to even. Flat to the ball with bat-speed, line-drive approach, on the barrel, uses the whole field.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 87.5 mph. 306’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 84 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot, loose arm and accurate.
Defense: Soft hands, quick feet, clean exchange.
Run: 7.19 runner in the 60. 

Lance Kiesewetter, Henry-Senachwine (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-4, 230-pounds. Sturdy frame, long limbs, strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup, medium stride back to even. Long/loose swing, uses the whole field, on the barrel throughout his round.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 77.5 mph. 317’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Quick arm action, high 3/4 slot, loose with some life.
Defense: Clean, quick footwork, soft hands, some feel for the position.
Run: 7.26 runner in the 60. 

Juan Ledezma, Carmel Catholic (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-9, 156-pounds. Wiry frame, room for growth.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, repeatable and deliberate load, knee knock. Creates hand separation at foot strike, creates bat-speed out front, flat path with extension through the zone, on the barrel up the middle and to the pull-side, line-drive approach.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 73.4 mph. 272’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. 3/4 slot, compact arm action, quick exchange, accurate throws to first base.
Defense: Quick hands/exchange, clean footwork.
Run: 7.20 runner in the 60. 

Samuel Newland, Rolling Meadows (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/OF
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds. Wiry frame, room for growth.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride.  Flat path through the zone, line-drive approach.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 73.3 mph. 278’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. OF - 75 mph. Long, loose arm action, accurate arm.
Defense: Soft hands, clean footwork, clean exchange, deliberate movements.
Run: 7.65 runner in the 60. 

Collin Roche, Nazareth Academy  (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted build with upside.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, quiet load and short stride. Quiet, balanced swing, stays flat through the hitting zone, easy effort and was consistently on the barrel throughout.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 74.8 mph. 230’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Comes out of the ear, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.21-2.39 pop times. Flexible receiver, presents pitches, clean and directional out of the crouch. Played with bounce and body control coming out of the crouch to field the bunt.
Run: 7.32 runner in the 60. 

Jackson Sheckler, Galesburg (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-9, 140-pounds. Athletic, wiry frame, room for growth.
Hit: RHH. Wide Setup, slight leg lift.  Long through the zone with a flat path, line-drive approach, uses the middle of the field.
Power: 78 max exit velocity, averaged 69.3 mph. 200’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 76 mph. High over-the-top slot, long/loose action, some carry.
Defense: Clean footwork, aggressive through the ball, soft hands.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Slade, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds. Strong compact frame.
Hit: RHH. Narrow setup, slight leg kick, medium stride. Hands start high, stays flat through the zone, opposite field approach.
Power: 80 max exit velocity, averaged 62.5 mph. 247’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. Quick exchange, long arm action, throws on target.
Defense: 2.45-2.70 pop times. Clean footwork/exchange, soft hands.
Run: 8.12 runner in the 60. 

Joe Stellano, Reed Custer  (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Lean, well-proportioned frame, room for growth.
Hit: RHH. Wide, slightly open setup, leg lift timing trigger that works back to even.  Creates hand separation at foot strike, flat path with a line-drive approach, uses the whole field.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 76 mph. 267’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Easy arm action, ball jumps out of hand, loose arm, some feel.
Defense: Quick hands/exchange, clean footwork.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60. 

Jalil Tate, Lindblom Math and Science Academy  (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-9, 140-pounds. Compact frame, room for growth.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, open setup, medium leg-lift that works back to even. Flat path to the ball, uses the whole field.
Power: 77 max exit velocity, averaged 73.5 mph. 270’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. INF - 71 mph. High 3/4 slot, loose arm action.
Defense: 2.37-2.45 pop times. Clean footwork, aggressive through the ball, soft hands.
Run: 8.30 runner in the 60. 

Braden Vanderheydt, Washington (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-4, 178-pounds. Long limbed, lean build, room for added strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup. Long to the ball with an uphill path, loose arms.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 84.8 mph. 343’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 84 mph. Long, loose arm action, throws are accurate.
Defense: Soft hands, clean footwork, clean exchange.
Run: 7.64 runner in the 60. 

Nathan Webber, Kankakee (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-5, 140-pounds. Compact frame with room for growth.
Hit: RHH. Balanced Setup, slight toe tap.  Flat path through the zone.
Power: 76 max exit velocity, averaged 54.6 mph. 238’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. 3/4 slot, accurate throws across the diamond, loose arm action.
Defense: Plays low to the ground, catches deep in stance, aggressive footwork.
Run: 7.44 runner in the 60. 

Cayden Woods, Grayslake Central (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Wiry frame, room for growth.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, toe tap trigger Short to the ball with a level path, line-drive approach, middle/pull approach.
Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 77.2 mph. 285’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Easy arm action, low slot, accurate throws.
Defense: Clean footwork, clean exchange, some feel.
Run: 8.07 runner in the 60. 

Harry Young, Marist (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Wiry frame, long limbs, room for growth.
Hit: LHH. Wide, open setup, simple/short stride.  Loose swing, slightly uphill, gap to gap approach, maintains balance.
Power: 80 max exit velocity, averaged 67.4 mph. 263’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 81 mph. Short arm out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady, deliberate actions, sure-handed.
Run: 7.38 runner in the 60. 

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