Illinois State Games: 2024 Position Player Analysis

November 9, 2022
By: Illinois Scouting Staff

This summer, on Aug. 9 and 10, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the inaugural Illinois State Games at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex in Rantoul, Ill. – a central location allowing prospects from all corners of the state to meet in one place to perform and compete alongside and against each other.

For this event, we invited the top players in Illinois, spanning grad classes 2023-2026. Our mission was to bring the highest level talent in the state to one location for this two-way event. Rosters and teams will be composed of players from each grad class, setting the table to see who are, pound-for-pound, the state's top prospects.

To see which players attended, click HERE. For all of our up-to-date coverage of the event, including all of the post event content our staff published, click HERE.

Now, we’ll begin to roll out the scouting reports from this event, doing so by each individual grad class that attended. We ranked the top position players from the state’s current junior class that attended first, taking into account their prospect status and in-game performance. Before we go any further, here are a couple of names that just missed the top-15:

+ 1B/C Jackson Stanek (St. Rita, 2024) is a physical left-handed hitter with the potential to be a middle-of-the-order force. He has an adjustable barrel that helps him get on plane with pitches effectively, making use of his natural strength. Stanek recorded some of the event’s hardest hit balls in BP, and not just for his class, including a 98.6 mph max exit speed.

+ INF Dominic Borecky (Hampshire, 2024) is a lean athlete in a 5-foot-11, 170-pound build, and he’s shown some soft hands and natural instincts on defense on more than one occasion. His athleticism makes him a reliable defender with the potential to stick to the left side of the diamond, and he’s flashed a loose right-handed swing that, if it becomes more consistent, could allow him to develop into an even higher level prospect.

+ INF Bennett Summers (Bloomington Central Catholic, 2024) is a compact right-handed hitter with some surprising strength that creates an above-average batted-ball profile, and that only complements his blossoming athleticism and defensive skill set. He recorded a 91.2 mph max exit speed in Rantoul during BP, and looked the part of a middle infielder with 6.74 speed that plays while he ranges to his forehand and backhand.

+ OF Andrew Schweigert (Bradley Bourbonnais, 2024) averaged a hard-hit rate over 55 percent during his round of BP at the Illinois State Games, which adds up given his physical 6-foot-2, 185-pound stature. He shows hand speed from the right-handed batter’s box that connects for above-average impact off the barrel, averaging an exit speed of 88.7 mph (93.0 max). He’s also a quality athlete for his size, as a 6.98 runner with corner outfield actions, and arm strength measured at 86 mph on his throws home.

TOP 2024 POSITION PLAYERS

Tyler Bell SS / 2B / Lincoln-Way East, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: SS/2B; Pitt commit
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Wide-shouldered, well-proportioned build.
Hit: SH. Wide open base, balanced lower half, smooth hand load, leg lift trigger to close. Athletic hands, easy juice out of rotation, uphill to contact with gap-to-gap feel. Smooth throughout; confident presence and repeats.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 89.6 mph. 382’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 87.00 mph. Strong arm, can throw from multiple slots, carries across the diamond and plays accurately.
Defense: Athletic smooth defender, plays with ease and confidence. Soft hands, plays low to the ground and clean release.
Run: 7.01 runner in the 60.

James Love 3B / SS / Joliet West, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: 3B/SS; Eastern Illinois commit
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Broad-shouldered, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, loads in rhythm, short stride, balanced through contact. Loose strong hands with bat speed, level path to contact, on the barrel with loud contact throughout. Quiet, calm presence and repeats.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 92.4 mph. 287’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82.00 mph. Clean arm action, plays accurately and from multiple platforms.
Defense: Smooth, athletic actions, plays low to the ground, presents the glove, clean release. Plays with body control and ease on the move, comfortable on the run through play. Made a number of above-average plays look easy during game play.
Run: 7.14 runner in the 60.

Cash Campbell 3B / 1B / Montini Catholic , IL / 2024

Positional Profile: 3B/1B; Iowa commit
Body: 6-2, 200-pounds. Strong, wide-shouldered frame. Continues to mold the frame.
Hit: LHH. Open setup, fluid pre-pitch movements. Easy, loose, strong hands, natural lift and ease to the swing. Independent hands, ability to drive the baseball the other way with minimal effort. Finished game play 2-for-6 with a run.
Power: 101 max exit velocity, averaged 88.9 mph. 345’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83.00 mph. Long arm action, plays loose and can throw from multiple slots.
Defense: Steady defender, clean hands, secures the baseball and plays low to the ground at times.
Run: 7.15 runner in the 60.

Jude Warwick SS / 2B / Downers Grove North, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: SS/2B; Michigan State commit
Body: 6-0, 148-pounds. Long-levered, athletic frame with upside.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, open base, hands slot down at load, high leg kick trigger. Easy, loose swing, hands stay inside the baseball and uphill bat path.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 80.1 mph. 302’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80.00 mph. Short, loose arm, plays naturally out of a 3/4 slot and can throw from multiple angles.
Defense: Clean, easy defender, plays with body control on the move, sure-hands,
Run: 6.94 runner in the 60.

Jaden Obaldo 2B / 3B / Crystal Lake Central, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: 2B/3B
Body: 5-9, 175-pounds. Compact build with advanced strength in the lower half.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, bat tip load, high leg kick trigger, strides to target. Strong hands. Barrel stays in the zone, level to contact and swings with intent. Hard off the barrel at times.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 86.1 mph. 295’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78.00 mph. Short arm action, ability to change slots.
Defense: Plays through the baseball, sure hands, funnels through release at times.
Run: 7.35 runner in the 60.

Brandon Schultz OF / LHP / Stevenson , IL / 2024

Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-9, 165-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Squared, balanced setup, minimal load. Strong hands, works uphill, pull-side approach with occasional lift. Was on the barrel and caused havoc with his speed on the bases during game play.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 87.4 mph. 351’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 85.00 mph. Short, compact arm action, low 3/4 slot and gets carry.
Defense: Sure-hands, secures the baseball, clean release.
Run: 6.62 runner in the 60.

Dominic Catalano OF / 2B / Montini Catholic , IL / 2024

Positional Profile: OF; Illinois-Chicago commit
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Open setup, quiet loading action. Easy swing, lets the ball travel, simple and direct to the ball with lift to the pull-side.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 87.8 mph. 348’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 81.00 mph. Compact arm action, 3/4 slot, crow hops to throw, uses whole body, accurate
Defense: Deliberate routes, sure-hands, secures the baseball, clean transfer, fields through the baseball
Run: 6.96 runner in the 60.

Luke Landrus C / SS / St. Joseph , IL / 2024

Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. Athletic, long-limbed frame with projection.
Hit: RHH. Squared setup, quiet pre-pitch actions, stays within himself and balanced overall swing. Loose, whippy hands, creates easy bat speed and stays on plane.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 83.7 mph. 348’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78.00 mph. Loose, athletic arm plays compact and over-the-top.
Defense: 1.93-2.00 pop times. Easy hands, athletic and light on his feet. Quick transfer and above-average flexibility.
Run: 7.00 runner in the 60.

Jonathan Fleaka SS / 2B / Lake Zurich, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: SS/2B; Illinois-Chicago commit
Body: 5-10, 175-pounds. Compact frame with strength.
Hit: RHH. Upright stance, open base, high hand start, bat tip load, high leg kick trigger. Strong hands and wrists, aggressive at the plate, hard off the barrel. Level path, stays in the zone.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 83 mph. 329’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80.00 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays through the baseball, clean release and secures the baseball in the center of his body.
Run: 7.17 runner in the 60.

Khamaree Thomas OF / Kenwood, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: OF; Michigan State commit
Body: 5-8, 155-pounds. Wiry, athletic with sneaky twitch and strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Open setup, minimal load and stride. Athletic hands, creates leverage for his size. Controls the barrel and lined hard contact to all fields. Finished game play 1-for-4, 2 BB, 2 SB.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 84.8 mph. 301’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 80.00 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot, shuffles to throw, accurate
Defense: Attacks the baseball, fields within his frame, smooth outfield actions, sure-hands, clean transfer
Run: 6.75 runner in the 60.

Seth Impson C / SS / Springfield, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, slight leg-lift trigger and finishes on balance. Long path, free independent hands, works the opposite field with natural lift through the zone. Reached base at a high-clip during game play. Finished game one, 1-for-1 with a walk and two runs scored.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 82.6 mph. 308’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 80.00 mph. Arm plays loose, easy and quick from a high 3/4 slot. Throws play with life and carry, around the second base bag.
Defense: 1.87-1.94 pop times. Athletic defender behind the plate, plays with bounce and quick feet. Soft hands and quick glove-to-hand release. Fluid overall actions.
Run: 7.12 runner in the 60.

Cal Darling OF / Bradley-Bourbonnais, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Wide-shouldered frame, strong wrists.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride and finishes on balance. Creates easy hand and bat speed. Ball jumps off the barrel and stays flat through the zone.
Power: 98 max exit velocity, averaged 87.1 mph. 320’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 88.00 mph. Strong arm, short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Deliberate routes, attacks the baseball, sure-hands and directional release.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60.

Destin Edwards OF / Kenwood, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Athletic build with wiry strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, comfortable setup, toe-tap stride. Controlled intent, uphill path, and works the middle of the field.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 80 mph. 315’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 89.00 mph. Short, compact arm action, some effort, high 3/4 slot
Defense: Attacks the baseball, proper routes, fluid fielder with clean actions, shuffles to throw
Run: 7.06 runner in the 60.

Sean Kempf C / 3B / Crystal Lake Central, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9, 175-pounds. Strong, muscular build.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, long stride. Flat path, creates backspin, strong hands. Swings with controlled intent, hard contact to all fields with jump off the barrel. In-game stats: 2-for-7, 2 SB, 2 RBI, 2 BB, R.
Power: 100 max exit velocity, averaged 91.8 mph. 340’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74.00 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.09-2.19 pop times. Squared setup, sure-hands, clean release, deadens blocks in front.
Run: 7.46 runner in the 60.

Joshua Wicker 2B / SS / Fenwick, IL / 2024

Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-8, 170-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow setup, fluid load and leg-lift. Long path, line-drive approach and uses the whole field. Finished game play 1-for-3, 2 BB, RBI, R
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 74.6 mph. 210’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83.00 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic feet with bounce, travels low to the ground, works around the baseball in rhythm and confidence, easy and nimble on the move. Soft hands that work out front of body, clean funnels to release. Advanced up-the-middle actions.
Run: 7.18 runner in the 60.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Dominic Borecky, Hampshire (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, fluid load, short stride. Athletic hands, works on top of the baseball, finishes on balance.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 64.9 mph. 296’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80.00 mph. Short arm swing with a back draw, 3/4 finish.
Defense: Plays low to the ground, athletic fluid feet that break down around the baseball in rhythm, comfortable on the move. Soft hands, clean funnels to release.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60.

Spencer Boudreau, Bradley Bourbonnais (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Well-proportioned strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Athletic stance, minimal hand load, short stride. Direct to contact. Simple, worked the pull-side.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 80.7 mph. 315’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80.00 mph. Short tight arm draw, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Defends with bounce pre-pitch, plays low and covers ground up the middle, two-hand gather out front of body.
Run: 6.96 runner in the 60.

Justin Butcher, Taft (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 5-11, 195-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, bat wraps at load, high leg kick trigger. Long, slightly uphill path to contact. Aggressive out of load, hard to the pull-side when synced up.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 74.7 mph. 320’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74.00 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Low posture with a narrow base, attacks the baseball, two-hand gather out front of body. Feel for the bag with clean feet on double play feeds.
Run: 7.68 runner in the 60.

Blake Crancer, Normal West (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Athletic build with developing strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, long stride. Stays short and inside the baseball, line-drive approach with developing pull-side jump off the barrel.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 72.9 mph. 234’ max distance.
Run: 7.12 runner in the 60.

Nate George, Minooka (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Athletic build with twitch.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, controlled leg-lift trigger. Swings with aggression and intent. Long path, pull-side approach and was on the barrel with authority. Finished game play 2-for-4, R, BB.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 90.3 mph. 357’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 86.00 mph. Compact arm action, 3/4 slot, some effort, uses whole body
Defense: Gets behind the baseball, breaks down, sure hands, clean transfer, crow hop to release
Run: runner in the 60.

Kaileb Hackman, Normal Community (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds. Physical build with strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, minimal load and short stride. Strong hands, direct path, works the whole field. Finished game play 2-for-7, BB, RBI, R.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 84.1 mph. 339’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78.00 mph. Long arm swing finishes from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet that break down around the baseball, covers ground up the middle, long to release.
Run: 7.10 runner in the 60.

Marco Luna, Brooks (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-8, 155-pounds. Wiry, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, quiet load and stride. Easy swing, fluid hands, works uphill and long through the zone. Lifted contact to all fields. In-game stats: 1-for-4, BB, RBI, R
Power: 81 max exit velocity, averaged 74.6 mph. 273’ max distance.
Arm: LH. C - 68.00 mph. Short, over-the-top arm action, throws play around the second base bag.
Defense: 2.18-2.26 pop times. Quiet receiver, soft hands, clean transfer and light on his feet.
Run: 7.53 runner in the 60.

Beau McBride, New Trier (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 190-pounds. Wide-shouldered build with strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, long stride and minimal load. Aggressive swing, hits off front foot, looks to lift and leverage to the pull-side.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 77.2 mph. 344’ max distance.
Run: 7.35 runner in the 60.

Landen Patton, Sangamon Valley (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-11, 176-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, relaxed setup, short stride. Loose, easy swing, uphill path and works the whole field.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 75.1 mph. 301’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 80.00 mph. Long arm swing finishes from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quiet feet, plays low to the ground, hands work out front with length to release.
Run: 8.04 runner in the 60.

Andrew (AJ) Payton, Burlington Central (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-4, 175-pounds. Long-limbed, high-waisted build with plenty of room for physical development.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, smooth fluid load and leg-lift timing trigger. Fluid swing, works easy and on balance. Bat stays through the zone and works to both gaps.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 81.5 mph. 301’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 79.00 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Long, easy strides, plays in rhythm and gains ground through release.
Run: 8.18 runner in the 60.

Camden Raddatz, Effingham (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, fluid easy pre-pitch actions. Easy swing, hands play on top of the baseball, strong off the bat at times.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 79.8 mph. 286’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83.00 mph. Loose arm, ball jumps out of the hand.
Defense: Secures the baseball, steady hands, length in release.
Run: 7.17 runner in the 60.

Trey Schilling, Lincoln Community (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 175-pounds. Broad-shouldered build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, slightly open, easy leg-lift. Fluid hands, flat path, stays direct to the baseball. Pull-side gap approach.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 79.2 mph. 314’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69.00 mph. Short tight arm draw, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active lower half, plays with some bounce pre-pitch. Feet work in a tempoed rhythm around the baseball, hands play low to the ground and out in front of body. Steady glovework, hands funnel inward, clean to release.
Run: 7.50 runner in the 60.

Andrew Schweigert, Bradley Bourbonnais (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds. Strong, wide-shouldered build.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, smooth load and short stride. Strong hands, controlled intent, hard contact off the barrel. Occasional lift and drives balls to all fields.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 88.7 mph. 298’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 86.00 mph. Quick, accurate arm, with carry, short over the top slot
Defense: Attacks the baseball, fields out front, sure handed, clean transfer, shuffle to release
Run: 6.98 runner in the 60.

Cooper Shalin, Glenbrook North (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 5-10, 163-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, smooth and controlled load, strides short. Long, uphill bat path, middle-in approach.
Power: 83 max exit velocity, averaged 78.9 mph. 277’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80.00 mph. Tight compact arm window, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid feet that work around the baseball, comfortable on the move and covers ground. Two-hand gather out front of body, secure transfer, clean to release.
Run: 7.46 runner in the 60.

Jackson Stanek, St. Rita (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/C
Body: 6-1, 225-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Open setup, smooth load and short stride. Strong hands, natural uphill path and pull-side power. Finished game play 2-for-3, 3 BB, 2 R, K
Power: 99 max exit velocity, averaged 81.6 mph. 345’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80.00 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Two-hand gather, some length to release.
Run: 7.98 runner in the 60.

Jake Stedman, Belleville West (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open, slightly open setup, leg-lift timing trigger. Early load, uphill path and looks to control the barrel to both gaps.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 81.4 mph. 343’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 86.00 mph. Short loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quiet feet with lower half rhythm, subtle to the baseball, athletic on the move. Soft hands that play out front, sound glovework and clean transfers to release.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60.

Jude Strahm, Brimfield (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 6-1, 176-pounds. Athletic build with length and upside to the frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, minimal load and leg-lift trigger. Uphill path, sits into backside, and looks to elevate the baseball.
Power: 83 max exit velocity, averaged 76.6 mph. 291’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77.00 mph. OF - 83.00 mph. Loose compact arm action, 3/4 slot
Defense: Multi-positional prospect, athletic actions, attacks the baseball, fields within his frame, shuffle to release
Run: 7.15 runner in the 60.

Bennett Summers, Bloomington Central Catholic (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 171-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, controlled load and leg-lift. Strong hands, stays on plane, lift through the zone, works gap-to-gap. In-game stats: 3-for-6, 2B, 2 SB, 2 R, BB, RBI.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 70.4 mph. 273’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81.00 mph. Clean arm, throws from multiple slots, natural high 3/4.
Defense: Bouncy, active defender, well-above average range and plays with body control on the move. Plays through in rhythm, clean release
Run: 6.74 runner in the 60.

Trey Thompson, Bloomington (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Open setup, long stride. Short path, athletic hands, line-drive approach and worked hard contact to both gaps.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 84.4 mph. 315’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 85.00 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot, some effort on throws
Defense: Proper routes, attacks the baseball, fields within frame, shuffles to release
Run: 7.16 runner in the 60.

Nolan Turner, Routt Catholic (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Open, relaxed look in the box. Fluid swing, uphill stroke, stays short and on plane. Comfortable driving the ball to the opposite field. In-game stats: 2-for-7, 2 BB, RBI, R.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 76.7 mph. 277’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80.00 mph. Long arm draw back into scap retraction, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick athletic feet, bouncy and active lower half, covers ground on the move in rhythm. Soft hands, clean funnels, quick hand transfer to release.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60.