Prep Baseball Report

Metro East Kickoff Classic: Power 25 Prospects


By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The third annual Metro East Kickoff Classic sponsored by Prep Baseball Report took place in the St. Louis Metro East area from March 17 - March 19 (Thursday-Saturday). The three-day event featured 47 teams from all areas of Illinois.

Throughout the event we updated our Scout Blog with prospects who showed well over the course of the event, as well as posted Scores and Game Recaps.

Yesterday we took a look at seven impressive performances from Southern Illinois senior arms.

Today, we highlight a few of the top performances from Power 25 prospects.

POWER 25 - PROSPECTS


NO. 2 BROTHER RICE

Benji Brokemond, SS, Brother Rice, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Miami (OH) commit. 6-foot-1, 180-pound, athletically-built, dynamic, right-handed hitting shortstop. Hit in the four-hole for Brother Rice. Balanced, quiet setup, minimal moving parts. Looks to jump the fastball. Quick hands, natural lift in swing. Barreled a double that short-hopped the left-center field wall, 4.75 on the turn. Also, flew out to center field and was hit by a pitch. Defensively, played well on the move, natural going to his glove side, sure hands. Firm, over-the-top arm action and accurate throws across the diamond.

Danny Doligale, OF, Brother Rice, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Illinois commit. 6-foot-, 170-pound athlete, looks like a gamer in uniform, athletic frame. Hit 6-hole and played right field. Plus defender, tracks down balls in rhythm, can go get it. Arm profiles in right field but the speed tool can move him to center. Left-handed hitter, fluid path, stays on the ball. Singled to left in his first at-bat, took a big turn forcing a throw to first, advanced to second with a heads up slide into the bag. Then stole third and advanced home on an errant throw. Savvy feel on the basepaths. Moved runners over later in the game on a grounder to second, did his job.

Marquis Jackson, 3B, Brother Rice, 2020
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Named “PBR Player Of The Week” thanks to his performance at the Metro East Kickoff Classic. Oklahoma commit. 5-foot-9, 190-pound strong build, seems to have trimmed up since last year. Plays confident in his all around game. Hands are quick and smooth at the plate, seemed to find the barrel no matter where the pitch, doesn’t get cheated in the box. Hit a no doubt home run to his pull side, pitch was low and inside. Legged out a infield single, simply putting the ball in play, tough guy to get out. Didn’t see any action at the hot corner in game, but his hands and feet work together in rhythm, arm plays average across the diamond in I/O.

Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Oklahoma commit. 5-foot-9 190-pound left-handed hitting infielder, compact strong build. Confident presence in the box, swings are aggressive with intent, was on time all day, tough out. Showed pull side pop with ease, two-run home run in 7th inning to right center, finished with five RBI out of the seven hole. Defensively has ability to make routine plays at third base, average arm strength.

Marquis Jackson (3.16.19)

Eli Sweis, RHP, Brother Rice, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Uncommitted senior. 6-foot-2, 180-pound high-waisted frame, good pitchers body. Delivery works clean, somewhat methodical till release, stays on back side with slight tilt over the rubber, work in-line, repeats. Loose two-part arm action, low effort throughout, potential to be a workhorse for Rice this year. Works with tempo, feel for the dirt circle. Pounded the zone with three. Fastball had run, both sides of the plate, 79-81 mph, topped 82 mph. Changeup faded hard with arm speed off the heater, swing and miss pitch, 70-71 mph. Curveball was a good wrinkle pitch, 71 mph.

Sebastian Barrera, RHP, Brother Rice, 2021
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - 5-foot-7, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher. Came out of the bullpen and threw four perfect innings, striking out one, to close out a 2-1 game for Brother Rice. Smooth, repeatable delivery, works on-line and lands square. Long, clean arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball worked 77-78 mph.

No. 3 JOLIET CATHOLIC

+ Nick Iannantone, OF, Joliet Catholic, 2019
Johnson County CC Commit. 6-foot-2, 215-pound, strong, wide-shouldered, left-handed hitting outfielder. Had a big two games for the Hilltoppers. Iannantone, saved his best game for game two when he went 3-for-4 with a double, triple and a run scored. Iannantone finished the weekend 4-for-7 with a double, triple, three runs scored and a walk.

+ Greg Ziegler, OF/RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2019
Missouri State commit. 6-foot-1, 180-pound, defined, athletically-built, two-way prospect. Ziegler, a dynamic center fielder and top of the order bat for the Hilltoppers went 2-for-5 with two runs and a stolen base in a game one 11-2 win. In a close 5-4 game two win, Ziegler went 1-for-4 with a run scored and picked up the save on the mound. Ziegler struck out the side in his one inning.

No. 7 EDWARDSVILLE

Matthew Boyer, RHP, Edwardsville, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit. 6-foot-2, 195-pound, well-proportioned, wide-shouldered, right-handed pitcher. Started on the mound for Edwardsville. Struck out six, did not walk a batter and only allowed one hit in his three innings of work. Smooth, repeatable delivery, high front-side and ball comes out of a short, over-the-top window. Fastball, works straight, creates angle and pounded the zone behind a fastball that sat 83-86 mph, touching 87 once. Curveball is go-to secondary offering. Thrown aggressively, 12/6 action, tight spin and depth, 73 mph.

Dawson Taylor, RHP, Edwardsville, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - John A. Logan JC commit. 6-foot-4, 201-pound, strong-bodied, right-handed pitcher. Continues to get better every time we see him. One of the harder throwers in the state. Came out of the bullpen and did not throw one fastball under 90 mph in his first inning of work; sat 90-92 mph, touching a couple 93’s. Second inning worked more in the 88-89 mph range. Fastball was around the plate, mostly straight, occasional arm-side-action. Went to his slider only a couple of times. Flashed one with late bite, 10/4 shape and swing-and-miss action, 84 mph. Did not allow a hit in his two innings and struck out five. Should draw some pro interest moving forward this spring.

Collin Salter, RHP, Edwardsville, 2020
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - 5-foot-11, 175-pound, right-handed pitcher. Came out of the bullpen and combined with the two other Edwardsville arms to strike out 14 Caravan hitters. Salter truck out five in his two innings of work and only allowed one hit. Calm, confident demeanor on the mound. Stays closed down the mound and worked with rhythm. Arm works short and clean from a high ¾ to over-the-top slot. Fastball comes out easy, run and sinking action at times, 82 mph. Went to his breaking ball often; quality offering, feel for the zone, late sweeping action, 70-71 mph. Follow 2020 arm with more in the tank.

No. 9 MOUNT CARMEL

Ed Howard, SS, Mount Carmel, 2020
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Oklahoma commit, currently ranked No. 1 in the Illinois’ 2020 class. 6-foot-2, 175-pound, right-handed hitting infielder; highly-athletic, wiry frame and continues to add quality strength. Is one of top prospects and shortstops in the country. Stands out on defense. Plays the game with ease and confidence. Soft, receptive hands, natural and athletic on the move. Quick, clean release, plus arm across the infield, plays true, accurate and has finish. Made multiple difficult plays look routine throughout the evening. Continues to impress every time we see him. Offensively, finished 0-for-2 with a run scored.

No. 11 MARIAN CATHOLIC

Pierce Jones, OF, Marian Catholic, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Northern Illinois commit. Stock is on the rise as of late and showed why in his first game at the Kickoff Classic. Led off for Marian Catholic and took four quality at-bats, finishing 3-for-4 with a double and run scored. Quick, strong hands, natural lift in his swing, pull approach and made consistent hard contact. Doubled to deep left-center field in his third at-bat, 4.75 on the turn. Also, reached on an infield single in his final at-bat, 4.36 down the line. Instincts and aggressive on the bases. Stole two bases and is always looking to push the envelope. Natural outfield actions, fluid footwork, concise routes, gets around the baseball and plays through. Should be able to stick in center field moving forward.

Pierce Jones (3.16.19)

Aidan Stewart, RHP/3B, Marian Catholic, 2020
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - 6-foot-5, 175-pound, long, lean, projectable two-way prospect. Right-handed pitcher, came out of the bullpen. Compact, clean, arm action that works loose and quick from a high ¾ slot. Fastball comes out of the hand easy, jumps through the hitting zone, works mostly straight with occasional arm-side-run, sat 85-87 mph, touched 88.. Changeup was best secondary offering. Maintains arm speed, arm-side-run, down in the zone, swing-and-miss pitch, 78-81 mph. Curveball, went to it only a few times, slurvy 1/7 shape, depth, 67-69, inconsistent feel. Overall, control was streaky but stuff is dynamic when in the hitting zone. Struck out five in two innings of work but also walked four. High-ceiling, uncommitted 2020 right-handed pitcher. Aslo, started at third base. Smooth, easy actions, soft hands and presents the glove early and out in front of body. Clean, easy release and above-average arm across the diamond. Hit left-handed, which was our first look at it. Easy, handsy swing, stays inside the ball. Finished 1-for-3 with a ground ball through the left side.

No. 14 HUNTLEY

Michael Talesky, LF, Huntley, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - 6-foot-, 180-pound outfielder, strong athletic build, advanced athlete. Dynamic offensive player, right-handed hitter, showed bat strength and speed, path is level through contact, line drive opposite field approach, lets ball travel. Made consistent hard contact off the barrel. Above average runner, 4.37 down the line, aggressive base stealer. Saw four hits in two games including an opposite field home run.

No. 16 OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Dylan Whitney, SS, Oak Park-River Forest, 2020
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - 5-foot-10, 150-pound shortstop, lean athletic frame, thin build, some projection. Defensively showed all the actions, played well on the move, hands played soft, reacts well and plays on the balls of feet, above average range. Excellent body control, threw out a 4.6 runner on a tough slow roller. Arm plays athletic, multiple slots, accurate when on the move. Right-handed hitter, hits leadoff, short stroke with spray approach, handels the bat well, barrel control, hit behind a hit and run for a four whole knock. Showed ability to use the whole field, average pop, could see more as he fills out. 4-for-7 in two games with a pair of doubles.

Griffin Holderfield, RHP, Oak-Park River Forest, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Creighton commit, 6-foot-3, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, build looks lean. Slight drop and drive type delivery, looked comfortable and easy, controlled the pace of play and commands the mound. Strong arm, ¾ slot. Showed starter capabilities at the next level, feel for three pitches with lower effort. Fastball sat 88-89 mph touched 90 mph in the first, held 86-88 mph throughout, runs hard to arm side. Slider is plus, swing and miss action, 10/4 shape, 74-77 mph. Struck out eight in five innings, five on sliders, three of them swinging, no walks.

Tommy Cronin, 1B, Oak Park-River Forest, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Uncommitted. 6-foot-5, 265-pound right-handed hitter with extra-large, powerful frame. In the batter’s box, looking to do damage. Sets up balanced, short, simple stride to the ball, subtle load back. Bat path is uphill, is looking to lift the ball, power potential with present bat strength. Went 2-for-3 with two deep doubles and two RBIs against Mater Dei.

No. 17 LOCKPORT

Ryan Moerman, SS, Lockport, 2021
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Illinois commit. 5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed-hitting shortstop with athletic frame with lean strength throughout. Hit lead-off in Lockport’s second game at the Kickoff Classic. Hard-nosed, competitive player who’s always looking to take the extra base. Led the game off with a sharp single to center, promptly stole second, and scored on a wild pitch an at-bat later. Defensively, natural actions to both forehand and backhand. Hands are soft and clean, especially for age. Above-average body control with an arm that showed carry. From the batter’s box, is looking to get on base any way possible, middle-of-the-field approach, selective, advanced knowledge of the zone.

Ryan Moerman (3.16.19)

Jake Dagys, OF, Lockport, 2020
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 174 pounds, multi-positional prospect with strength in frame. Slightly stiff setup, balance and open. Leg lift trigger, stride gets back square. Long, level bat path with above-average bat speed, bat strength present. Against Civic Memorial, launched a long home run to his pull-side and started the game in right field.

Nolan Vlcek, RHP, Lockport, 2020
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - 6-foot-2, 190-pound uncommitted junior, athletic build. Came out of the pen tossing three innings of one hit ball striking out six. Live arm action, ball came out firm and easy with downhill tilt at times. Left the ball up when he started to mess with his leg kick in attempt to throw off hitters timing. Gets fiery in-game, if he can hone it in to each pitch, he has all the upside to be a weapon on the mound. Fastball sat 86-87 mph topping 88 in the first inning, settled in at 82-84 mph. Changeup faded hard off the fastball, plus secondary. Flashed a power curve, 71 mph with upside depth.

No. 20 NEUQUA VALLEY

Anthony Sterchele, RHP, Neuqua Valley, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Sante Fe JC commit; the No. 52-ranked prospect in the state’s 2019 class. 6-foot-5, 210-pound right-handed pitching prospect with long levers and high projectability. Against ranked No. 7-ranked Edwardsville, did not allow a hit in four innings of work, walked two and struck out five. Arm action is long with a high ¾ slot. Quick arm, some looseness. Works on line, short leg lift, can spin off toward first occasionally. Effectively mixed fastball-slider combination to keep opposition off balance, methodical delivery but quick to home from stretch. Fastball, heavy, flashed late tail and finish through the zone, sat 86-89 mph, touched 90 mph. Slider, used often, 10/4 shape with late action and sharpness, earned plenty of swings and misses, 73-75 mph.

Jacob Karaba, RHP, Neuqua Valley, 2019
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Lewis commit. 6-foot, 180-pound righty with athletic frame. Pitched the final three frames against Edwardsville, allowed just one hit, three walks, and struck out three. Loose, whippy arm action from high ¾ slot. Works on line, quick slide step to home. Fastball, hard, late arm-side run, 85-89 mph. Curveball, aggressive, thrown at arm speed, 10/4 shape with sharp bite, thrown with feel, 75-77 mph. Did not see a changeup.

Nolan Clifford, 2B, Neuqua Valley, 2020
Kickoff Classic Scouting Report - Creighton commit. 5-foot-10, 155-pound middle infield prospect with length in levers, athleticism in frame. Led off for Neuqua Valley against Edwardsville. Left-handed hitter, balanced/crouched setup, pre-pitch rhythm, big leg kick load into long stride. Creates bat speed, path is long and on a slightly uphill plane, loose hands, fluid throughout. Went 1-for-3 with two walks, and pulled a 90 mph fastball over the right fielder’s head for a lead-off triple. Plays with a high motor, high baseball IQ, is a step ahead of everyone. Defensively, reliable hands, quick transfer, feet are agile, athletic arm action. Started a quick L-4-6 double play that was near a triple play, halting a rally in a tight game. 

RELATED CONTENT