NHSI Preview: Marist
April 2, 2019
Marist (3-1)
The RedHawks were sectional finalists in the IHSA playoffs last year, as a young and hungry roster, playing with nothing to lose. They were predominantly led by juniors last season, so the senior experience and overall talent that Marist is working with is second to none in Illinois – as evidenced by our staff dubbing them the preseason No. 1-ranked team, a title they still hold today.
While there are a few 2019s on this team generating MLB Draft interest, they’re led off by junior outfielder Dane Thomas, a Wright State commit, who works with plus speed and a real feel at the plate. He sets the table for some of the state’s boppers, too: Kendal Ewell (Eastern Kentucky commit), Jason Hodges (Arkansas), and Justin Janas (Illinois). Ewell and Hodges are ranked back-to-back inside the top 100, and senior utilityman Jack Brannigan is also a top-400 ranked prospects. Brannigan is a premium athlete who typically closes games for Marist and has been up to 94 mph in front of our staff in the past. He also mans the shortstop spot but battled a rolled ankle that forced him to miss the first couple of games of the spring. He’s back at, or at least close to, 100 percent and should be ready to go in Cary.
Jason Hodges vs. Thornton Fractional South (3/27/19)
And during Brannigan’s brief absence, sophomore middle infielder Noah Smith, a Louisville commit, handled shortstop. He’s the No. 2-ranked prospect in the state’s sophomore class and has also garnered some national attention early in his prep career.
Finally, backstop Max Malley is another top-100-ranked prospect in Illinois’ senior class and is a sound catch-and-throw defender with an all-fields approach from the batter’s box.
There’s no question that they’ll be a little light on pitching, as compared to the rest of the teams headed to the NHSI. But the RedHawks’ offense is capable of creating its own fireworks show in Cary, one that could allow them to keep pace in the prestigious invitational.
Jack Brannigan vs. Thornton Fractional South (3/27/19)
NEXT GAME: Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. ET, against Blessed Trinity (17-3), the No. 1-ranked team on the GA Power 25, USA Baseball Complex, Cary, N.C.