Prep Baseball Report

Illinois Unsigned Senior Showcase: Preview


By: Peter Hamot
Area Scout

This Sunday, Feb. 6, the PBR Illinois team is hosting the Unsigned Senior Showcase at The MAX in McCook, Ill. This is an open event for all members of the 2022 class, and gives our staff an ample look at the area's top players that are still uncommitted. 

For a closer look at the showcase details and the technologies we'll have on-site to assist our in-person evaluation for all in attendance, click here. For a complete look at those registered to attend this event, view the most up-to-date version of the roster by clicking here.

EVENT HISTORY

Each fall and winter – prior to, and at the conclusion of, the offseason – our staff hosts this event designed to collect the area’s top uncommitted senior talent in order to relay our findings to the college recruiters seeking to fill out their incoming recruiting class. Among the players in attendance at this event in 2021, there are already 53 commitments among them.

Mount Carmel RHP Chris Whelton came away as one of the biggest winners from last year's event, topping his fastball out at 91 mph and landing a commitment to Belmont shortly after. A couple other Division-I commitments from last year's events are SS/RHP Timmy O'Brien (Bradley) and RHP Conner Lutes (Northern Illinois), both of whom used the event as a launching pad to put their skills on display for some of the top schools in the area.

We're looking forward to checking in on the next crop of talent from this event to earn next-level attention in the coming weeks, months, and years.

2022 ROSTER

This year's roster is already shaping up nicely, just like in years past.

RHP/OF Jake Kohanzo (Barrington) is an intriguing two-way prospect to be in attendance. Currently ranked No. 172 in Illinois, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound right-hander runs his fastball up to 87 mph, while also producing a max exit velocity of 98 mph. Kohanzo's strong arm on the mound also translates to the outfield, topping out at 89 mph from a crow-hop. 

Jake Kohanzo (6/22/21)

CIF Tommy Stricklin (Mundelein) comes in as the highest ranked player to be in attendance as of now, currently ranked No. 141 in the state. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound RHH boasts a max exit velocity of 98 mph to go along with a max infield velocity of 83 mph. Eric Swanson (Wheaton Warrenville South) is a toolsy OF/RHP that should definitely be a name to know for scouts in attendance. The 6-foot, 175-pound Swanson cruises to a 6.97 60 on top of a 93 mph max exit velocity and 84 mph outfield velocity. C/SS Owen Anderson (Geneva) is another name to know that will be in attendance; the right-handed hitter possesses a repeatable swing with the ability to play multiple positions on the infield. 

Perusing the event roster, we’re set to meet a majority of players who’ve not yet attended a PBR showcase, and we’re eager to add more names to our follow lists.

CHECK-IN PROCESS

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend Sunday's event, it is imperative that you read our adjusted showcase itinerary below, which will allow our staff to swiftly and efficiently educate and evaluate the players set to attend.

Additionally, in an effort to continue and develop contactless check-in strategies, upon arrival, players will scan a QR Code with their smart phone camera that will lead them to a Google Form. On that Form, players will enter their name (matching the spelling on their PBR profile) and hit submit. Upon submission, players will be prompted to click a link that will direct them to their jersey color and number, located next to their registered name.


ITINERARY

POSITION GROUPS

+ All Registered Pitchers & Catchers (two-ways and POs):

  • Check-in: 2:45 pm 

+ Registered Position Players-only:

  • Check-in: 3:45 pm
  • Catchers will stay for both sessions

MORE EVENT DETAILS

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan and Blast Motion have helped both our in-event evaluation process, as well the compilation of our post-event scouting reports – and they're also a tool for our players to learn more about their measured and collected data, that can be applied to improve upon their game.

Finally, masks are strongly encouraged during non-baseball activity. We will facilitate a contact-less check-in. Staff will wear masks throughout the event. Wear baseball clothes; assigned and numbered PBR jerseys will be provided.

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