By Steve Nielsen

This week’s Fall Prospect Program took to the field at Benedictine University. Here are a few notes and highlight from this weekend’s games.

Mike Neill (Fenwick, Class of 2015) – Went 3-for-3 with 3 RBI in game 1. Neill swung the bat well all day, he is making good strides at the plate, also played great defense all day.

Sam Heilenbach (Lyons Township, Class of 2014) – Heilenbach played well behind the plate showing improved footwork and agility. Heilenbach also proved he has good pop to both sides of the field, driving a triple to each gap. He also showed well on the mound.

Mitchell Goll (Stevenson, Class of 2014) – Goll showed much improved command of his fastball this week. Throwing his fastball at 78-79, Goll was getting much better extension and throwing the ball downhill in the zone; consequently his fastball showed extra life through the hitting zone. Offensively, Goll also added a home run as he showed good barrel awareness all day.

Brian Jestice (Fremd, Class of 2013) – Jestice continued where he left off last weekend throwing an 83-85 mph fastball while flashing 86. Jestice’s curveball is still improving, he showed some control throwing it for strikes and getting the occasional strike out with it; his curveball will improve with added arm speed.

Connor Hogan (Lincoln-Way West, Class of 2013) – Hogan continues to show a defensive prowess about his game. He maintains solid actions and shows good range to both his left and right. Hogan has quietly impressed all the coaches each week, both at the plate and in the field. He is among one of the better Class of 2013 graduates in the Fall Prospect Program.