By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The PBR Illinois Scouting staff released the updated Class of 2018 rankings yesterday and it has been expanded to 125. A lot has happened since the middle of August, the last time the rankings were updated. There have been numerous, showcases, tournaments, fall games and camps that have taken place. In that time, we have seen a lot of new faces and players who have elevated their stock.

Yesterday, we touched on right-handed pitcher’s Ryan Vice (Lincoln-Way Central), the biggest riser in the class and Tylon Ross (Homewood-Flossmoor), the top newcomer to the class. Both Vice and Ross are uncommitted and now sit in the Top 10. Below is a deeper look inside the updated rankings.

Ben Cruikshank (Belleville East) is another top newcomer to the rankings. Cruikshank, a recent Missouri State commit, is a 6-foot-3, long and loose lefty, who reportedly has been up to 88 mph in game.

Another arm jumping into the rankings for the first time is Jeffery Massey (Gwendolyn Brooks). Massey, who has an ultra-quick, clean, loose arm, has seen an uptick in velocity recently. He is a lean, 6-foot-2, 155-pounds, with an advanced three-pitch mix and fastball that now sits 82-84 mph. Massey’s frame and arm action leave plenty more for the imagination.

Jeffery Massey (Class of 2018 Showcase 10.16.16)

Corner infielder Mason Sykes (Conant) is the top position player new to the rankings, coming in at No. 30. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound is a physical right-handed hitter with big power potential.

Mason Sykes (Class of 2018 Showcase 10.16.16)

Nick Drobushevich (Moline) is another position player who showed well this fall and now finds themselves in the rankings for the first time. Drobushevich is a live-bodied, left-handed hitting outfielder who runs a 6.70 60. He has present pop in the bat with natural lift in his swing and looks to pull the ball with authority.

The biggest risers at the top of the rankings in Illinois outside of Ryan Vice were 1B Anthony Herron (Simeon) and RHP Ari Gordon (Stevenson). Herron, a North Carolina recruit, jumped over 10 spots into the Top 15. At 6-foot-1, 235-pounds, Herron continues to impress with his overall athleticism, feel around the bag at first base and middle of the order type of bat. Gordon, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound, strong right-hander, saw his velocity climb into the upper 80’s recently and moved into the top 30. Gordon also showed that he firmed up his breaking ball which now sits 74-76 mph.

Some notable newcomers in the Top 100 of the rankings include LHP Nick Skurka (St. Charles North), LHP Max Klein (Christian Life), LHP Danny Balzhiser (Plainfield East), RHP/SS Ryan Patel (Mundelein), LHP Erik Hedmark (Dundee Crown), LHP Matt Piento (Lyons Township), C Brant Vanaman (Hall Township) and RHP Jacob Newman (Glenbrook South).

Also, 2018 state ranking updates are taking place around our coverage area and the 2018 overall rankings were recently updated.

+ CLICK HERE for complete 2018 Illinois Rankings
+ CLICK HERE for the 2018 Updated Rankings Story
+ CLICK HERE for 2018 Overall Rankings.

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