Another great weekend at the Louisville Slugger fields in Peoria for the 2025 PG Elite Illinois Scouting Showcase. 16U was a nail biter all the way up to the Championship game which ended up coming down to a Wisconsin Stingrays showdown between their two 16u teams. Ultimately the teams decided to go to the seeding report and not play it out as they regularly scrimmage each other back home. The 18u division championship came down to two offensive powerhouse teams, the Iowa Gold Prospects and the Lady Expos, that ended in a dramatic fashion as the Iowa Gold Prospects took home the crown on a walk off home run that cleared the ginormous scoreboard in the outfield.
18u Division
Taking home the 18U MV-Pitcher honors was Julia Roth (2026, Dubuque, IA) of the Lady Expos. The University of Iowa commit continues to be a fixture in weekend scout notes, showing up time and again with consistent, high-level performances. Roth plays with a calm, composed presence, whether in the circle or at the plate and nothing seems to rattle her. Offensively, she showcased both consistency and power, collecting nine hits on the weekend, including three doubles and a home run. In the circle, Roth dominated the opposing hitters, striking out 18 across 11 innings without surrendering a single walk. Her ability to stay around the zone, show her command and competitiveness. The Hawkeyes are gaining a true all-around athlete in Roth, one who will bring both versatility and poise to the next level.
Kori Lincicum (2026, Ankeny, IA), a standout for the Iowa Gold Prospects and Drake University commit, was named the weekend’s Most Valuable Player. An all-around athlete, Lincicum earned the win in the championship game from the circle, showcasing just one piece of her versatile skill set. Whether in the outfield, at shortstop, in the circle, or at the plate, she continues to prove she can excel anywhere on the field. Offensively, Lincicum topped the tournament’s Hitting Performers List with a dominant 11 RBIs, collected on 9 hits that included 4 doubles, a triple, and a home run. Her combination of speed, power, and consistent ability to barrel up the softball separates her as one of the premier players in her class. It will be exciting to watch how Coach Diehl utilizes her versatility at the next level with the Bulldogs.
Another standout for the Iowa Gold Prospects was Camden Webb (2028, Prairie City, IA). The young left-handed pitcher already has the size, speed, and presence to turn heads. Sitting at 64 mph with her fastball, Webb also mixes in a sharp curve, drop, and changeup. Her curveball is her top weapon, starting on the outside corner before breaking hard on right-handed hitters. She finished the weekend with nine strikeouts across four innings without allowing a run. Webb was just as dangerous at the plate, leading the team with a .692 batting average. She collected nine hits, including three doubles and a triple, showing her ability to drive the ball with authority. A 2028 lefty with both dominance in the circle and production at the plate, Webb is a name to get on the radar now as she has the tools and athleticism to play at the next level.
Olivia Vandersluis (2026, Altoona, IA) of the Iowa Aries 18U made her mark this weekend as a speedy left-handed slapper who consistently found ways to get on base. Vandersluis led her team in both batting average and on-base percentage, showing her ability to either slap it through the gap or display patience at the plate to draw a walk. Once aboard, she was a constant threat as an aggressive baserunner always looking to swipe the next bag and put pressure on the defense. This uncommitted 2026 brings a valuable skillset to the top of any lineup and would be a strong addition at the next level.
Elina Thomas (2026, Cedar Rapids, IA) of the Eastern Iowa Barracudas Heald carried the load in the circle for her team this weekend. The uncommitted right-hander kept hitters off balance with her ability to work down in the zone, forcing consistent groundball outs while mixing in strikeout stuff. Thomas finished the weekend with 17 strikeouts across 12 innings, issuing just three walks and showing the command to control a game. Still seeking her future home, Thomas has the tools and ability to compete at the next level should she choose to pursue that path.
Jolee Strohmeyer (2026, Dubuque, IA), a recent Lewis University commit playing for the Lady Expos, once again impressed both at the plate and in the circle. Strohmeyer collected nine hits on the weekend, including four doubles, and led her team with nine RBIs. Her ability to deliver in run-producing situations, paired with her consistency at the plate, continues to set her apart. In the circle, Strohmeyer logged 10 innings, striking out 15 hitters while touching 63 mph with her fastball. Her combination of power, command, and poise makes her a force on both sides of the ball. A true utility player, Strohmeyer’s versatility allows her to succeed in nearly any role, making her an invaluable asset for her team now and at the next level with the Flyers.
Kale Montag (2026, Grimes, IA) of the Iowa Gold Prospects proved herself as one of the weekend’s top two-way performers. Known for her even-keeled playing style, Montag rarely gets rattled and thrives in pressure situations. In the circle, she worked all corners of the zone, sitting at 62 mph with her fastball and mixing in a strong arsenal of pitches that included a screwball, rise, changeup, and curve. Her changeup, which she confidently throws in any count, stood out as a particularly effective weapon. At the plate, Montag carried that same calm, composed presence. With quick hands and full-body engagement, she consistently drove the ball, finishing the weekend with 10 hits, including two doubles, and five RBIs. Still uncommitted, Montag is a true two-way threat and a 2026 talent to keep firmly on the radar.
16U Division
Tinsley Nelson (2028 Pardeeville, WI) of the Wisconsin Stingrays earned Tournament MV-Player honors after putting together a dominant weekend at the plate. The speedy left-handed slapper consistently set the tone, leading the Top Hitting Performers list from the start. With the ability to place the ball, drop down a bunt, or drive it deep into the gaps, Nelson showcased an advanced offensive skill set. She finished with 11 hits, 13 RBIs, and three inside-the-park home runs. On the basepaths, Nelson was fearless, swiping a tournament-high six stolen bases. A true game-changer, Nelson proved she’s the real deal and a player to keep on the radar.
Ashlyn Petrick (2028 Waunakee, WI) of the Wisconsin Stingrays was outstanding in the circle this weekend, earning the tournament’s MV-Pitcher award. A true workhorse, Petrick logged 15 innings and tallied 21 strikeouts. She showcased excellent command of her arsenal—fastball, rise, drop ball, curve, and changeup—while keeping hitters off balance by painting the corners and mixing speeds effectively. As she continues to refine her repertoire and limit free passes, Petrick has all the tools to become a dominant force in the circle.
Ruby Stagg (2028, Bettendorf, IA) of the 09 Midwest Sluggers was among the Top Hitting Performers this weekend, showcasing her pure raw power and ability to drive the ball out of the park. With a parallel stance at the plate and a quick step to generate power, Stagg consistently gets her hands through the zone with authority. She wrapped up the weekend with 10 hits, including three doubles, a triple, a home run, and seven RBIs. Stagg is a true gamer, definitely one to keep on your radar in the 2028 class.
Tegan Stoner (2029 Grimes, IA) of Alliance Select Harper proved to be everything you’d want in the heart of a lineup. Hitting from a slightly open stance, she consistently generated strong swings, using her lower half effectively to drive through the ball. Her patience and discipline at the plate stood out, as she showed no hesitation in working deep counts to find her pitch. Stoner wrapped up her weekend with eight hits, including two doubles, a triple, and a home run while also drawing five walks. Her ability to both produce extra-base power and find ways on base makes her a constant threat to opposing defenses. Just a 2029 but already making waves.
Cameryn Moeller (2028 Davenport, IA) of the 09 Midwest Sluggers, batting in the heart of the order, delivered exactly what her team needed. Starting parallel to the plate, she uses a slight rock back and a controlled step forward to generate momentum through her swing. Moeller tallied 10 hits on the weekend, including two doubles, and drove in eight runs. A reliable contact hitter, she’s the kind of player you want at the plate with runners in scoring position. With her natural feel for the game and consistent production, this 2028 has a high ceiling and will only continue to elevate her game.
Alexis Ouellette (2028 Galesville, WI) of the Wisconsin Stingrays 16uy was a force at the plate throughout the weekend. One of her standout moments came in Saturday’s opener, when she ripped a bases-clearing triple into the left-center gap. Ouellette keeps her approach simple at the plate, never trying to do too much, which allows her to consistently put the ball in play. She finished the weekend with 10 hits, including three doubles and a triple, while driving in six runs. A steady contact hitter with gap-to-gap power, Ouellette continues to prove herself as an offensive threat in key moments.
Kyla Gustafson (Marshall, IL) of the Charleston Chill is a pitcher you need to have on your radar. Standing 6 feet tall, Gustafson brings an intimidating presence in the circle. Her windup includes some extra movements, but they seem to work in her favor by keeping hitters off balance. She commands a six-pitch arsenal featuring a fastball that reaches 62 mph, along with a rise, curve, screwball, drop curve, and changeup. In her first outing of the weekend, Gustafson was dominant, striking out 16 batters over six innings. She finished the event with an impressive stat line: 28 strikeouts across 12 innings pitched while allowing just one earned run. Gustafson is the real deal, and if you haven’t heard of her yet, it’s time to put her on your list.
Breeze Bentz (2028 Ankeny, IA) of the Iowa Aries 16u was a standout on both sides of the ball this weekend. Defensively, Bentz showcased her range and athleticism with multiple diving and backhanded plays, paired with a smooth transition and a strong, accurate arm from shortstop. At the plate, she attacked every at bat with confidence and finished the weekend with six hits, including two doubles and a homerun, while also swiping six bases. With her combination of speed, power, and defensive ability, Bentz is definitely one to keep an eye on this fall.