-Tyler Henninger
Last week, some of the top programs in the region faced off in Louisville, KY for what I will call, the “Louisville Invite.” National power, Trinity (KY) and regional power, St. Xavier (KY) took on teams from Illinois that included a slew of greater Chicago powers: Brother Rice, St. Laurence, Mt. Carmel and Providence Catholic.
Ian Tosi, 2026, LHP, Mt. Carmel (IL) got the ball for the Caravan in a matchup against St. Xavier (KY). The Miami (FL) commit went three innings of one hit ball, while striking out four and scattering a few walks and runs. The fastball lived 85-87 mph and touched 88 mph a few times. Tosi felt comfortable going to his changeup (fading action) on a consistent basis where he saw that pitch in the mid 70s. A very good job on living down in the zone and mixing speeds throughout. Primary left-handed pitcher gets good extension from a higher slot. Loose and repeated extension three-quarter release. Solid athlete and mover downhill. Some more room to fill out but there is still projection left to the 6-foot, 160-pound frame.
TJ McQuillan, 2026, 3B, Mt. Carmel (IL) looked the part with a few of his swings in this look. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Wake Forest commit was more than comfortable at the plate and looks to be primed for a big senior campaign. Barreled up a few doubles in the right-center gap, almost in identical spots, to finish the game 2-4 with 3 RBIs. The ’25 PG All American shows advanced hit-tool and is one of the highest-level left-handed bats in the country. The set-up displays a slightly open stance with a quick and short stride into the swing, gets his lower half involved well and can create impressive bat speed and leverage. Defensively, I thought he handled the hot corner well, making the plays he needed and not overmatched at the hot corner. Soft on feet, quick transfer, and release, while the arm strength continues to tick up. Hoping to hear his name called this summer, the bat will be his golden ticket as he the hit-tool will have a chance at the next level. Moves well for his size and showed the athleticism and mobility from this off-season’s gains.
Tighe Brown III, 2028, RHP, St. Xavier (KY) came in relief and closed it out for his Tigers, going 1 and 2/3 innings while striking out two and only allowing a walk. The fastball peaked at 87 mph, while working mostly 84-86 mph. It’s a quick arm that displays premium arm talent as he checks in as a top ten player in the Kentucky ’28 class. 3-pitch mix that also features a changeup that produced swing and miss type stuff, as well as a breaking ball in the mid 60s that he was able to land in the short relief appearance. Really good two-way prospect that has a real chance to come off the board in August. I only saw this relief appearance during the week, but later in the weekend he tossed a complete game shutout on 79 pitches against a consistent regional power in Providence Catholic (IL)). The bloodlines are there as his father was drafted in the 5th round out of HS by the Chicago White Sox in the ’95 draft.
Brodie Benefield, 2026, 3B/RHP, St. Xavier (KY) is one of the top two-way players not only in Kentucky, but also within the region. As much as the arm works on the mound, I saw him up to 90 mph during the week will living 86-88 mph, spinning a breaking ball in the low 70s and a slider in the mid-upper 70s. But it’s the bat for me that consistently produces. Doesn’t get cheated and is on time often than not. He ambushed fastballs during the week that showed juice and was able to adjust to secondary pitches all week. It’s a pull-side approach but can work all parts of the field. Direct, level path from a relaxed and athletic base, creates natural backspin and is a real power bat. The Air Force commit has the chance to do both at the next level, but I think where he separates himself is truly at the plate. Excellent student that excels in all faucets of life.
One of the best pitching performances came from
Konnor Stargel, 2026, RHP, Trinity (KY). The uncommitted prospect is one of the best still left on the board in the ’26 Kentucky Class. And his performance against Mt. Carmel (IL) was one of the best to date that I have seen this spring. Stargel needed 90 pitches to finish off his complete game shutout where he struck out eight and only allowed two hits and two walks. The fastball was dialed in at 84-87 and held for the duration of the outing. Mixed in a low 80s changeup that had bats swinging over the top on. He also featured two distinct breaking balls, a true curveball that was 73-75 mph and a slider at 76-78 mph. He features a compact arm action that repeats his operation very well. After this performance, it is likely he is not on the board for too much longer. The pitch ability here and mixing of speeds was substantial when it came to what he can offer a program at the next level. An absolute bulldog on the mound.
Gray Davis, 2027, SS/RHP, Trinity (HS) is in my opinion the best two-way player in the ’27 Kentucky class. There are a few others that could take the reins when it’s all said and done, but for now the track record speaks for itself. Davis checks in as the number one player in the state and is the #302 nationally ranked player that has committed to Clemson. And I am sure when the next update occurs, he will even higher. As a pitcher in ’25, he went 11-0 in 11 starts with a .66 ERA, only allowed six hits, struck out 73 in 62.3 innings and opponents hit a measly .159 against him. As good as he is on the mound, he is as consistent as they come at the plate. Davis is on plane at a high rate and swings an accurate barrel. It’s an easy approach and he plays the game as if everything around him is slowed down. And he is a switch-hitter. If you never saw him pitch or play, you could not tell what side of the plate as he looks comfortable and hits exceptionally well from both sides. Every time out he just produces and is an absolute gamer.
Grayson Willoughby, 2026, RHP/3B, Trinity (HS) toed the rubber and in a much-anticipated matchup vs Brother Rice (IL). As highly regarded, he is on the mound, he finds barrel after barrel each time out, but I will get to the bat later as an addition. On the mound, the velocity was where it was expected at this juncture in the season and that was sitting comfortably at 92-96 mph and topping out at 97 mph a few times. Featured some sink at 90-91 mph and then mixed in a slider that missed bats 78-80 mph and a low 80s changeup. Tunnels all his pitches well of the fastball and showcased a true starter profile. It’s a polished product right now but there still is projection remaining. In this outing, he wasn’t dominant by any means as the command was scattered throughout, but the makings were there as he was pretty juiced up. The ’25 PG All American and Kentucky commit continues to cement himself as a top prep arm in the country and will be interesting to see what occurs come draft time this summer. Now, just as an addition, I would just like to mention the hitting profile. We all know he is an arm long term, but every time out, Willoughby finds himself 2-4, 3-3, or 3-4. He just hits. It’s a smooth left-handed stroke that truly works the gaps and commits to backside more than pull side. In 4 games he finished 8 for 13 that included seven RBIs and three doubles. Super talented, athletic and a true two-way prospect.
Brayden McKendrick, 2026, LHP, Brother Rice (IL) is a southpaw out of Illinois that is committed to John A. Logan. The left-handed pitcher had one of the better performances I saw on the week where he tossed six innings, struck out three, allowed two earned runs, four hits, and three walks. McKendrick didn’t allow a hit until the 5th inning as he was carving a potent St. Xavier (KY) lineup. The fastball lived 83-85 mph and was up to 86 and touched 87 twice. He showed good feel for spin and his secondaries, where his curveball featured sweeping action at 73-75 mph and a changeup at 77-79. This was a solid look into his pitchability and the ability to induce weak contact throughout. Very efficient mover downhill and it’s a repeatable delivery from a high 3/4 slot that lands consistently. It’s hard not see more velocity coming for the left-handed pitcher.
Brady Cunningham, 2027, 3B, Brother Rice (IL) was in my opinion the biggest winner of the week as he went 7 for 14, tallied 5 RBIs and had two homers in four games. One of the homers came off 96 mph that he deposited over the right-center fence. Super advanced feel at the plate that creates leverage each time out. Very comfortable approach that doesn’t try to do too much and possesses a gap-to-gap hit tool. The Texas A&M commit comes in at 6-foot-2, 210-lbs and shows easy strength and juice through the zone with the bat speed that impacts balls at a high rate. Cunningham checks in as the number three ranked player in Illinois and #51 nationally. Defensively at third base, he showed athletic actions and a real feel for the position. Present arm strength that also shows off the two-way ability running his fastball in the low 90s.
Colin Campbell, 2027, SS, Brother Rice (IL) showed well on both sides of the plate in the four games. Offensively, it’s a smooth stroke that’s sits at the plate with a wide base, controlled load, and short stride. Quick hands that display efficient bat speed, while working with an uphill path with loft to pull-side. He showed the ability to work backside, but majority of the looks came middle-pull. Smaller build at 5-foot-8, 155 lbs. plays above his size and is a grinder and shows the athleticism and twitch. The Louisville commit on the defensive side plays with some bounce and energy, smooth footwork, and range to both sides.
Nolan Hosking, 2026, 1B, Trinity HS (KY) has a chance to be very successful in college because he has a tool that is premium and that is, he hits. The Louisville commit comes in at 5-foot-11, 200 lbs. and just finds gaps at a high rate. It is a very Tommy White-esque approach as he works middle to pull but the pull-side power is there. Often, he is just taking what he gets whether that is on the inner or outer half. There is present strength and bat speed with tight turns and a direct hand path. Bat first run producer that provides plenty of pop with that bat now and for years to come.
Tristan Steger, 2027, C/3B, St. Laurence (IL) was the 2nd biggest winner of the week, as he showed why he is highly regarded going 3 for 3 with a loud homer to pull side and collected a couple singles (backside and pull). Through 13 games, the Kentucky commit is hitting .568 with 7 home runs, 30 RBIs, 11 extra base hits and has only struck out four times. It’s a very mature presence at the plate and an advanced feel for the barrel. Super easy bat speed in game and showed the ability to drive it to all fields with authority. Behind the plate, he shows advanced actions while staying grounded. Steger has a projectable frame at 6-foot-2, 200 lbs. This is a prospect that will easily climb up the ranks sooner rather than later.
Cory Les, 2026, SS, St. Laurence (IL) is an athletic left-handed hitting shortstop that hits atop the lineup. With a frame at 6-foot-1, 210 lbs there is physicality that really plays. It’s an easy swing where the ball absolutely jumps off the barrel. Super quick from launch with the ability to drive the ball with loft. The Louisville commit has an effortless swing that displays pop with each swing. Strong hands that really showed the pull-side power in this look with a triple and home run. Les showed good plate coverage and the ability to have plus bat-to ball. The athleticism makes him versatile as if he doesn’t stick at shortstop, then the outfield will be a great fit as well.
Colton Zuege, 2026, LHP, St. Xavier (KY) is a Murray State commit that really made his presence known this past summer. I had the ability to see him in Cincinnati last summer in the Tournament of Champions event where he was low 80s, topping out at 84 mph. There have been noticeable strength gains, and the frame will continue to fill out as he is 6-foot, 160 lbs. The arm really works from a higher 3/4 slot and can drop slot a little bit. In this look the fastball topped at 87 mph with life, while living 85-87. The changeup was arguably his best pitch that he turned over with fade very frequent at 77-78 mph. He missed a ton of bats and finished with 17 swing and misses. His final line was six innings, three hits, one walk, two earned, and nine strikeouts at 62% strikes. The tunneling action from the fastball and changeup was premium and this is a sneaky arm that looks to have success at the next level from a tough angle.
-Jordan Gates
Chase Kiker (2026, Indian Trail, N.C.) competed on the mound for Metrolina Christian Academy. The right-handed pitcher works from a hybrid windup delivery with a letter-high leg lift with drop-and-drive mechanics into a moderate, in-line stride down the mound. The arm separates into a compact takeaway before accelerating through from a three- quarter angle. Low effort delivery that he repeats well. Tunnels the fastball (2660 RPM) and slider (2626 RPM) well. The fastball was low-to-mid-90s and topped out at 97 with good arm-side run and carry through the top of the zone. The slider had good sweeping action with tight break. Also showed a good change-up (1442 RPM) in the low-80s with good tumble that was able to get weak ground ball contact. Worked around the zone consistently and was able to move all three pitches around the zone well. Strong lower half in a 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame that repeats the delivery well with good pitchability. Clemson commit.
Ivan Andino (2028, Monroe, N.C.) showed off the middle-of-the-order upside with the bat for Charlotte Christian. The right-handed hitter collected two hits, a two-run shot over the left field wall and a two RBI knock back up-the-middle. Andino starts from a spread stance with even feet and a high handset with a high back elbow, utilizes a simple, low leg lift trigger. Creates separation well and gets into the back hip well to create leverage in the swing. Quick hands in the swing that create barrel whip from a level bat plane. Good bat speed in the swing with juice in the frame. Showed feel for the barrel and gets extended through contact well to impact the ball. Athletic 6-foot, 181-pound frame with a high ceiling as the frame matures and adds strength.
Derek Vazquez (2028, Charlotte, N.C.) impressed out of the leadoff spot for Charlotte Christian, collecting a pair of knocks, including a double to pull-side center field. The left-handed hitter starts from a spread stance with even feet and a high handset with a high back elbow, utilizes a low toe-tap trigger. Direct hand path with a level bat plane and good bat speed with some feel for the barrel and easy juice in the frame with carry off the barrel. Ball jumps off the barrel with quick hands in the smooth swing. Turns well with more strength to come to the athletic and lean 6-foot-3, 183-pound frame with more power coming. Showed a solid approach at the plate that worked the pull-side gap well.
Hudson Simmons (2028, Charlotte, N.C.) showed off the two-way upside for Charlotte Christian. Simmons opened the game on the mound and ran the fastball (2253 RPM) up to 87 with good arm-side run. The left-handed hitter paired it with a curveball (2121 RPM) with 1-7 shape and good horizontal break thrown glove-side and a change-up (1680 RPM) that was up to 80. Showed good feel to locate on both sides of the plate with an easy arm action that was able to consistently work around the zone. Also got it done in the box adding a pair of hits, including a solo shot to deep center field. The left-handed hitter starts from a spread stance with in-line feet and a low handset with a low back elbow, utilizes a low leg lift stride. Direct hand path with good feel for the barrel. Level bat plane that uses the lower half well to create leverage and impact off the barrel. Smooth swing that creates good jump off the barrel and used the middle-of-the-field well. Athletic 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame with more room to add strength and velocity as the frame matures and fills out.
Jacob Reynolds (2028, Charlotte, N.C.) collected a pair of knocks and drove in an RBI for Charlotte Christian and continued to be a threat at the top-of-the-order. The right-handed hitter starts from a spread stance with even feet and a high handset with a high back elbow, utilizes a low leg lift trigger. Direct hand path with a level bat plane. Good bat whip and feel to impact and drive the ball. Compact swing with a high-contact approach. Showed solid feel for the barrel with juice in the frame. Smaller 5-foot-8, 155-pound frame with good athleticism and a ballplayer. Showed a solid approach in the box with an all field approach and worked at-bats well.
-Marcus Thomas
Blake Bowen, OF, Riverside, CA. JSerra HS (2026)
The raw power is undeniable, easy plus projection with more to come as he adds strength. He didn’t just hit it hard; he hit it with intent, the kind of contact that turns heads in draft rooms. What stands out almost as much as the power is the baserunning. Bowen explodes out of the box, rounds the bases with purpose, and swipes three bags, including a straight steal of home. He’s not just a toolsy athlete; he plays with tempo and confidence. 2-for-2, added 2 runs, 2 RBI, and 2 walks to go with the three bags, a complete, loud day that checks every box for a top-of-the-draft profile.
James Tronstein, SS, Los Angeles, CA. Harvard-Westlake HS (2026)
Tronstein had himself a day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a double, a triple, and a pair of RBI while showcasing the traits that have scouts circling his name. The kid is super athletic with plus twitch and body control. Offensively, the bat-to-ball is elite for the class, low-effort, whippy hands through the zone, clean path, and the ability to drive line drives to all fields. He’s not just putting the ball in play, he’s squaring it up consistently, and the early-season numbers reflect it. This is the kind of offensive helium that moves a guy fast on draft boards. Defensively, Tronstein profiles as a sure-handed middle infielder with quick, light feet and enough arm to stay on the left side. The combination of hit, speed, and athleticism gives him a high-floor, high-ceiling look. The Vandy commitment is strong, but the bat is playing at a premium level right now and the buzz is real. High-upside 2026 prospect with the tools and production to keep climbing.
Jaden Jackson, INF/OF, Redondo Beach, CA St. JOhn Bosco HS (2026)
Jackson wasted no time in this at-bat ambushing a fastball. His overall profile as a super-utility guy shines through as a twitchy, high-motor athlete with positional flexibility across the outfield and infield. The same quick-twitch actions that power his swing translate to clean routes, quick releases, and plus range in the grass or on the dirt. Jackson is a compact, strong-bodied athlete with present strength in the box and the athleticism to stick at multiple spots. His combination of bat speed, power projection, and versatility gives him a high floor and exciting ceiling as a college producer and potential draft talent.
Jacob Madrid, C, Burbank, CA. Notre Dame HS (2026)
The first thing that jumps off the page is the body; a long, lean, and highly projectable 6'5/221 frame that still has room to add good weight without losing athleticism. Madrid moves exceptionally well for his size behind the plate, light on his feet, quick lateral shuffle, and clean footwork that lets him stay balanced and low. His arm is a true weapon, plus-plus strength with a clean, compact release and carry that will play at the next level. Receivers this athletic and armed don’t come around often. Madrid is an Oregon commit and top-tier catching prospect who checks every box for the position. Posted a 2-for-3 day with a double in this outing, and is ranked the #7 catcher in the state of California. High-ceiling talent with the tools to develop into a draft pick.
Beckett Berg, RHP, Sherman Oaks, CA. Notre Dame HS (2027)
Turned in an efficient, competitive outing that showcased a strong combination of polish and projection. Working on just 70 pitches, the Texas Longhorns commit went 4.1 innings, allowing nine hits while issuing only one walk and striking out one. He sat comfortably in the low 90s and bumped his fastball to 92 mph, showing the ability to command it for strikes. Equally encouraging was the solid feel he displayed for his secondaries, repeatedly flashing a mid-80s changeup with good arm-side fade and separation that already looks like a legitimate weapon. There is a ton to like about the tall, loose-armed righty, whose delivery stays repeatable and easy throughout his outing. At this stage the stuff plays well above average for his age, and the body screams projection.
-Steve Doherty
Cooper Webb (2026, Spicewood, Texas) was dominant for the most part in this look in what was a heated district matchup with lots of chirping from both sides. Webb had a shaky first and then proceeded to dial it in after that going 5 innings pitched while striking out 8 batters. Kept his composure throughout the entire outing. Fastball worked 90-93 topping out at 94 a couple of times. Fastball has good late life to it with some arm side run and gets located well when release and delivery stay consistent. He held velo into the 5th. Curve was 76-82 with sharp downer depth and late break getting spin upwards of 2500 RPM. He also showed a slider a in the 80-83 range getting upwards of 2400 RPM. The slider showed good sweep with horizontal bite and is used more as a chase pitch. Change also shown at 83-85 to lefties mainly and mimics arm speed. It’s a quality 4 pitch mix with good feel for them all. Webb stands in at a lean and athletic 6-foot-3 frame with more room to add and still plenty of projection remaining. He is currently committed to Texas.
Savion Sims (2026, Carrollton, Texas) went 5 innings while striking out 7 in this look. Control and command were scattered throughout his outing and had a rough first inning but really dialed it in after that and proceeded to get outs when needed. Fastball opened up 93-97 and settled 91-94 getting a ton of extension downhill and playing up. Slider was 80-84 with bullet like shape. Will need to get around it more consistently but can be sharp and solid offering when thrown right. Goes to a cutter in the 87-89 that has shown flashes of big time upside. Also flashed a change at 84. A few things you simply cannot teach which is what makes Sims such an intriguing young prospect for the upcoming draft. You can’t teach being 6-foot-8 with that sort of length and you can’t teach that sort of extension downhill. He has all the ingredients to be a high-end arm if everything hits as he continues to grow into his body. Would expect more body control and fluidity with his motions as he continues to mature and develop. Sims is currently committed to Oklahoma.
Evan O’Connor (2026, Weatherford, Texas) was absolute nails last night. Gave up a 2-run bomb in the first and never looked back after that. Kept composure and proceeded to dominate the next 5 innings. He ended the night with 14 strikeouts and was basically unhittable after the first once he started mixing in his off-speed. It’s 4 quality pitches with good feel for all 4 and pitch-ability really does stand out. He worked 88-91 with his fastball and topped out at 92 locating to all quads of the zone with late life. His fastball got 11 swings and misses when all said and done. Curve was 70-74 with healthy shape and loopy depth. He could land it consistently on the edges. Slider was 78-80 with more sweeper bite to it and could land in zone. Change was 77-81 and comes out the hand easy selling it while mimicking arm speed. Change is best secondary as it showed good fading tumble and got a ton of ugly over the top swings. Projectable 6-foot-2 frame with feel for strikes with all 4 pitches. O’Connor is currently committed to Arizona State.
James Tudor (2027, The Hills, Texas) had a loud night in this look going 3-3 at the plate with 3 extra base-hits while driving in 6 runs helping lead Lake Travis to big district win. Athletic frame that moves well on both sides of the ball. Looks good out at short with actions. In the box, starts upright and widens out with stride into contact. Controlled barrel that levels out and can go gap to gap with authority. Tudor is currently uncommitted.
Canon Lightfoot (2026, Lipan, Texas) had a monster night in this look collecting 3 hits including 2 doubles and one of them nearly left the yard banging off the wall in right. Lightfoot is uber athletic and has always looked the part out at short. He moves well with a strong arm and should stick there at the next level. The bat continues to impress in these looks and could see more power coming around as the swing plays well to having strong pull-side juice. That being said, he profiles more as a bat to ball guy that can go gap to gap with power showing up to the pull-side. Has your typical smooth lefty swing that looks to lift and launch the ball with authority. Lightfoot is currently committed to Panola College.
-Geoff Billock