McLean County Times

Illinois State University's baseball team, under the leadership of head coach Steve Holm, has introduced its 2025 signing class. The new recruits include five athletes who have committed to furthering their academic and athletic pursuits at the university.

The new players are Zach Bava from Naperville, Illinois; Jackson Natanek from Palos Heights, Illinois; Dominic Panozzo from Bourbonnais, Illinois; Carter Sellers from Maineville, Ohio; and Brayden Zilis from Minooka, Illinois.

Coach Holm expressed enthusiasm about each recruit. "Zach Bava is the 4th ranked catcher in the state of Illinois from Naperville North High School. Zach is a high energy catcher who seems to make all those around him better. Along with a plus arm behind the plate, the left-handed hitting catcher has proven he has a true hit tool."

Regarding Jackson Natanek, Holm stated: "Jackson is the 6th ranked SS in the state of Illinois from Brother Rice High School. Natanek has multiple tools, he has shown plus bat speed and the ability to take mature at bats against high level pitching, to go along with his glove work. Jackson also pitches, he possesses a 91-mph fast ball that he couples with a 2800 spin slider."

Holm described Dominic Panozzo as "a late blooming right-handed pitcher from Bishop McNamara High School in Illinois. Dom jumped on the recruiting scene this summer flashing a heavy fastball up to 94 MPH plus a changeup and curveball to go with it. Panozzo can control games on the mound with the three-pitch mix. We see Dom having to ability to be a starting pitcher for the Redbirds when he gains experience."

On Carter Sellers: "Carter Sellers is a big left-handed pitcher from Little Miami High School in Maineville, Ohio. Sellers has proven that he can use multiple pitches and the big frame will allow for much more to come. Carter, who is already 6'6", reminds the staff of a young Brent Headrick."

Lastly, Holm commented on Brayden Zilis: "Brayden Zilis is the 5th ranked SS in the state of Illinois from Minooka HS. Zilis is a plus runner and plus defender who we believe will be able to impact our game immediately. Brayden is a left-handed hitting SS with bat-to-ball skills and gets down the line very well."

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