[Stardust]

District 35 (Ninth Region): This district just noses out the 33rd for being the area’s toughest over the last few seasons. Covington Catholic (28-11) might just be the team to beat in the region as it returns eight starters and 10 pitchers who accounted for 21 wins from last year’s team, which reached the regional semifinal round and lost a tough 4-2 decision to Conner. Holy Cross (24-8), which returns five starters and must make up for the loss of 12 wins off its pitching staff, and Beechwood (30-9), which returns just three starters and also lost its top two pitchers to graduation, will likely battle for the other regional tournament berth. Holmes (10-11) will be very young and has just one experienced pitcher returning.