[Stardust]

Dixie Heights (20-15) has long been the team to beat and is seeking its sixth straight championship, which it will to have a good chance to earn thanks to having five returning starters and six capable pitchers. St. Henry (8-16) overcame sub-.500 regular seasons the last four years to advance to the regional tournament each time and new coach Bob Mullins inherits a team that returns all of its starters from last season. Lloyd (14-12) returns seven starters from a team that lost to St. Henry in the district semifinals, 2-1. Ludlow (6-11) is young, but does return its best pitcher and hitter in junior Tim Helmer. Villa Madonna (2-27) has 10 juniors who have significant playing experience and lost just one key starter.