Looking back: The four for 2009

A few weeks after Camp Hill had won the PIAA Class A title, we decided to take a peek ahead to the spring of 2009. Taking a page from Baseball America's 'Eight for Omaha' feature (the monthly magazine picks the top eight teams it thinks will reach the next year's College World Series) we decided to do the same in terms of our area baseball teams.

These are the teams we said had the best shot to make a dent in the District 3 tournament and possibly reach the state field. Here are the teams we picked and an update on where they stand:

Camp Hill
What we said: We liked the experience returning as only one player was lost to graduation but worried about a No. 2 pitcher. Filling in nicely is Matt Boyd, a senior right-hander is who 6-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 37 innings of work.

Where they stand: The Lions, at 16-2, will be the top seed when the District 3 Class A brackets are released. But it's not all joy in Brad Shover's camp. Leadoff hitter and speedy outfielder Matt Robertson is out for an unknown time with an injury to one of his arms. That's a big hole, especially for a team that doesn't score a ton of runs.

How far they'll go: If the offense does just enough, the pitching will take this team far. The stumbling block will probably be the state quarterfinals where Boyd will be tested. If health isn't an issue, look for a return to the state final. If the offense goes cold and more bodies fall, it could be an early end for the defending champions.

The verdict: PIAA Class A quarterfinalists.

Susquenita
What we said: The team lost a few key people but had more than enough back to make a run, which they have done in staying in the Mid-Penn Colonial race until the end and beating rival West Perry three times.

Where they stand: The Blackhawks finished third in the Colonial behind pitchers Taylor Nace (6-0, 1.67 ERA) and Justin Malehorn (5-2, 5.13). With a 13-5 record, Susquenita will likely be a top 10 seed in the District 3-AAA field.

How far they'll go: That depends on the draw. The team will probably play, and win, in the preliminary round. From there, it's unknown as Class AAA is very deep this season. With only one senior, any prolonged playoff run will help next year, when this team should be very, very good.

The verdict: District 3 Class AAA quarterfinalists.

Northern
What we said: Quin Taylor had to step up and improve as a pitcher. Consider that mission accomplished. Taylor is 4-2 with a 3.16 ERA for the Mid-Penn Colonial champion Polar Bears. We also thought Sam Crater and Hank Sanders would be two of the better players on the team in terms of stats and they haven't disappointed.

Where they stand: With an offense that can mash the ball, Northern (15-6) has again found its stride after two late-season losses that nearly cost it the division. Still, in the Mid-Penn semifinals, the P-Bears crushed Red Land, 11-2, to reach the championship against Mechanicsburg on Wednesday night. More important is the District 3-AAA field. Just like 'Nita, anything can happen but it looks like Northern will also be a top 10 seed that needs to play through the preliminary round.

How far they'll go: Crater (8-0, 2.17 ERA) and Taylor are a tough 1-2 punch on the mound. The offense, which went silent in a 7-1 loss to Waynesboro on Friday, needs to continue to score runs for this team to survive a minefield of a bracket.

The verdict: PIAA Class AAA first round.

Trinity
What we said: We liked the offense and the pitching but couldn't get past the fact Trinity was moving to Class AAA, which is still a major concern.

Where they stand: A.J. Weaver (5-2, 2.66 ERA) and Mike Hnatuck (4-0, 2.23) have done the job this year while the offense can boast five players batting above .350. Still, it's going to be a chore for the Shamrocks (11-6) to do any real damage in the 3-AAA field. We like Al Hobby and the team but simply think they got a raw deal.

How far they'll go: The great thing about the playoffs is the world play. Last year West Perry was seeded No. 22 and made the quarterfinals. It's not out of the question for Trinity to make a similar run (early indications are the team will be seeded between No. 12 and 15). If it is to happen, the Shamrocks will need great pitching, flawless defense and a potent offense to keep the train rolling.

The verdict: District 3 Class AAA first round.