Chances for a repeat

We've given you our Four for 2012 and the returning all-stars (both Mid-Penn and All-Sentinel), so now it's time to look at the chances the four state champions have of repeating next year.

The teams are graded on a percentage scale (0-100), with the higher the number constituting a better chance of winner back-to-back gold medals at Penn State's Medlar Field next June.

Class AAAA
Conestoga (35 percent) -- The Pioneers lose six players who started the state final including pitcher Austin Little, who went 5 1/3 innings against Spring Ford. Conestoga welcomes back only one of the three pitchers who went to the mound against the Rams.

Class AAA
Northern (75 percent) -- Yes, a few big names are gone. It's not going to be easy replacing Joe Tuschak and Andrew Keirn, but if coach Brian Robison can find a reliable No. 2 pitcher to backup Vince Apicella, look out. The Polar Bears, who beat Tunkhannock for their first state baseball title, will return almost entirely intact next year.

Class AA
Riverside (20 percent) -- One of the most consistent program in the Pittsburgh area has a rebuilding effort in front of it. The Panthers return only three players that started the state final. How will coach Dan Oliastro replace Ryan Finnegan and Nick Pollio?

Class A
Serra Catholic (95 percent) -- These guys were supposed to be a year away. That's a scary thought, isn't it? Ace left-handed pitcher Alain Girman and his perfect varsity record (24-0) returns for his senior year. We will be shocked if a program in the west knocks Serra out before it arrives at Medlar Field. But, a team from the east that's played big schools all year and taken it's lumps (Camp Hill, anyone?) could prevent a repeat.