Agree mostly with BOLZ717 Regionals predictions for 5A (Region A). Teams I'm more familiar with.....
Hickory - as usual, should arguably be the top team. Won 5A regionals last year. Lost in state semi-finals by one run to the eventual state champion Stafford. Lost some key players but will just reload.
Cox (formerly 6A) should be strong this year especially now that they have senior transfer RHP Josh Grosz (ECU) to bolster their pitching staff. Other players include Virginia commit Ethan Anderson (2022) and First Team All-State OF Slevin (2021). Lost to James River by 1 run in first round of States last year.
First Colonial (also formerly 6A) will be less experienced than usual. I think 7 of last years' starters graduated including one of last years 2 starting pitchers. Still have 2020 LHP Ethan Firoved (Virginia Tech).
Salem lost maybe 6 starters? Four to graduation and 2 transferred? Starting LHP Colton Robinson (2020 VMI) and C Cade Brewer (2020 ODU) returning. Lost to Maury first round of Regionals.
Not sure what to expect from potential dark horse Princess Anne. They have a new coach this year. Three starters graduated. Two experienced starting pitchers returning - LHP Tyler Horton (2020 Radford) and LHP Jordan Irizarry (2021 Campbell).
6A Ocean Lakes from the Beach area should be good again as well.