HAYDEN — For the first time in 12 years, the Boundary County Little League All-Stars 12U are advancing in the state tournament following a 10-4 victory over Silver Valley last Friday. 

The all-stars were led by Weston Anderson, who Boundary County Little League President Matt Pluid described as a weapon for the team. Anderson certainly proved that, striking out nine batters while only giving up one run in 3.1 innings on the bump. 

While Anderson shut down Silver Valley's offense, Boundary County took advantage, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Charley Maas, Charles Wold and Anderson had two hits, with Maas driving in two runs in the game. 

Pluid said that despite the theatrics of the tournament, which included announcers, they told the team this was just another baseball game in an effort to calm their nerves.  

"We told them if they did what they did all season, they'd be fine," Pluid said. "And they were." 

After jumping out to the early lead, Anderson and Boundary County found themselves in trouble with Silver Valley loading the bases. It was there that their nerves of steel kicked in with Anderson climbing his way back from a 3-1 count to strike out the final batter of the inning and get out of the bases-loaded jam. 

"OK, we got this in the bag," Pluid said, recalling his thoughts after Anderson worked them out of the inning. 

Anderson and Myles Pluid drove in runs alongside Maas to continue adding to their lead. Hendrick Hawks hit a single in the fifth, and Mason Pluid worked two walks in the winning effort. 

George Winkelseth picked up where Anderson left off after relieving him in the fourth inning, striking out five batters and only conceding two runs. He closed out the Boundary County win, securing their names in the history of Boundary County Little League. 

The all-stars will next face Post Falls on July 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Croffott Park in Hayden. Boundary County will play another game on the weekend, but their matchup and time will depend on the result of Thursday's game.