The opening rounds of the Area 3 little league all-star tournament were played this weekend in Barbourville and Middlesboro.

Middlesboro’s 11-12 All-Stars dominated the competition. After defeating Pineville-Bell 7-3 in the first round, they took out Knox County’s squad, 13-3, in the second round, automatically advancing to the districts.

Pineville-Bell defeated Knox County 24-1, allowing Pineville-Bell to advance to the districts, eliminating Knox County.

“I think we showed up nervous,” said Pineville-Bell coach Darrin Clark. “Middlesboro had some great pitching and hitting. They looked like they were having a lot of fun out there and played loose. They just beat us.

“I think that loss really woke us up. We came out a lot more loose against Knox County. We played good defense and we hit the ball well. It really gave us the spark we needed.”

In the 9- and 10-year-old age group, Knox County dominated the first two rounds. After taking down Pineville-Bell, Knox County defeated Middlesboro.

Pineville-Bell defeated Middlesboro in the second round to advance, along with Knox County, to the districts. Middlesboro was eliminated with the loss to Pineville-Bell.