The South Columbus All-Stars, who last week went unbeaten in winning the District 2 AA (coach-pitch) Tournament at Tabor City, will face Hope Mills Saturday at 3 in the opening round of the North Carolina Dixie Youth AA Baseball Tournament at the Leland Dixie Youth complex.

The 12-team, double-elimination tournament for players ages 6 through 8 is scheduled to run through next Wednesday or Thursday.

South Columbus, which will make its first-ever appearance in the state AA Tournament, is coached by Shane Wright, Mike Byars, Daniel Spencer and Rudy Benton.

The South Columbus AA All-Stars are Cole Miller, Jacob Gore, Jay Wright, Madison Benton, Mason Benton, Mason Miller, Mike Byars, Mario Hernandez, Jaret Whittington, Alex Caines, Austin Helms, Cade Hinson and Robbie Spencer.

The South Columbus took two wins over Columbus County and two wins over Nakina to capture the District 2 Tournament.

South Columbus will not take on a stranger when it meets Hope Mills Saturday. The two squads clashed in a practice game at Clarkton two weeks ago with South Columbus coming out on top.