By Stacia Kalinoski

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- The best and brightest young readers from our area tested their minds against each other Saturday, as 485 students faced off in the Regional Oregon Battle of the Books Tournament.

Volunteers including KEZI 9 News Anchor Holly Menino and KEZI Meteorologist Justin Stapleton asked the tough questions as third graders all the way up to high school seniors competed for a chance at state.

It's the first year high school students got a chance to compete, something two Willamette High School freshmen were happy about.

The top teams advance to the state competition in Salem in April.