Basketball Game Preview: Rainier Columbians vs. St. Helens Lions

The Rainier Columbians will challenge the St. Helens Lions at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

On Monday, Rainier was beaten by Riverside 70-29. While losing is never fun, the Columbians can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Oregon basketball rankings (they are ranked 242nd, while the Pirates are ranked 75th).

Meanwhile, St. Helens made easy work of Sweet Home on Saturday and carried off a 61-40 victory. That 21 point margin sets a new team best for the Lions this season.

St. Helens' win ended a 12-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-5. As for Rainier, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 2-8.

Rainier came up short against St. Helens in their previous meeting back in December of 2023, falling 57-47. Will Rainier have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more basketball content.