Rainier moved within one win of a state tournament berth on Wednesday, topping Forks 58-44 in a 2B District 4 Tournament Elimination Game on Wednesday in Castle Rock.
The Mountaineers came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, building a 23-6 lead, and they maintained that 17-point lead throughout the second quarter.
The second half was more even, with Forks hanging around, but Rainier was able to maintain its lead to extend their season.
Rainier coach Ben Sheaffer said that he was thrilled with the way his group boxed out and controlled the boards, as the Mountaineers out-rebounded the Spartans 35-25, and he also said he was pleased with how they executed their defensive gameplan.
“We have things to clean up as always,” Sheaffer said. “But we are so jacked to be practicing tomorrow.”
Jordan Pringle led Rainier with 16 points, while Peyton Sheaffer added 15. Devin Sheaffer and Nehemiah Linson both scored eight, Ryder Martin added five, Jacob Hanson scored four, and James Morrison added one.
Rainier (13-11) will face Ilwaco, the Pacific 2B League champion, on Friday at W.F. West. The winner will earn a spot in the state tournament and play in the district tournament third-place game on Saturday afternoon in Chehalis.
If the Mountaineers win, it would mark their second straight trip to the state tournament.
