Lions continue best start in two years, will host Hood River Valley in 2018 opener

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The Lions will leap into the new year ahead of their 2016-17 curve after a 34-25 win Wednesday at Class 4A Seaside.

St. Helens (4-5 overall) played its best defense since it won its 2015-16 opener 35-18 in Scappoose, and allowed the Seagulls (3-7) their fewest points of the season in repaying last year's 82-46 home loss.

The Lions can continue their best start in two years with a home win against all-Columbia River Conference junior guard Emily Curtis and Hood River Valley, who beat visiting St. Helens 53-45 last season, scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 3.

The Eagles are 6-3 and score as many points (43) as they allow as of Wednesday, while St. Helens goes for 40 points and gives up 37.