It was about the most difficult draw imaginable for a one-loss team.

Auburn Mountainview, which advanced to the Class 3A state boys basketball tournament for the first time in program history, was matched up against a team that perhaps has had more success than any other in the state for a generation: Rainier Beach.

That pairing produced a predictable result as the Lions’ season ended Friday night with a 75-61 loss against the Vikings in the regional round of the playoffs at Rogers High School.

Senior standout guard Ryan Lacey, who scored a game-high 24 points, said there was some initial disappointment when they learned they would face Rainier Beach (21-5), but that quickly dissipated.

“I would say there was a little bit of frustration,” he said. “But we knew in order to be the best, we’ve got to beat the best.”

Auburn Mountainview, which finished the season 21-2, struggled to keep pace, though. The Lions trailed 15-7 entering the second quarter and 38-23 at halftime.

“We played really well other than a little bit in the first half,” said Lacey, who reduced his team’s deficit to 62-55 with three minutes left before the Vikings secured the victory with seven unanswered points. “That got us down and we weren’t able to quite get back into it.”

Lacey and center Tristan Miguel, both of whom plan to play next season at Western Oregon University, agreed that had more to do their opponent’s play.

“They’ve got so many weapons that it’s hard to stop,” Miguel said.

Lacey shared similar sentiments.

“They’re very athletic,” he said. “They’re ranked No. 2 in the state for a reason.”

Rainier Beach features players, such as forward Keith Smith, who is ranked four stars (out of five) by multiple recruiting outlets and has signed with the University of Oregon. Another four-star player, junior guard Sam Cuncliffe, who paced the Vikings with 21 points, has committed to Arizona State.

Lacey said while his team is athletic, Rainier Beach “is on another level.”

And that made it difficult for Auburn Mountainview to accomplish what it has done throughout the season.

“You can’t just rely on getting rebounds,” Lacey said. “You’ve got to make sure you box them out all the way.”

The Vikings, who have won eight state championships since 1988, advance to the semifinals at the Tacoma Dome.

“They’re going to have a chance at the state title,” Lacey said. “We wish we could be there.”

Miguel also would like that, but he said he is proud to have helped the Lions to a South Puget Sound Leage 3A title and state.

“It’s something that I’m never going to forget,” he said. “It’s cool to be part of the history and look up 10 years from now and see the banners.”