The Hazen boys basketball team topped Mountlake Terrace 67-60 in the first round of the 3A state tournament Friday evening.

The Highlanders (21-6) trailed by nine points heading into the fourth quarter, and by as many as 12 early in the final period. Then the team ripped off a 9-0 on the strength of outstanding pressure defense to pull within three points.

Mountlake Terrace still appeared to be in control of the game, ahead by four points with 24 seconds left. Hazen’s De’Corrius Sampson made a driving layup with 14 seconds left. Brandt Graybeal stole the inbounds pass and made a shot with five seconds left to tie the game.

Graybeal scored 22 points to lead Hazen. Sampson added 17. Frankie Johnson scored 11 points.

Michael Dampier made a three-pointer early in the overtime to give Hazen its first lead since the opening minutes of the game. The Highlanders never trailed again, leading by as many as 10 in overtime.

The win is Hazen’s first at state since 1998.

Hazen will play the loser of Friday night’s Seattle Prep/Glacier Peak game Saturday at 3 p.m. at Marysville-Pilchuck High School.

Check back Monday for full coverage of this game and the rest of Hazen’s state run, plus a photo slideshow.