When asked for one word to describe Hazen’s double-overtime, district playoff win against Kelso Wednesday night, it didn’t take Hazen coach Gary Schaplow long.

“Exciting.”

Hazen (17-5) now plays Lincoln in the second round of the West Central District 3A tournament Friday at 6:15 p.m. at Bonney Lake High School.

The Highlanders controlled the tempo of the game until the fourth quarter. Kelso started adding more pressure on defense and started to chip into Hazen’s double-digit lead.

“We didn’t execute very well in the fourth quarter on the offensive end,” Schaplow said. “We need to get better.”

While Hazen’s short shots were ringing around and popping out of the hoop, Kelso was knocking down long shots. That allowed Kelso to tie the game on a free throw with eight seconds left.

Kelso kept that momentum going in the first overtime and built a three-point lead with less than 40 seconds left.

Senior R.J. Magar came down the floor and calmly hit a three-point basket to tie the game. Hazen’s defense didn’t allow Kelso to get a shot off after that.

Hazen dominated the second overtime, outscoring Kelso 11-2.

“From the very first day I met them (the Hazen players), they’ve had a great competitive spirit,” Schaplow said. “We don’t always do the X’s and O’s like we’re supposed to, but many they play hard.”