By the time the excited Hazen crowd started chanting “State!” with 5.9 seconds left, it was clear exactly what the 60-52 win against Kennedy Catholic meant for the Highlanders.

It meant Hazen had just won its third loser-out game in the past days, and it meant the Highlanders were going to state for the first time since 2002.

R.J. Magar, one of the team’s five seniors, was all smiles while celebrating with his team on the floor.

“This is what we’ve been working toward for four seasons,” he said. “It feels great.”

Magar led Hazen (20-6) with 21 points, including many clutch three-pointers to keep the Highlanders alive.

As it was the third time these teams had played this season (they split the first two), the Lancers and Highlanders looked very familiar early as each went on a number of runs.

Kennedy led 12-4 early, then Hazen responded with a 12-0 run to lead 16-14. Then it was Kennedy who controlled the second quarter, outscoring Hazen 23-11 and entering the half with a 10-point lead.

“I’d rather be up by 10 or 12 at the half,” said Hazen coach Gary Schaplow. “But the very first time I watched these kids play before I even got the job, I was impressed with their competitive spirit and they will flat compete.”

Hazen trailed 45-34 with two minutes left in the third quarter when the momentum finally swung.
Kennedy’s leading scorer, Mitch Penner, picked up his fourth foul and left the game for an extended period.

Hazen’s Frankie Johnson nailed a three-pointer, Brandt Graybeal stole the ball and finished the play with a two-handed dunk, and De’Corrius Sampson drained a lay-up. Suddenly, Hazen was down by just four at the end of the third.

The teams continued to trade blows until five late points by Graybeal allowed Hazen to pull ahead 56-52 with just over a minute left. The Highlander defense held and Johnson and Magar added late free throws.

“It’s awesome,” Sampson said. “I can’t even grasp it. From the start, this was our goal. It was a battle, but the better team won tonight.”

Graybeal scored 13 points for Hazen. Johnson added 11 and Sampson 10.

Hazen plays Mountlake Terrace in the first round of the state tournament Friday at Marysville-Pilchuck High School at 5:45 p.m.