Hazen got 25 points from freshman Frankie Johnson, but Renton had too much speed and balance for the Highlanders to handle. The Indains won 62-52 Jan. 6.

The teams played evenly through the first quarter and Renton led by a slim four points at the half.

“We just didn’t come out with the fire we normally come out with,” said Renton coach Rick Comer. “We just weren’t in sync defensively and they took advantage of those things.”

Derek Lowe and Nathan Guy combined for 17 points in the third quarter as the Indians pulled away. Renton outscored Hazen 19-11 in the quarter and led by 12 heading into the fourth.

Hazen momentarily pulled back into range late in the game. Johnson hit a shot with 47 seconds left to bring Hazen within five points, but Lowe hit a free throw on the next possession and Achoki Moikobu ended the game with four straight points.

Lowe led the Indians with 14 points, while Guy added 12. Moikobu scored 10.

Senior Joseph Holifield managed to score eight points despite getting into foul trouble and not playing much in the second half. Holifield is leading the Indians in scoring at 12.83 points per game this season.

Hazen coach James Olive said he was happy with his team’s defensive effort, but it suffered because of turnovers.

“We really didn’t take care of the ball,” he said. “We also didn’t get scoring from guys we usually do.”

Renton contained Hazen senior Caleb Frary who scored six points, his lowest total this season. Sophomore R.J. Magar scored seven points, just the third time this season he failed to reach double digits.

Johnson was a bright spot for Hazen. The 5-foot-6 freshman was lightning-quick all night and his total of 25 points is a high for this season.

“He was really tough,” Comer said. “He kept us on our heels. He’s a solid kid.”

The Indians hadn’t played a game since Dec. 16 when they beat Lindbergh.

Renton’s speed caused matchup problems for Hazen, as it has for most teams this season.

“They’re so quick,” Olive said. “I couldn’t play my big guys very much because they’re just too slow.”

That advantage allowed Renton to play three or even four guards through the game and push the tempo.

The play of the night came when Guy (a transfer from Pittsburgh) stole the ball and drove to the hoop for an emphatic, one-handed dunk. The sophomore’s dunk with just over four minutes left in the third quarter, pushed Renton’s lead to 12 points.

Both teams play again tonight (Friday). Renton plays Evergreen (3-2, 2-1) while Hazen plays Highline (4-2, 1-2).