The momentum had shifted Capital’s way. After leading most of the game, the Renton boys basketball team trailed by two points with 6.2 seconds left. The season was on the brink in the winner-to-state, loser-out bi-district game.

But the Indians never doubted their ability and came back to win 56-53 at Auburn High School. With the win, Renton advanced to state for the seventh time in the past eight years.

“Everything was going Capital’s way for a minute,” said Renton senior Hanley Shum. “But we went through the adversity and came out with a win.”

It was Joseph Powell’s leadership at the point, Achoki Moikobu’s clutch free throws, Shum’s scoring, Darrin Briggs’ inside play and more. It was a total team effort for Renton (13-11) as contributions poured in during the win.

“This is a really deserving team,” said Renton coach Rick Comer. “They’ve worked so hard and they’ve got a lot of grit. … None of these guys wanna go home and now we get to be one of the 16 teams that goes to state. I think that’s the perfect reward for all their hard work.”

Moikobu made two free throws to tie the game at 53 with 6.2 seconds left. Capital took the inbounds pass and quickly beat Renton’s press. Briggs blocked a Capital shot and was fouled. Frustrated Cougar players then picked up a technical foul for arguing the call. Briggs nailed two free throws to give Renton the lead and Shum made free throws moments later to ice the game.

For much of the game it looked like it wouldn’t be close. The teams were tied at 17 after the first quarter, but Renton took the momentum in the second quarter. Justin Bennett had the most exciting play of the game when he took a pass from Briggs and slammed the ball home with one hand, bringing the crowd to its feet. The Indians led by seven at the half.

Renton built a 12-point lead in the third quarter, but things turned sour as Capital came roaring back with a 9-0 run.

The referees called a barrage of fouls against the Indians, including two in eight seconds after one of the referees whistled Bennett for delay of game.

Capital took advantage and stayed close. The Cougars broke through with a 51-50 lead with two minutes, 20 seconds left.

Renton was able to stay calm and turn things around.

“The trait of a good team is to find a way to get it done,” Comer said. “These guys understand that.”

Briggs dominated inside, grabbing 22 rebounds and scoring 19 points. The junior described the team’s ascent to state as “shocking” considering how things went through the season.

“It’s not all the skills,” he said of his performance. “I’ve got heart. I play every game like it’s my last game and every shot like it’s my last shot.”

Shum’s hot shooting continued into Tuesday night’s game. Shum scored the first eight points for the Indians against Capital and 11 of the first 13. He totaled 14 in the first half. He finished with 20, making five of 11 three pointers.

Renton plays Mount Rainier in another bi-district game Friday night at 8 p.m. at Auburn High School for seeding into the state tournament.