For Hazen, a 61-50 win over Renton Wednesday was more than just a simple league victory.

It was the first time the Highlanders had topped Renton in at least five seasons, and it sends a message to the rest of the Seamount that this Hazen team means business.

“I think it shows we compete,” said Hazen coach James Olive. “Hazen is done being the guys that are complacent. These guys come out and fight with a lot of heart and a lot of confidence.”

Renton (3-6 overall, 3-2 Seamount) led 17-16 after the first quarter, but ran into struggles offensively and managed just seven points in the second quarter.

At the same time Hazen (8-2, 4-2) benefited from the hot shooting of R.J. Magar and stretched out a nine-point lead at the half.

Hazen started the third quarter on a 10-run, aided by two more Magar three-pointers.

“The kids executed the plays to perfection,” Olive said. “That’s what allowed us to really spread open the gap and increase our momentum.”

Magar led Hazen with 20 points. He is averaging 17.4 points per game this season.

“That’s a really big win for us,” Magar said. “I’ve never beaten Renton while I’ve been here. I just scoped out their defense and saw where I could go to get open shots.”

Renton adjusted to Magar’s hot shooting and covered him tightly man-to-man late in the third quarter. That opened things up for the rest of Hazen’s offense, especially on the inside. Forward Dewit Kawa scored 16 points for the Highlanders.

Hazen led by as many as 20 points in the third quarter and finished the period ahead by 18.

Renton edged closer in the final quarter as Achoki Moikobu got to the free-throw line time after time while playing aggressively on offense. The Indians’ trapping defense got some turnovers, but Renton could only get as close as 11.

Moikobu led all game scorers with 23 points and is averaging 17.5 points per game this season.