MUNISING — In late January there may have been more than a few questions about how far into this post-season the Ewen-Trout Creek boys’ basketball team could go.

The Panthers were facing major adversity after an 85-40 blowout loss at Hurley, Wis., followed by a 70-59 setback at Painesdale Jeffers.

Second-ranked E-TC has since risen from the ashes as shown here Tuesday night in a convincing 56-40 triumph over the top-ranked Rudyard Bulldogs in a Division 4 state quarterfinal contest.

The victory sends E-TC (21-4) to the state semifinals for the first time since 1982 when it meets Lake Leelanau St. Mary (20-3) today at 5:30 at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center.

“The hearts in these guys are amazing,” said E-TC coach Brad Besonen. “Their grit and hard work is what got them here. We knew we had to step up this year after scrimmaging teams like Negaunee, Houghton and Kingsford. Maybe it’s just our year.”

Rudyard still had a glimmer of hope midway through the fourth quarter when it was trailing 48-40.

The Panthers then sealed the deal with eight unanswered points, including six by senior Eric Abramson.

Rudyard crept within 24-23 late in the second quarter.

E-TC responded with five unanswered points, gaining a 29-23 edge on a jump shot from the top of the key by senior guard Jaden Borseth one second before halftime.

“We missed too many layups in the first quarter,” said Rudyard coach Jim Suggitt. “The ball didn’t bounce our way many times, then Borseth hit that three right before the half which was huge for them. They’re a good team. There’s no shame in losing to them. Our kids had been playing together 8-10 years. They had a nice ride.”

Neither team scored through the first 2 1/2 minutes of the third until Abramson sank an eight-foot jumper for a 31-23 cushion.

The Bulldogs were within 37-31 following a running jumper from the boulevard by sophomore Cam Peterson with 2:35 remaining in the third.

Senior and two-time Upper Peninsula D-3 cross country champ Jonah Nordine then put the Panthers up by eight on a reverse layup.

The Panthers, who drained 12-of-16 free throws in the contest, led 42-31 after the third.

Borseth finished with 22 points. Senior Kelsey Jilek added 14 and Abramson had 11 for E-TC, which committed 16 turnovers.

“I’m real happy for him,” said Besonen. “Jaden struggled a little in the district, but the team took some of the pressure off him. Rudyard was tough. Their ball movement was very good.”

Senior E.J. Suggitt scored 11 points for the Bulldogs, who were 9-of-12 from the line and had 13 miscues.

Rudyard 8 15 8 9 — 40

Ewen-TC 14 15 13 14 — 56

Rudyard — Besteman 8, Peterson 8, Warner 9, Zeeryp 4, Suggitt 11. FT: 9-12; F: 18; Fouled out: Mayer; 3-point field goal: Warner.

Ewen-Trout Creek — Abramson 11, Nordine 2, Jilek 14, Borseth 22. FT: 16-20; F: 14; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Abramson 3.