HIBBING – Despite building a 12-point lead in the second half, Ely lost to South Ridge, 63-53, in the Section 7A semifinals here on Wednesday.

“We just couldn’t hit any big shots in the second half,” said Ely Coach Tom McDonald about the 63-53 upset. “They pulled away by making free throws when we were forced to foul them.”

The Panthers closed the gap by concentrating on the long ball. Dominic Janke drained four from beyond the arc, and teammate Kody Karppinen added a trio of treys.

Ely also struggled at the free-throw line in the second half, hitting only five out 15 from the charity stripe in the second half. The Wolves were 8-for-19 on free-throw attempts for the game. By contrast, South Ridge was 12 for 21, and hit eight of 12 tries from the charity stripe in the second half.

Matt Vanderbeek led the Wolves with 17 points. Sean Jordan added 13 points and 13 rebounds while Justin Poderzay contributed nine points and nine rebounds. Mark Heiman was credited with 12 assists and seven rebounds.

The Wolves enjoyed a record-breaking season this year, earning 27 runs — four more than the previous school record of 23.

“The toughest paart of losing was knowing we lost seven quality seniors,” said McDonald. “They have been a big part of our success this season and it will be hard to replace them.” Seniors include Heiman, Jordan, Vanderbeek, Poderzay, Max Gantt, Darrell Dowden and Will Gustafson.

“So we will lose all five starters and two key people off the bench,” said McDonald.