(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) Norway leadoff hitter Tucker Buchanan (40) runs out an infield single in Monday’s quarterfinal game versus Tecumseh American in the 9-10 year- old Michigan Little League Tournament at Marion Park in Norway.

NORWAY — Despite having to come from behind early, and despite their opponent scoring some runs late in the game, Norway’s 9- and 10-year-old Little League All-Stars got 10 runs in the fifth inning and cruised to a 16-7 win over Tecumseh American on Monday in a quarterfinal game of the state tournament at Marion Park.

“We’re in the final four in the state. At this age level, and in a tournament that we are hosting, it’s impressive and I am so proud of this team and the boys,” said Norway head coach Scott Sternhagen. “There’s kids who have gotten better and better throughout the season.”

Tecumseh took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the opening inning, though their lead could have been by at least another run had it not been for a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch by Norway left fielder Brock Vanginkel, right in front of a group of fans who lined the outfield fence of CLA Field.

After a scoreless second inning, Norway took their first lead of the game in the top half of inning No. 3.

Both leadoff hitter Tucker Buchanan and first baseman Colton Lord reached base on walks. With one out and two runners on base, catcher Landon DeBakker ripped a double to right field, plating Buchanan and Lord.

DeBakker also scored moments later off of a wild pitch and then a throwing error by the Tecumseh catcher, as Norway took a 3-1 lead. Tecumseh tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom half of the inning, as Norway got a bit sloppy with throwing errors.

With one out in the top of the fourth, Buchanan walked and starting pitcher Tyler Sternhagen reached on a fielder’s choice. Lord came up and smashed a shot past third base.

Both Buchanan and Sternhagen scored, and Lord later scored, as Norway took a 6-3 lead and didn’t look back. In the top of the fifth, things unraveled for Tecumseh, which is 35 miles southwest of Ann Arbor.

“We put some balls in play in the fifth, but the boys had patience and good eyes at the plate, drawing several walks, which we got runs off of,” coach Sternhagen said.

Jaxson Walker led off the inning with a triple and later scored. Norway batted through their lineup in the inning, as Walker ended up scoring again.

Zayden Rochon, Trenton Halvas, Buchanan, Sternhagen, DeBakker, Tristan Lessor, Dylan Erickson and Hunter Langin all scored in the inning.

Also in the Norway half of the fifth, Erickson cracked an RBI single, while Sternhagen, Buchanan and Lessor all got credit for RBIs on walks, as Norway had a convincing 16-3 lead after 4 1/2 innings.

Tecumseh plated four runs in their half of inning No. 5, which wiped away the 10-run mercy rule, although neither team got much going in the final inning. Norway now advances to the tournament semifinals.

Sternhagen had another strong outing on the mound before being relieved by Langin, once Norway had a convincing lead.

“We were ahead by over a dozen runs, so I right away thought I should take Tyler out in case we need him down the road in the tournament,” coach Sternhagen said. “He was pitching well enough, I second guess myself now, but we got the win and we’re moving on.”

Norway will face Midland-Northwest out of District 1 at 2:30 p.m. today on Brackett Field. Northwest defeated Western Little League 6-0 in the second quarterfinal game on Monday afternoon.

The other semifinal game will be at 5:30 p.m. on Brackett Field with a matchup of two 4-0 teams. South Portage, who defeated Norway on Friday in pool play, will take on Greater Bay, from the Bay City Little League.

South Portage defeated Marine City 10-0 on Monday, while Greater Bay slipped past Reford Livonia 6-4, also on Monday.

The state championship game is scheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. on Brackett Field.