EHS Falls To Flora, Newton Downs Altamont

NEWTON -- Effingham High School's tremendous comeback bid fell short as the Hearts dropped a 46-45 decision to Flora in the Bob  Kerans Newton Girls Basketball Tournament Tuesday evening.

The Wolves edged out to a 15-12 opening quarter lead and pushed that to 28-20 at halftime. Flora was still in control with a 6-4 third period run to lead 34-24 going into the final period. The Hearts came roaring back with a 21-12 run but couldn't overcome the big start by Flora.

"This was a tough loss," said EHS Coach Jeff Schafer. "We played so poorly, partly due to how good Flora is, but partly due to our decision-making with the basketball. We did a poor job on the Jones girl in the first half, giving her 17 points. In the second half, Miranda Fox came in and was up to the challenge and Jones only scored two baskets, Flora's only two baskets in the second half. They had two baskets and 14 free throws in the second half.

"After trailing by as many as 12 in the second half to have a one-for one free throw and a three-footer to win the game was incredible. The kids never quit playing and that is why they are so enjoyable to coach. We were written off for dead and played up until the buzzer sounded and just needed one more play somewhere.

"To Flora's credit, they were 14 of 16 from the line in the second half and 12 for 14 in the fourth quarter and our kids still overcame that. This is one to learn from and build on. Miranda Fox, Sidney Webster and Shelby Myers had great second halfs, but also a great team effort to give us a chance."

The Hearts were led in scoring by Shelby Myers with 16 and Carsyn Fearday with 10 points. Jones finished with 30 to lead Flora.

In the second contest, Newton had a big scoring opening quarter, taking a 25-6 lead on Altamont then the two teams played pretty even the rest of the way. But that big quarter gave the Eagles a 52-28 victory.

Hartrich tallied 21 points for the winners while Frohning chipped in with 12 points.

Altamont was led by Stone with nine and Mayhaus with eight.

The tournamentn continues tonight as Altamont faces Flora at 5 followed by Effingham meeting Newton at 6:30 and Cumberland taking on Flora at 8.

Newton Tournament

Game Three

EFFINGHAM (45)

Depoister 0-0 -- 0, Fearday 3-4 -- 10, Armstrong 1-0 -- 3, Steffen 1-1 -- 3, Fox 1-0 -- 2, Webster 3-0 -- 6, Nunamaker 0-0 -- 0, Crowell 1-0 -- 2, Barr 1-1 -- 3, Myers 7-2 -- 16. TOTALS 18 FG, 8 FT.

FLORA (46)

Carder 1-4 -- 6, Cammon 1-0 -- 3, Jones 9-10 -- 30, Bunting 1-0 -- 2, Krutsinger 1-0 -- 2, Jennings 0-3 -- 3. TOTALS 13 FG, 17 FT.

Effingham            12       8    4    21    --    45

Flora                     15    13    6    12    --    46

3-point FG -- Effingham 1 (Armstrong 1), Flora 3 (Cammon 1, Jones 2).

Game Four

NEWTON (52)

Hartrich 9-3 -- 21, Frohning 6-0 -- 12, Cohorst 2-3 -- 7, Earnest 2-1 -- 5, Pilman 1-3 -- 5, Kline 1-0 -- 2. TOTALS 21 FG, 10 FT.

ALTAMONT (28)

Stone 4-1 -- 9, Mayhaus 4-0 -- 8, Mette 3-1 -- 7, Hosick 1-0 -- 3, Paquette 0-1 -- 1. TOTALS 12 FG, 3 FT.

Newton             25    7    12    8    --    52

Altamont            6    6    12    4    --     28

3-point FG -- Newton 0, Altamont 1 (Hosick 1).