Lady Hearts, Lady Eagles Win at Newton Girls Tourney

The Effingham Lady Hearts posted their first win of the season Wednesday night, defeating Mt. Zion 51-36 at the Bob Kerans Newton Girls Basketball Tournament.

Effingham held a slim 14-12 edge after the first quarter, but extended the lead to 33-26 at halftime and put the game away with a 12-4 third quarter edge to lead 45-30.

Caitlin Kaufman led Effingham with 12 points and Kelli Utz added 10 points.  Maddy Field scored eight points, Felicia Totten scored seven, Jantzen Michael scored five points and grabbed six rebounds, Josie Zerrusen scored four points and grabbed four boards on her 17th birthday, and Lauren Stephenson and Morgan Wilson each added two points.

Effingham Coach Jeff Schafer said, "Tonight, we played a much more complete game.  Our intensity was much better.  Kelli Utz had nine assists and just one turnover.  Our older kids made better decisions and our younger kids followed suit.  Maddy Field and Felicia Totten both played well in their first starts.  Our bench really contributed, as well."

Effingham is now 1-2 on the season.  They'll next play against Cumberland at the tournament Friday at 4:30pm.

In the other game at the Newton Tournament Wednesday, Newton edged Flora 33-31.