Lady Hearts Thrash Charleston; Boys Get Their Chance Friday Night

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The Effingham Lady Hearts posted their fourth straight victory Thursday night, pounding the Charleston Lady Trojans 75-38 at Charleston's Baker Gym.  The game was heard on KJ Country 102.3 and www.kjcountry.com.

The game was a seesaw affair for the first few minutes, but Effingham then took control of the contest.  Effingham led 19-10 after one quarter and outscored Charleston 23-13 in the second period to lead 42-23 at halftime.  The third quarter sealed the deal, as Effingham outscored Charleston 26-6 in the period to lead by 39 points, 68-29.  Charleston outscored the Hearts 9-7 in the fourth period to account for the final margin.

Effingham shot 54% from the field, making 29 of 54, including 11 of 20 from three-point range.  The Lady Hearts made six of 10 foul shots, turned the ball over 14 times but just seven times through the first three quarters, and grabbed 31 rebounds. 

Charleston made just 16 of 53 shots for 30%, made only five of 12 free throws, committed 20 turnovers and pulled down 25 rebounds while making just one of 15 three-point tries.

11 of the 12 girls on the Lady Hearts' roster played considerable minutes and 10 of those scored in the contest.  Jantzen Michael and Caitlin Kaufman each scored 18 points, Kelli Utz added 10 points, Josie Zerrusen had seven, Stephanie Robb and Lauren Stephenson six each, Felicia Totten four, and Maddy Field, Britanny Beals and Taylor Willis two each.

Freshman Dakota Crowder scored 15 points to pace the Charleston attack.

Effingham improved to 4-2 on the season, 1-0 in the Apollo Conference, while Charleston slipped to 4-4, 0-1 in the Apollo.

Effingham won the JV game, 32-28.  Britanny Beals and Lauren Stephenson each scored 10 points to lead the Lady Hearts.  The Effingham JV squad is 1-1. 

The Lady Hearts are back in action Saturday against Olney East Richland.

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Meanwhile, it'll be the boys' turn Friday night as Effingham travels to Charleston for Apollo Conference boys action.  Hear the game on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com.  Effingham already owns one win over Charleston 65-57 at the St. Anthony Thanksgiving Tournament.