Hearts Move Into Regional Championship Game

The Effingham Hearts spotted the Mascoutah Indians a 6-0 lead, but then began a steady climb toward a 47-30 victory Wednesday night in a game heard on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com. 

After Mascoutah took the early lead, Effingham outscored the Indians 10-3 for the balance of the period to take a 10-9 lead.  The Hearts outscored Mascoutah 9-5 to lead 19-14 at halftime, outpointed the Indians 16-10 in the third period to lead 35-24, and outscored Mascoutah 12-6 in the fourth quarter to post the 17-point win.

Effingham shot the ball well, making 21 of 40 shots for 53% including one of four on three-point tries.  Effingham made four of six foul shots, turned the ball over just six times and grabbed 23 rebounds.

Mascoutah was held to 33% shooting, making just 11 of 33 shots and canning just five of 13 free throws.

Hunter Keith led a balanced Effingham attack with 13 points, all in the second half.  Leighton Lark finished with 10 points.  Also for Effingham: Jake Stombaugh and Clark Williamson with six points each, Alex Carie four, Trenton Frey three, Tim Gardewine and Kennan Mahaffey two points each, and Kyle Niebrugge one point.

Marshall Moore led Mascoutah with eight points.  Mascoutah finishes the season with a 10-13 record.

Effingham improved to 22-6 on the season. The Hearts will play Centralia at Centralia for the regional championship Friday at 7:30 p.m..  The game will be on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com. 

Effingham Fans Ticket Information: All regional tickets will be $4 as set by the Illinois High School Association. Tickets will be sold Thursday, February 28 during 4A and 4B lunch for players, cheerleaders, managers and coaches. During 4A and 4B lunch, students (one ticket per student) and EHS staff. From 1-3 p.m., EHS basketball season ticket holders (one regional ticket for each season ticket, bring your season tickets with you to purchase regional tickets). Friday ticket sales will be for general admission. Any remaining tickets will be sold in the high school office from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Class 3A Centralia Regional

EFFINGHAM (47)

Carie 2-0 -- 4, Mahaffey 1-0 -- 2, Robinson 0-0 -- 0, Daugherty 0-0 -- 0, Knight 0-0 -- 0, Wohltman 0-0 -- 0, Lark 4-2 -- 10, Frey 1-1 -- 3, Ja. Stombaugh 3-0 -- 6, Keith 6-0 -- 13, Forman 0-0 -- 0, Niebrugge 0-1 -- 1, Jo. Stombaugh 0-0 -- 0, Williamson 3-0 -- 6, Gardewine 1-0 -- 2. TOTALS 21 FG, 4 FT.

MASCOUTAH (30)

Olson 0-0 -- 0, Nelson 1-0 -- 3, Parks 2-1 -- 6, Oltman 1-0 -- 2, Manley 0-0 -- 0, Moore 3-1 -- 8, Limuel 2-0 -- 4, King 2-3 -- 7, Duprey 0-0 -- 0, Norrenbems 0-0 -- 0, White 0-0 -- 0. TOTALS 11 FG, 5 FT.

Effingham         10    9    16    12    --    47

Mascoutah          9    5    10      6    --    30

3-point FG -- Effingham 1 (Keith 1), Mascoutah 3 (Nelson 1, Parks 1, Moore 1).