Hearts Improve to 2-0 w/Win at Mattoon

The Effingham Hearts posted a 78-56 win Tuesday night at Mattoon over the Green Wave. The contest was heard on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com. 

The first few minutes indicated it would be anybody's game, but adjustments by the Hearts following the mid-first quarter break, saw Effingham score 11 straight points and they were never headed.

Effingham led the game 17-7 after one quarter, 44-22 at halftime, and 65-43 after three quarters. The teams played the second half even at 34-34, but the Hearts were able to maintain the 22-point halftime advantage.

Effingham shot 48% from the field, making 30 of 63 shots including eight of 24 threes. The Hearts made 10 of 16 foul shots, turned the ball over 12 times and pulled down 42 rebounds.

Mattoon made 36% of its shots, 21 of 58 including eight of 28 threes. The Green Wave made just five of 12 free throws, turned the ball over 16 times, and grabbed 33 rebounds.

For Effingham, Nate Thompson led with 28 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and had four assists. Parker Wolfe scored 21 points, pulled down seven rebounds and had two assists. Garrett Wolfe was also in double figures with 11 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jacob Stoneburner scored seven points with eight rebounds. Brayden Pals had four points with two blocked shots, Andrew Donaldson hit a three-pointer, and Dalton Fox and Jett Volpi each scored two points. 

Malik Carter-Smith led Mattoon with 23 points.

Effingham won the JV game 62-42. There were four JV Hearts in double figures; Jett Volpi with 16 points, Dalton Fox with 12, and Ethan Ritz and Max Hardiek with 10 points apiece.