Published on January 22, 2026 9:56 am
Last Updated on January 22, 2026 1:17 pm
BY MILLIE LANGE
VANDALIA — Effingham High School continues to slay opponents as the latest victim was Hillsboro. The Hearts pounded the Hiltoppers by a 78-27 count Wednesday evening at the Vandalia Girls Basketball Tournament.
The Hearts got their weapons going early, running out to a 22-3 opening quarter lead and pushing that lead to 47-15 at halftime lead.
EHS then had a 21-2 third period and put the game on ice.
Alyssa Martin and Averie Wolfe led the way with 21 points each.
In the second game of the evening, Salem edged Wesclin, 40-36.
Tonight’s games have Mattoon against Mascoutah at 6 p.m. and Vandalia meeting Greenville at 7:30.
Effingham advances to the championship game to face Salem at 730 p.m. Friday (NOTE THE DAY AND TIME CHANGE)
At Vandalia
EFFINGHAM (78)
Engel 0, Martin 21, Raddatz 8, Wolfe 21, Hayes 8, Wendling 6, Weis 4, Love 6, Braun 2, Ohnesorge 2
HILLSBORO (27)
Christian 5, Davis 6, Connor 1, Helton 2, A. Greenwood 3, Peterson 4, K. Greenwood 3, Houchei 3, Adams 0
Effingham 22 25 21 10 — 78
Hillsboro 3 10 5 9 — 27
Highland Tournament
Three games were contested Wednesday evening at the Highland Tournament.
Highland defeated Okawville 47-29 while Bethalto Civic Memorial won over Carlyle, 75-49. In the final game of the evening, Nashville downed Chatham Glenwood 59-49.
The tournament continues tonight as Teutopolis meets Lift For Life at 5 p.m. for the right to advance to the fifth place contest Saturday. The second game is Centralia against O’Fallon at 6:30 with the winner also heading to the fifth place contest. Bethalto Civic Memorial meets Breese Central at 8 p.m. for the right to avance to the championship game Saturday against Nashville.