“At halftime, we talked less about the game and more about energy,” Farmer explained. “We needed to come out on fire. Yes, we made a couple adjustments, but we put more emphasis on playing with energy. The kids really responded. They really brought it.”

Effingham easily had it best third quarter performance of the year. Wolfe, Pals and Ethan Ritz all knocked down three-pointers and Dalton Fox went 4-for-4 from the free throw line, helping the Hearts go on a 16-4 scoring spree, turning a three-point halftime deficit into an 43-34 advantage heading into the final eight minutes.

Another key was the play of Pals. The 6’5” senior turned in an impressive double-double, scoring 16 points and pulling down 16 rebounds.

“That was the best game of his career, by far,” Farmer said. “He hit some shots and crashed the boards. He did what a big guy should do. He had a big game for us. We need to see more of that. He certainly has the capability.”

Wolfe also scored 16 points and Volpi added 11. The Hearts shot 36 percent overall, connecting on 16-of-44 attempts. They were 8-for-19 from behind the arc and 18-for-23 at the foul line. They also owned a big 42-29 rebounding edge.

The Braves, who dipped to 1-3 in the Apollo and 11-4 overall, did not shoot well. They were 21-for-65 from the floor, a 32 percent clip. And they were ice cold from long range, making just 5-of-31 from behind the arc, an icy 16 percent.

The Hearts are now 5-11 overall and 1-4 in the conference. They will return to action Tuesday with a game at Newton.