“We came out hard with a lot of energy,” Farmer noted. “We took that early lead, but Olney chipped away and got themselves back in the game by halftime.”
The lead switched hands six times in the first four minutes of the third period as the two teams traded baskets. When Drew Blank hit a short jumper and Winkler converted an Effingham turnover into a score, the Tigers took a 31-28 lead and never relinquished it the rest of the game.
Four points by Volpi kept it a one-point margin until Dawson Brown hit a pair of free throws and Wease hit a jumper to give Olney a 37-32 edge heading into the final eight minutes.
After the hot-shooting first quarter, the Hearts cooled off the rest of the way. They ended up shooting 41 percent, making 20-of-49 attempts. They were 3-for-14 from behind the arc and 4-for-5 at the foul line. They held a 27-23 rebounding edge, but turned the ball over 14 times – with nine of those coming in the second half – while Olney had just 7.
The free throw line proved to be the difference. The Tigers outscored Effingham 15-4 at the charity stripe, finishing 15-for-29 overall.
Chase Travis led Olney and all scorers with 17 points, while Winkler scored 13 and Wease added 12.
The Hearts also place three players in double figures. Ritz had 13, while Volpi scored 12 and Pals turned in a double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.
The Tigers will now face either Marion or Mascoutah in the regional final Friday night. Those two teams were originally scheduled to play Wednesday night, but due to weather concerns, postponed that game until tonight (Thursday).
Effingham finished its season with a 10-22 record. It was the final game for four seniors – Jett Volpi, Ethan Ritz, Brayden Pals and Dalton Fox.
“Our kids have nothing to hang their heads about,” Farmer said. “They worked their tails off all year. The growth they have shown, not only as basketball players, but as young men, has been impressive. I’m excited to see where life takes them. I’m sure they will all do great things. I’m very proud of them.”
