Any thoughts of a comeback were dashed in the third period. Zane Schrage drilled a pair of threes and Jeremy Shubert scored five points as Breese Central continued to expand their lead.

Baskets by Heil and Donaldson kept it a 16-point bulge early, but the Cougars then went on an 11-2 run to make it 46-19 by the end of the quarter.

Freshman Cannon Bockhorn hit a three and added another short jumper for the Hearts, but Breese Central led by as many as 31 points at one time before settling on the 26-point victory.

“I thought our freshmen came in and really played hard,” Farmer noted. “Cannon had that three and added another basket and I thought Wade Bushur played really well on defense.”

Wolfe was the only EHS player to reach double figures, finishing with 12 points. The Hearts shot just 32 percent overall, connecting on 13-of-40 attempts. They were 3-for-16 from behind the arc and 3-for-4 from the foul line. They had 16 turnovers and were out-rebounded 28-13.

“We have to find ways for this group to be successful,” Farmer said. “And it’s up to me, as the coach, to do that.”

The Hearts will return to action tonight (Wednesday). They will play Robinson at 6:30 p.m.