After Josie Armstrong went 9-for-10 from the floor and scored 19 points in the first half, helping the Lady Titans to a 34-29 lead at intermission, Schafer knew he had to make some adjustments.

It’s no secret he does not like to play zone defense and likes gimmick defenses even less. But a trademark of any successful coach is a willingness to adapt and make changes when necessary.

His decision to go to a box-and-1 defense in the second half was a game-changer.

Saige Althoff was assigned to guard Armstrong, while the other four players were in a zone. Armstrong had difficulty even getting off a shot the final two quarters, making just one of four attempts, and scored only seven points – and just three over the final 12½ minutes.

“I hate playing zone,” Schafer admitted. “But the Armstrong girl can really put it in the basket. She shot great and made everything that first half.

“But Saige did an incredible job on her the second half,” the coach added. “She guarded her tight and stayed out of foul trouble. And when Armstrong did try to drive, Ella and Bria were right there to help out. We tried this same defense against Altamont, but we did a much better job today. It was the turning point.”

And it didn’t hurt that the Lady Hearts shot lights out in the final two quarters as well.

Althoff scored two quick baskets when the third quarter began, but after a basket and two free throws by Armstrong, Madison Mapes drained a three-pointer from the corner that not only tied the score, but ignited a 15-0 run that put Effingham in the lead to stay.

Beals was especially hot in that period, knocking down three shots from behind the arc and tallying13 points. Her three at the 2:01 mark completed a personal 8-0 scoring spree and had the Lady Hearts on top, 50-38.

Effingham outscored Tri-County 24-10 in the period and enjoyed a nine-point margin, 53-44, heading into the final eight minutes.

“I thought Bria was a little passive in the first half,” Schafer noted. “But she started looking for her shot and attacking better in the second half. We ran a couple plays for her because she had the hot hand. When the ball leaves her hand, it usually looks good.”

EHS led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter, 58-46, with 4:04 remaining. After going 11-for-11 at the free throw line through the first three periods, the Lady Hearts were just 2-for-6 down the stretch, giving the Lady Titans a bit of an opening. But Tri-County went ice cold and was unable to make a serious challenge. They got no closer than seven points the rest of the way.

After shooting over 60 percent in the first half, Tri-County made only 4-of-24 shots over the final 16 minutes. That included going 0-for-15 from behind the arc.

Effingham, however, torched the nets the second half, making 10-of-13 shots, including 5-of-7 from long range. They finished the game shooting 65 percent overall, connecting on 20-of-31 attempts. They were 7-for-13 from three-point range and 13-for-17 at the foul line.

They had three players in double figures. Despite turning an ankle and sitting out a portion of the first half, Mapes led the way with 17 points. Beals finished with 15 and Althoff added 12.

“Madison showed great leadership by coming back and playing after injuring her ankle,” Schafer said. “We’re a different team with her on the floor.”

Armstrong finished with 26 points to lead all scorers.

The Lady Hearts will play two more games today (Tuesday) – against Charleston at 1:30 p.m. and against Teutopolis at 4:30 p.m. That match-up with the Lady Shoes will probably determine the tournament champion.

Effingham 54, Jacksonville 33

It didn’t take long for Coach Schafer to notch win No. 460 and for the Lady Hearts to go to 2-0 in the Charleston Holiday Tournament.

About three hours after beating Tri-County, EHS came back and beat Jacksonville 54-33.

Effingham jumped out to a 15-6 lead after the opening eight minutes and extended it to 29-16 at halftime and 47-32 heading into the final quarter.

The Lady Hearts played without Madison Mapes, who injured her ankle in the tournament opener. Bria Beals knocked down four shots from behind the arc and scored 17 points to lead the EHS scoring attack. Alyssa Martin was also in double figures, finishing with 14.

Effingham improved to 11-3 on the season.