The Effingham Hearts jumped out to a quick lead and maintained it throughout, finishing with a 54-46 win at home Tuesday night over Dieterich.

Logan Heil scored eight points and Andrew Donaldson added more, including a three-pointer, helping the Hearts build a 17-6 lead after the first quarter. Garrett Wolfe scored six points and Donaldson connected on another three, as EHS expanded its lead to 28-15 at intermission.

The Movin’ Maroons went on a 12-2 run in the third period to close the gap. Caleb Gephart sparked that surge, scoring 11 of his game-high 18 points, to get Dieterich to within 35-30. But Wolfe scored five points, Andrew Splechter added four and Gunner Brown knocked down a three, helping the Hearts maintain their lead and secure the victory.

Dieterich, who also got nine points from Lucas Westendorf, dipped to 10-8 on the season.

Wolfe and Heil finished in double figures for Effingham, scoring 15 and 14 points respectively.

The Hearts improved to 8-12 overall. They will open play in the Salem Invitational Basketball Tournament on Thursday night. They will face Thornton Fractional North at 8 p.m.