For the second straight game, Effingham’s opponent had a record-setting night from three-point range.
Centralia knocked down 16 shots from behind the arc on Wednesday night, setting a new school record, and Champaign Central equaled that Saturday afternoon, also connecting on 16 shots from long range, en route to an 82-36 victory over the Hearts in the Salem Invitation Tournament.
It tied the Champaign Central school record.
Later Saturday, EHS also dropped a 55-41 decision to Charleston in both teams’ final game of the tourney.
Champaign Central was red hot from the beginning. The Maroons made three shots from behind the arc in the first period – all three by Luke Swanson – to build an 18-6 lead after the opening eight minutes. They then connected on six more from long range in the second quarter to build a 22-point halftime lead, 38-16.
Swanson and Chris Bush shared game-high scoring honors for the Maroons with 17 points apiece. Hayden Wendling and Nolan Fearday were both in double figures for Effingham, finishing with 13 and 10 points respectively.
In the second game, Charleston outscored the Hearts 20-8 in the fourth quarter to pull away and post the 55-41 win. The Hearts trailed by just two points entering the final eight minutes.
The Trojans held a 23-17 halftime lead, but Wade Bushur and Ethan Jones both scored five points in the third period, helping EHS go on a 16-12 run and close to within 35-33.
Rylan Pals led the Hearts in scoring with 10 points, while KJ Kellams added nine.
The Hearts dropped to 2-22 on the season. They will celebrate Senior Night on Tuesday and play host to Hutsonville.