Drew Thompson scored just six seconds into the contest and the Hearts never looked back. Nate Thompson connected on a 3-pointer and Parker Wolfe added two free throws, helping Effingham take a quick 7-0 lead two minutes into the game. After the first eight minutes, EHS was on top, 19-7.

But that was just the beginning. The lead continued to expand in the second period. It was still a 12-point bulge, 24-12, when Brayden Pals drilled a three, starting an 18-4 run to close out the opening half. Drew Thompson added two more threes and Wolfe scored right before the buzzer, sending the Hearts to the locker room with a commanding 42-16 advantage at intermission.

“I had no idea what to expect tonight,” Farmer admitted. “There are things we need to work on, which is to be expected. Right now, we’re just trying to transition from football. But coming out of football season, I thought we played super aggressively tonight.”

Play turned a bit ragged in the third period. After shooting 56 percent in the opening half, the Hearts cooled off. After turning the ball over just five times in the first 16 minutes, EHS committed five turnovers in the third quarter. But the Hearts still owned a 28-point cushion, 57-29, entering the final period.

Wolfe and Drew Thompson led Effingham’s scoring attack, pumping in 19 and 18 points respectively. Wyatt Jones came off the bench to score nine and Nate Thompson added eight.

The Hearts shot 48 percent overall, connecting on 26-of-54 attempts. They were 8-of-24 from three-point range and 13-for-24 from the free throw line. They also held a 30-22 rebounding advantage and forced 19 turnovers.

“I really like that we had nine guys that scored,” Farmer said. “I liked how aggressive we were on defense, how tough we were on the boards and how we played with tenacity – all the words that describe a team and how they get after it.

“The plan is to get through this tournament and then start practicing hard,” Farmer added. “We need to get in better shape and work on fundaments; the things most teams have been doing the past two to three weeks. But we’ll work on all of that. This tournament will shine a light on the things we need to work on.”

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