The Hearts did cut into that deficit, however. With Parker Wolfe scoring seven points and Jacob Stoneburner adding four more, Effingham outscored Centralia 13-4 in the second period to get within 31-19 at halftime.

The Hearts were within 10 points, 43-33, heading into the final period and got as close as seven. But the Orphans made 7-of-8 free throws in the final eight minutes and finished with the 14-point win.

“I thought we out-played them after that first quarter,” Farmer noted. “We got within seven, but then they made their free throws. That goes back to the discipline of their team. They hit shots when they needed to. You have to tip your hat to Centralia. They’re a good team and they played a good game.”

Wilmoth and Long both finished with 16 points to pace the Orphans, and Westbrook added 13.

Wolfe led the Hearts with a game-high 25 points, but he was the only player in double figures. Nate Thompson finished with eight.

Effingham closed its season at 18-13.

“Overall, I thought the kids did a good job this year,” Farmer said. “We play a tough schedule, but still ended with 18 wins and most of our losses were to really good teams like Chicago Corliss, Centralia, Lincoln, St. Anthony and Central A&M.

“We battled all season,” the EHS coach added. “It helped us see what we need to work on next year. We have to improve and be ready to take that next step. We’ve got most of our guys back next year.”

Farmer does say goodbye to three seniors – Tate Niebrugge, Dylan Ritz and Wyatt Jones.

“We spend so much time together, they become like your own kids,” the coach noted. “Now the season is over and you don’t have time with them. It’s like losing a little bit of your life. But they’ll always be part of my family.”

As for the bulk of the starting lineup returning next year, Farmer is already excited.

“There’s a lot to look forward to.”