The one-two scoring punch of Nate Thompson and Parker Wolfe were back at it Friday night. Thompson scored 10 points and Wolfe added seven more, helping the Hearts jump out to a 22-10 lead after the first eight minutes.

Garrett Wolfe had three baskets and six points in the second quarter, helping Effingham increase its advantage to 37-16 at halftime.

“Our actual offense wasn’t stellar, but we were scoring well,” Farmer explained. “We ran some quick hitting plays, which were good for us. Plus, our kids were being basketball players, creating good shots. They’re pretty craft with the ball. When they saw an opportunity, they took advantage of it.”

The Tornados outscored EHS 20-17 in the third period to get within 54-36 and trimmed the margin to 13 at one time. But the Hearts knocked down 7-of-11 from the foul stripe in the fourth period to maintain a comfortable lead and secure its third straight win.

Thompson finished with a game-high 26 points and Parker Wolfe added 21.

“For the most part, I thought we played a pretty good game all-around,” Farmer said. “Typically, we don’t play great defense. We just try to outscore the other team. But I thought we did better tonight. We even pressed a little, which I thought took them out of their offense.

“I’d like for us to do things a little cleaner, but the way we were thrown into the season so quickly, I think we’re doing pretty well,” the EHS coach added. “I’m certainly happy to be 3-0.”

The Hearts will return to action today (Saturday) at Casey-Westfield. Tip-off will be at approximately 3:30 p.m. Effingham will then face a tough three-game stretch next week – but all at home. Teutopolis will visit Tuesday night, followed by Apollo Conference favorite Lincoln on Friday and Charleston on Saturday.