The Hearts took control from the outset. Nate Thompson consistently got position on the inside, was fed the ball and scored often. He had four baskets in the first quarter and added four more in the second period, as the Hearts built a comfortable 42-22 halftime lead.

“We shot pretty good, because we were patient,” Farmer noted. “We found good shots. Nate posted up and the guys kept feeding him. We didn’t have to take as many threes. We were passing, cutting and moving real well. And as soon as Nate got position, we got him the ball and let him go to work.”

With this group of Hearts, however, the three-point shot will always be part of the offensive attack.

Parker Wolfe drained a pair from long range and Dalton Fox added another, helping EHS to a 19-10 lead after the opening eight minutes. Wolfe and Jett Volpi also scored from behind the arc in the second period, as the Hearts built the 20-point cushion at intermission.

“In the locker room, we talked about not falling into bad habits just because we had a lead,” Farmer said. “I reminded them that every possession is important. You have to focus on always doing the right thing. Bad habits can continue into the next game.

“Everybody has heard the expression ‘practice makes perfect,’” Farmer added. “I don’t believe that. I believe ‘practice makes permanent.’ You want to get to the point that you do the right things consistently. Practice reinforces that.”

The Hearts continued to play well in the third period. Thompson added eight more points and Parker Wolfe added seven. Heading into the final quarter, EHS was on top, 62-33.

Thompson finished with a game-high 24 points and Parker Wolfe added 23.

The Hearts improved to 8-0 overall and 6-0 in the Apollo Conference. Currently, Mattoon and Charleston have just one loss in league play – although neither school has played in the past two weeks due to COVID issues – while Teutopolis, Lincoln and Mahomet-Seymour have dropped two conference contests. Mahomet-Seymour beat Lincoln 60-55 Friday night.

Effingham is back in action today (Saturday) at St. Anthony. The varsity contest is scheduled to start at approximately 6 p.m.

“Our games with St. Anthony are always a battle,” Farmer said. “Coach (Cody) Rincker always has his team coached up and ready to play. They are good on defense and are always moving on offense. It will be a good test for us.”