Huge Comeback Win for Hearts Over Mt. Zion

The Effingham Hearts, down nine when the fourth quarter began, came back to defeat the Mt. Zion Braves 68-62 in Apollo Conference action at Effingham Friday night. The game was heard on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com. 

The Hearts were down by as many as 12 points in the contest. Trailing 50-41 when the fourth quarter began, Effingham outscored Mt. Zion 27-12 to post the win. The Hearts made 7 of 11 shots from the field, including 3 of 4 threes in the final quarter and made 10 of 14 foul shots in the period.

Effingham posted the win despite a 35-point performance by Mt. Zion's Jonah Smith. Smith scored 16 points in the second quarter to bring the Braves back from down 15-13 after one quarter to the lead 31-27 at halftime. Mt. Zion outpointed Effingham19-14 in the third quarter to lead by nine.

The Hearts got contributions from several players down the stretch. Mason Hull scored eight points in the fourth quarter including a three-pointer and 3 of 4 from the line to finish with 18 points. Landon Wolfe continued to battle for shots against a smothering Mt. Zion defense and still totaled 27 points.

In a real baptism by fire, Hearts' freshman Parker Wolfe...Landon's younger brother...made his first appearance in a varsity game and didn't disappoint, scoring six points in the fourth quarter including a big three that helped ignite the Hearts' comeback. Ryan Sandifer also contributed with tough defense and a 4 for 4 fourth quarter performance at the foul line to aid the rally.

Matthew Robinson continues to impress since joining the Hearts, contributing six points and eight rebounds, Cole Marxman scored six points with four rebounds and Logan Smith and Dylan Bushur helped with key defensive efforts in the contest.

In addition to Smith's performance, Mt. Zion got 15 points from Trevor Durand.

Overall, Effingham shot 45% from the field, 22 of 49, including 5 of 12 threes. The Hearts made 19 of 24 foul shots, turned the ball over just 10 times, and pulled down 28 rebounds.

Mt. Zion made 22 of 46 shots for 48%, including 8 of 24 threes. The Braves made 10 of 12 from the line, committed 18 turnovers and grabbed 21 rebounds.

Effingham moved back over .500 with the win, improving to 8-7. Mt. Zion fell to 3-10.

Effingham won the JV game 44-38. Parker Wolfe led the JV Hearts with 15 points, while Nate Thompson scored eight points.