Hearts Close Regular Season w/Conference Win on Special Night at EHS

The Effingham Hearts closed out the regular season Friday with an 80-71 Apollo Conference win over the Taylorville Tornadoes on a special night at EHS.

Friday was Senior Night, and six seniors were recognized in ceremonies between the JV and varsity games. The three senior basketball players are Tate Niebrugge, Dylan Ritz and Wyatt Jones.

(BRIAN SHOUSE WAS ONE OF TWO EHS GRADUATES HONORED FOR THEIR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL CAREERS AT FRIDAY'S GAME)

The Hearts led throughout the contest, up 13-11 after one quarter, leading 33-24 at halftime, and in front 52-43 after three quarters. The fourth quarter was a wild one, as each team scored 28 points.

Nate Thompson led a balanced attack for the Hearts with 19 points, while Parker Wolfe scored 18 points, Tate Niebrugge 17 points, and Drew Thompson 10 points. Also for the Hearts: Jacob Stoneburner 8, Dylan Ritz 4, Wyatt Jones 4. Jace Bergschneider had a monster game for Taylorville, scoring 35 points.

The victory leaves the Hearts with an 18-12 record for the regular season, heading into postseason play Wednesday at 7pm against Centralia at Effingham's own Class 3A Regional. Carbondale will play Olney Richland County Tuesday at 7pm, with the Tuesday and Wednesday winners playing Friday at 7pm for the regional championship.

(GLENN BRUMMER WAS HONORED WITH BRIAN SHOUSE FRIDAY NIGHT AS EHS GRADUATES WHO ALSO PLAYED MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL)

Friday night was also special as EHS graduates Brian Shouse and Glenn Brummer were honored at halftime for their major league baseball careers. Their jerseys have been mounted on the wall outside the main entrance to the gym, along with the jerseys of Chad Green and Nick Gardewine.