VIENNA — The Vienna boys basketball team spent last week at the South Callaway Tournament facing three demanding tests in a short span. Coached by Chandler Harker, the Eagles finished the week at zero wins and three losses after matchups with Montgomery County, North Callaway, and the host South Callaway Bulldogs, leaving their record at 5-8 with 11 more games in the regular season. While the results did not fall Vienna’s way, the tournament revealed flashes of depth, resilience and growth as the Eagles were challenged in contrasting ways each night.

The opener against Montgomery County proved to be the tightest contest of the tournament and one that lingered long after the final horn, and perhaps still does. Vienna fell by a narrow margin, losing 65-63 in a game that came down to the final possession. With the Eagles trailing by two, Captain of the Eagles, Teagan James had the ball in his hands as time expired. After passing up a guarded drive to the basket, James stepped back and launched a three-point attempt at the buzzer. It was a clean look for the junior, but the shot would not fall, sealing the heartbreaking loss.

James led all scorers for Vienna with 27 points, carrying the offensive load for much of the night. Jude Stricklan added 10  points, while Jayce Bertoni chipped in eight, Talan Reeves finished with seven points, Hunter Schwartze scored nine and Eli Crum added two points to his total. The one-possession loss underscored how thin the margin was and set the tone for a tournament that demanded execution in every moment.

In the second game of three, Vienna found themselves playing against the host, the South Callaway Bulldogs. Despite the Eagles falling 45-66, the Eagles showed off their depth. From the opening minutes, South Callaway made its defensive intentions clear, locking in on James and refusing to let him find comfort offensively. Repeated calls from the Bulldogs head coach of “get on 15” echoed from the bench throughout the night, turning James into the focal point of every defensive possession. The constant pressure limited his scoring early, forcing Vienna to explore other options.

That shift opened the door for center Eli Crum, who emerged as a steady presence inside. Matched up against two Bulldog defenders standing over six feet tall, Crum battled relentlessly in the paint. Though South Callaway proved its strength around the basket, Crum answered with effort and physicality, finishing the night with more than ten rebounds and a pair of steals. His work on the glass helped keep possessions alive and provided a spark as the Eagles searched for momentum.

James finished 21 with 12 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, Stricklan scored 10, Crum and Bertoni each added 4 points, and Dylan Long, Parker James and Wyatt Wulff contributed 2 points apiece. While the Bulldogs ultimately controlled the game, Vienna’s response to heavy defensive pressure highlighted the team’s willingness to adapt and lean on different contributors.

Vienna followed with a matchup against North Callaway, where the Eagles fell 72-59

Before taking the floor, Harker emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency over the course of the event.

“Number one, is stay focused throughout the entire tournament,” Harker said. “These last games we’ve been trying to play at a faster tempo, with more pressure in the halfcourt.”

That approach was evident throughout the week, as Vienna pushed pace offensively and experimented with pressure while leaning into its rotation.

More specifically against North Callaway, James again paced the offense with 19 points, while Crum delivered a strong performance with 11, and was a monster in the paint. Reeves showed off his skills and reached double figures with 10, Dylan Long added 9 with 2 blocks, Stricklan contributed 5 points and Hunter Schwartze scored 3 points. Throughout the game, Harker remained active on the sideline, calling sets and adjusting matchups as the Eagles tried to find rhythm against a disciplined opponent.

“I probably have too many plays,” Harker said with a smile. “I always keep a paper in my pocket with certain situations but in terms of how many plays I have, I’d have to count.”

Though the tournament ended without a win, the Eagles left South Callaway with valuable experience and clear takeaways. Close finishes, defensive adjustments, and individual growth defined the week, giving Harker and his team a foundation to build on as the season continues.

VHS will play Tuscumbia on the 19th and Crocker on the 22nd of January.

One more game that happened this week was the JV boys played one game at the tournament against South Callaway Bulldogs JV. The game came down to the wire with the Bulldogs pulling away at the end 70-63. Despite the loss, the team showed how much they’ve grown over the course of the season.

JV standouts Reeves and Bryce Ewers, both are assumed to move up to Varsity next year, each scored 12 points. Out of the 24 total, 6 were scored in the 2nd half. Ewers also went down with an ankle injury and was sidelined. A huge blow to the team, coming into the 4th. Wyatt Wulff had a game with 10 points, going 2 of 4 from the line. Jaiden Hayes also scored 10 points, Gage Curler scoring 8 points right behind him. Behind Curler was Paxten Jeremy who scored 5, Chase Weeks with 4, and Tyler Hallahan earning himself 2 points that came in the first quarter.

JV, coached by Tim Simmons, is set to play against Stoutland on January 22, in the Allen Gymnasium.