VIENNA — The past week has been a rollercoaster for the Vienna Eagles boys basketball team. Over three games, the team went 1-2, with losses to Calvary Lutheran and Newburg sandwiching a thrilling win over Jamestown. The week began on Feb. 3 at Calvary Lutheran, where the Eagles fell just short in a 50-47 nail-biter. Despite the loss, senior captain Teagan James led the team with 22 points, while Hunter Schwartze added six and Dylan Long chipped in 11. Talan Reeves scored four points and Eli Crum contributed two. Although the team fought hard, the close defeat showed areas for adjustment while highlighting the leadership of James and the defensive presence of Long.

Two days later, on Feb. 5, the Eagles returned to the Allen Gymnasium to host Jamestown and were determined to turn their fortunes around. From the opening tip, the game was competitive, with both teams exchanging points and momentum. However, the contest began to shift after halftime, when Head Coach Chandler Harkers delivered another halftime speech that seemed to ignite the team. Defensive assignments changed, play calls adjusted and energy surged through the Eagles, setting the stage for a memorable third-quarter run.

With two minutes left in the third quarter, Jude Stricklan intercepted a pass and quickly found Hunter Schwartze, who passed to captain Teagan James for an uncontested bucket. On the next possession, James himself stole the ball and converted a layup, and Jayce Bertoni capped the sequence with a spot up, deep mid-range basket, ending the quarter on a 9-0 run.

Sophomore Talan Reeves, who had previously seen mostly JV minutes, showcased why he is poised to become a permanent starter in the coming years. Reeves grabbed over five rebounds in the second half, including three offensive putback opportunities, and used his slashing skills to create scoring chances. Reeves would end up with eight points on the night, six from second chance opportunities.

By the end of the night, the Eagles emerged victorious, 58-46. James led all scorers with 24 points, while Hunter Schwartze added 11 and Reeves contributed eight. Dylan Long scored seven, Jude Stricklan six and Jayce Bertoni two. The team’s depth was evident, as 14 players suited up and all contributed to the energy and execution on the court.

For a second, let’s look at defensive monster Dylan Long for a second. Long has quietly become one of the team’s most reliable players on both ends of the floor, as he’s shown in the past month. Known primarily for his defensive presence, Long has stepped into a more prominent offensive role over the past few games, converting opportunities when they arise and helping keep the team competitive in tight matchups. Long has contributed season highs in points the last couple games boasting a 16 point, 11 point, and eight point nights showing he is a valuable asset on the floor.

The week concluded with a tough outing at Newburg on Feb. 6, where the Eagles fell 82-63. Despite the loss, the performance of the team continued to highlight its core leaders. Over the past two weeks, it has become clear that with James directing the offense, Schwartze as a reliable secondary, and Long stepping into scoring roles, the Eagles are finding balance on both ends of the floor.

Looking ahead, the Eagles aim to build on their moments of success. Their next games include hosting Bunceton on Monday night, a trip to Tuscumbia on Feb. 10, and a home matchup with St. Elizabeth on Feb 13, in the Allen Gymnasium. Vienna will hope to turn lessons from the past week into victories as the season moves toward its final stretch.