VIENNA — The final week of the regular season for the Vienna Eagles boys basketball team delivered both heartbreak and celebration, highlighted by junior captain Teagan James reaching the 1,000-point milestone in a tightly contested matchup against Russellville after the program honored its seniors during a dominant Senior Night victory over Crocker.

On Feb 18, the last regular season game on the calendar, Vienna fell to Russellville 75-70 in a nail-biter. Despite the loss, the night carried a lasting significance as James etched his name into program history. The junior poured in a season-high 36 points, doing everything possible to keep Vienna within striking distance. James erupted in the fourth quarter, scoring 19 points and knocking down five three-pointers as the Eagles battled until the final moments.

The atmosphere inside the Vienna High School gymnasium shifted the moment James reached the milestone. As the ball went through the net for his 1,000th career point, the crowd rose to its feet in celebration, recognizing the accomplishment that had been building throughout his career.

Play was stopped following a timeout as the game paused briefly to commemorate the achievement, allowing teammates, coaches and fans to acknowledge the moment. Despite the tight contest still unfolding on the scoreboard, the gym carried a celebratory energy as applause echoed through the stands for the captain’s historic achievement.

“It’s been a dream,” James said. “Ever since I was a little kid, seeing everyone hit it and I wanted to hit it. Lets go 1,500 next.”

James’ accomplishment reflected years of dedication both inside and outside the gym, something his father said was evident early on.

“He would try and get me to play basketball with him all the time when he was younger,” his father, Chad James said. “He always played up in grade school, and I think that really helped him. We have a great and tight knit community and it was great to watch.”

Hunter Schwartze followed James offensively against Russellville with 12 points, all coming in the first half. Dylan Long added seven points, Jayce Bertoni scored six, Jude Stricklan finished with four, Talan Reeves added three and Eli Crum contributed two as Vienna fought throughout the contest.

While the Russellville game ended in defeat, the Eagles honored Seniors the night before on Senior Night, where celebration again filled the gym in an 88-64 victory over the Crocker Lions.

Head Coach Chandler Harker opened the night by starting all five seniors: Eli Crum, Dylan Long, Colton Lee Wiles, Jude Stricklan and Jayce Bertoni. The group received a loud ovation as they took the floor together one final time in front of the home crowd. The first points of the game came from Wiles, setting the tone for an emotional opening stretch. Harker left the seniors on the court until the 4:31 mark of the first quarter before James and Schwartze checked into the game as the score read 5-2, with Vienna trailing.

Crocker initially opened with a full-court press that gave Vienna trouble, but Schwartze’s speed and ball handling soon changed the momentum. Breaking the press repeatedly, Schwartze created space for himself and teammates, drawing more than 10 fouls on the night while pushing the Eagles into rhythm offensively.

“I just try to go to my left because it’s my dominant hand, but I also use my right if they know I am a lefty,” Schwartze said. “I just try to get down the court because that’s what the coach wants me to do.”

Schwartze finished with a game-high 28 points and was widely considered the spark that shifted control to Vienna. James added 21 points, Reeves scored 13, Long had nine, Stricklan finished with eight points off layups and free throws, Bertoni added five and Wiles scored four.

The Eagles pulled away in the fourth quarter, turning a competitive game into a comfortable win as the crowd remained engaged throughout the night, celebrating both the victory and the senior class that helped shape the program’s identity.

In addition to the win, each senior was recognized with memories, advice and future plans.

Eli Crum, son of Jessica and Jason Crum, listed his favorite memory as driving by Coach Harker on the interstate and waving. His advice to underclassmen was to have fun, and he plans to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio for High Performance Technology.

Dylan Long, son of David and Julie Long, remembered Taco Bell in Eastland with the team and the Higbee Shootout as highlights. His advice was to have fun, and he plans to attend State Tech for HVAC.

Colton Lee Wiles, son of Curtis and Rachel Wiles, said beating Prairie Home on its homecoming night stood out most. His advice to underclassmen was not to mess around during practice or “Harker will make you run.” He plans to enter the workforce after graduation.

Jude Stricklan, son of Jeff and Jessica Stricklan, recalled the team trip to Higbee and staying overnight as his favorite memory. He encouraged younger players to enjoy it while they can and plans to attend Linn State Technical College’s Electrical Distribution Program.

Jayce Bertoni, son of Josh Bertoni and Amanda Parmeley, highlighted the Higbee Shootout over the summer as his favorite memory. His advice was to have fun, work hard and not take anything for granted. He plans to pursue an apprenticeship through Capital Academy.

Between a historic scoring milestone and a night dedicated to VHS seniors who helped build the program, the Eagles closed the regular season with a week that showcased both the present success and future promise of Vienna basketball. The team will head to Richland on Feb 24. For the opening round of district play.