VIENNA — The Vienna Lady Eagles basketball team traveled to South Callaway last week and turned in one of its strongest weeks of the season. The Lady Eagles finished the tournament with a 2-1 record, earning wins over New Bloomfield and North Callaway while falling to Hermann, moving their overall record to 7 wins and 7 losses. The week highlighted Vienna’s defensive growth, balanced scoring and ability to respond to adversity.

Vienna opened tournament play against Hermann in a physical contest that ended in a 55-43 loss. Captain Aubrey Schwartze controlled the paint for much of the night, leading the Lady Eagles with 21 while converting 9-10 free throw attempts. Ella Hollis finished with 4 points before fouling out in the second half, while Alexis Curtis added 8, Macie Rowden delivered a strong effort with 6 points and multiple offensive rebounds, Scarlett Weeks, Liberty Rowden, and Delaney Schwartze each scored 2.

The Lady Eagles quickly bounced back in their second game, overwhelming New Bloomfield in a 58-21 victory. Schwartze once again led the way with 24 points, showing her ability to draw contact and capitalize at the free throw line. Co-captain Hollis added 10 points, using her speed to finish through the lane with a series of runners and floaters. Weeks scored 7, Curtis finished with 6, Aspyn Gorman added 5, Delaney Schwartze scored 4, and Liberty Rowden chipped in 2 as Vienna controlled the game from start to finish.

Vienna closed the tournament with its most complete performance in a 68-40 win over North Callaway, a game that carried energy from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Early in the 2nd quarter, Schwartze suffered a head injury that silenced the gym as she was assisted to the locker room by event staff and Vienna athletic director Kevin Schwartze. With Schwartze being evaluated, Hollis steadied the offense by knocking down a pair of floaters, while Macie Rowden stepped up on the glass, pulling down 5 rebounds in the first half.

With 2:33 remaining in the 2nd quarter, the crowd erupted as Schwartze was cleared to return. On her first possession back, she launched a deep 3-pointer and knocked it down, igniting the Lady Eagles and the crowd. Hollis and Schwartze finished the game tied with 15 points apiece, combining for 30. Weeks added 12, Curtis scored 11, and Delaney Schwartze, Gorman, Liberty Rowden, and Macie Rowden each contributed 2 points.

Head coach KC Curler credited the defensive effort for the win.

“We played great defense, couldn’t be happier,” Curler said. “It’s always great when we have good matchups too. We have been working on the guards up top with communicating effectively.”

Vienna shifted between man-to-man and zone defenses throughout the game, keeping North Callaway off balance and closing out the tournament with momentum.

It is also worth noting that Hollis had 11 steals in the North Callaway game, achieving a double double with points and steals, something not usually done.

One notable figure throughout the tournament was North Callaway assistant coach Chop. As he prefers to be called, Chop has spent more than 25 years coaching at North Callaway and was a constant presence on and off the court. Between possessions and timeouts, he could often be seen talking with spectators whenever the opportunity arose, sharing bits of basketball wisdom mixed with quick jokes. His long-standing connection to the program and easy rapport with fans added a familiar, community-driven feel to the tournament atmosphere.

The Lady Eagles will return to action on Jan. 20 with a road matchup against Blair Oaks before finally returning home after a long stretch away from their own gym. Vienna is set to host Stoutland on Jan. 22, marking the team’s first home game in several weeks as the Lady Eagles look to carry their tournament momentum forward.