VIENNA — While the scoreboard hasn’t shown many wins this season, the progress is evident in ways that go beyond points. Earlier in the year, the girls struggled to get shots off at all, sometimes taking only a handful in an entire game. Now, they’re getting that many looks in a single quarter, proof of growing confidence, teamwork and a better understanding of the game.

Coach KC Curler has made fundamentals the team’s focus for the time being. From breaking the press to avoiding traps at half court, every game brings a new lesson. Her message to the team has been clear, no single player can win alone. The key is passing, moving the ball and trusting each other. That philosophy, reminiscent of the 2014 San Antonio Spurs, who ran a two guard set, has begun to take root.

Curler has also started tailoring roles to prepare players for the next level. Macey Martin, who started the season at center, is now transitioning to small forward.

“She will be playing that in high school so it’s time to develop her,” Curler said. “She can do it.”

Other players, such as Grace Barnhart and Clara Jones, are making strides in their mental game. They’re learning not to hesitate, to play aggressively and to attack when opportunities arise rather than playing passively, the kind of growth that doesn’t always show up in stats but matters most in the long run.

The wins may not be there yet, but the Lady Eagles are learning how to play real basketball,  together, with purpose and with heart.

During the week of Oct. 13, the VMS Lady Eagles traveled to Bland for a tournament.

On Oct. 16, the team faced Bourbon in what turned out to be their highest-scoring game of the season so far, putting up 22 points. Despite the offensive progress, it wasn’t enough to overcome Bourbon’s pace, as the Lady Eagles fell 45–22. Grace Barnhart led the team with nine points, followed by Emerson Jeremy with five. Macey Martin, Nicole Rowden and Josie Strickland also added to the scoring effort with two points from each of them.

The next day, Oct. 17, Vienna took on Cuba, falling 34–14. Martin led the Lady Eagles again with seven points, including two three-pointers from downtown. Barnhart followed with six points, four of which came in a strong second quarter. Abigail Otto chipped in one from the free-throw line.

In the second tournament game, Vienna faced the host team, Bland, who won 33–5. Bland’s adaptability proved difficult to counter, with a different player contributing each quarter rather than one dominant scorer.

The Lady Eagles, along with the boys team, now turn their focus to Bunceton, where both squads will compete in another tournament this week where the VMS lady eagles basketball squad hope their new strategic planning and growing confidence begin to show results on the court.