VIENNA — The Vienna Eagles boys basketball team returned to the win column Dec. 19  with a 55-18 victory over Chamois, finishing the first half of the season at 3-4. After a rough stretch that saw three straight losses following a 2-1 start, the Eagles ended the pre-winter break slate on a high note, heading into roughly three weeks off before returning Jan. 3 for the 7th Annual Battle In Bourbon Invitational.

Vienna’s offense was led by Teagan James, who poured in 19 points, including three 3-pointers, and delivered a thunderous backboard-shaking block early in the fourth quarter. Hunter Schwartze added 10 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, a marked improvement from the team’s previous game, which came down to late foul shots. Jude Stricklan chipped in eight points, hitting two triples, while Bryce Ewers had a standout game, scoring eight points despite being a JV player filling a varsity role. Dylan Long also added six points and produced a highlight-reel block in the third quarter. Talan Reeves and Eli Crum rounded out the scoring with two points each.

Chamois was led by number 10, Jaxon Welling with 10 points, Oliver Carter with four, Victor Slack with two, and Levi Weed and Max McKagye each with a point.

Coach Chandler Harker said the team came out ready to set the tone early.

“Tonight we really needed to get back in the win column,” Harker said. “The intensity and energy was a great start to the game. We jumped on them early.”

Harker reflected on the challenges of the first part of the season.

“The first part of our schedule has been pretty tough,” Harker said. “We played some really good teams that are well coached. Getting back into the win column was huge. Being three and four is not bad, but I’m not satisfied.”

Looking ahead to the winter break and beyond, Harker said the team will use the time to reset and refocus for upcoming tournaments.

“Going into the break here, we have a few days off, we have a reset,” Harker said. “We got three tournaments in a row leading up and hopefully tonight’s win gives the team a little momentum heading into the next tournament.”

On the goal for the rest of the season, Harker emphasized the team’s long-term focus.

“Obviously, as a coach, you always want to be better, but with three out of the four being wins, I’m fine with that. I always preach greatness, and the goal is to be playing our best ball come February and March.”

On a lighter note, Harker shared one thing he is looking forward to come Christmas,

“Christmas ham,” he said with a laugh.

Vienna is 3-4 heading into winter break and will travel to Bourbon on Jan. 3 for the 7th annual battle in Bourbon Invitational.