VIENNA — The Vienna High School girls basketball team continued their hot streak this season, highlighted by a thrilling victory over Maries County rival Belle on Feb. 19. And advancing to the second round of districts with a victory over Plato.

The Battle of Maries County brought out the best from both teams, but it was Vienna that came away on top, 49-34, as Senior and Captain Aubrey Schwartze led the Lady Eagles with 24 points, including an impressive nine points in the first quarter. Junior Ella Hollis contributed eight points, while Alexis Curtis added four, Scarlett Weeks two, Macie Rowden and Aspyn Gorman added three each and Delaney Schwartze tallied three points.

The Allen Gymnasium was electric throughout the game, with fans packed into the bleachers cheering every basket. Chants echoed across the court, sneakers squeaked against the hardwood, and every rebound or assist drew applause. Students waved banners while parents clapped loudly, creating an atmosphere that reflected both the rivalry with Belle and the excitement of watching Senior Aubrey Schwartze lead her team in one of her final home games.

For Schwartze, the matchup carried an extra layer of meaning. She faced off against Belle senior Aubrey Rehmert, her fellow softball co-op captain. Both names should sound familiar as just four months ago, the two were teammates on the same softball squad for VHS, but on the basketball court, they competed for the county trophy. Junior Ella Hollis, also a co-captain for the softball team, played against Rehmert.

“I love her a lot,” Hollis said. “I have a lot of respect for her but for 32 minutes of play, I don’t know her. I’m here to win for Vienna and I am glad we got the win tonight.”

Schwartze agreed, praising her opponent while highlighting the intensity of the rivalry.

“I have a lot of respect for Aubrey (Rehmert),” Schwartze said. “She’s a pure athlete. She goes out there and plays hard so I know she is definitely someone you can’t overlook on the floor.”

After the game, Schwartze reflected on her senior season and the county victory.

“It was fun,” Schwartze said. “We were still sniping at each other back and forth and I’m glad it was a good game. This is my last home game ever, and it was against a good team. It was a good game and I think it went well. Honestly, I feel like I pretty much summed up my career here at home.”

The Battle of Maries County trophy will remain in Vienna until next year, a tangible reminder of the Lady Eagles’ victory.

Senior Night came two days earlier, on Feb. 17, as Vienna hosted the Crocker Lions. Schwartze, the team’s only senior, led the Lady Eagles despite a 51-31 loss. Her standout career includes four years on the varsity squad, postseason honors as a 2x All-District, 3x All-Media District and 3x All-Conference player. Schwartze also holds the title of all-time leading rebounder in VHS girls basketball history, with more than 1,500 rebounds, and has joined the 1,000-point club

Reflecting on her senior year, Schwartze said,

“My favorite memory has been my entire senior year and this year has been the most fun I have ever had playing basketball.”

One of her favorite team traditions, she added, was playing “spoons” with her teammates. Her advice to underclassmen is to never wish anything away because four years goes by faster than you think. After graduation, Schwartze plans to attend the University of Central Missouri to study Radiologic Technology.

Stats from Senior Night against Crocker include Schwartze with 13 points, Scarlett Weeks six, Liberty Rowden five, Delaney Schwartze three, Alexis Curtis two, and Ella Hollis one.

Vienna kept its momentum going into district play, traveling to Richland on Feb. 23 to face sixth-seeded Plato in the first round. The third seeded Lady Eagles dominated, winning 46-14 with a suffocating defensive effort. Schwartze and Macie Rowden grabbed multiple rebounds, Ella Hollis distributed the ball across the court, and Delaney Schwartze and Liberty Rowden contributed mid-range and 3-point jumpers. Scarlett Weeks delivered timely layups to maintain the team’s lead.

Scoring for the district game saw Schwartze with 18 points, Hollis with 11, Weeks had seven, Curtis obtained four, Liberty Rowden added three, and Aspyn Gorman got herself three points.

The team’s recent streak demonstrates both depth and talent across the roster, with the seniors providing leadership and the underclassmen stepping up to make key contributions.

Schwartze’s performance throughout the week, from Senior Night, to the Battle of Maries County and then into districts has solidified her legacy as one of the most accomplished players in Vienna girls basketball history. The team will play next on Wed, Feb 25. Once again at Richland for round two of District play.