VIENNA — The Vienna Eagles traveled to Richland on Feb. 24 for district play, falling to Richland Bears 63-47 in the opening round. While the season ended earlier than the Eagles had hoped, the bigger picture tells the story of a program that maintained its standard while laying groundwork for what could be a special senior-led campaign next winter.

Vienna finished the 2025-26 season with a 12-15 record. A year ago, the Eagles went 12-13, meaning they matched last season’s win total despite losing key seniors and adjusting to new leadership roles. That leadership came from junior captain Teagan James and junior point guard Hunter Schwartze. When those two were on the floor together, Vienna’s pace, scoring efficiency and defensive pressure noticeably improved.

James cemented his place as one of the top players in the area by earning Show Me Central All-Conference MVP honors for the 2025-26 season. Not only was he named the conference’s Most Valuable Player, he was recognized as the top player in the district. The exciting part for Eagle fans is that James is a junior and will return next season.

The jump from sophomore to junior year was dramatic. Last season, James averaged 13.5 points, four rebounds and two assists per game. This winter, he elevated his production to 24 points, six rebounds and two assists per contest. In his first year leading the Eagles, he increased his scoring by nine points per game while adding two more rebounds. Pair those numbers with conference MVP honors, and expectations for his senior season will be understandably high.

Schwartze followed with a breakout campaign of his own, earning All-Conference Second Team recognition. Also a junior, Schwartze will enter his senior year next season after doubling his production across nearly every statistical category. As a sophomore, he averaged five points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal per game. This year, he posted 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals per contest. His defensive growth and improved offensive confidence gave Vienna stability at the guard position.

While James and Schwartze headlined the season, five seniors played their final games in an Eagle uniform.

Jude Stricklan averaged 6.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game in his final season. Known as the team’s perimeter threat, Stricklan stretched defenses and created spacing with his outside shooting.

Jayce Bertoni contributed 3.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, two assists and 1.1 steals per contest. Bertoni provided physicality in the paint, and his turnaround fadeaway became a reliable weapon in half-court sets.

Dylan Long emerged as one of Vienna’s most dependable big men, averaging 6.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. His development throughout the season solidified the Eagles’ interior presence on both ends of the floor.

Eli Crum averaged 2.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and one assist per game, but his impact often went beyond the box score. Tasked with defending opponents’ top post players, Crum battled against bigger matchups nightly and handled much of the physical responsibility inside.

Colton Lee Wiles appeared in eight of the team’s 25 games and averaged one point per contest. Though his statistical line was limited, Wiles brought energy and effort whenever his number was called, embracing his role and contributing in practice and game situations alike.

In the district matchup against Richland, several junior varsity players suited up alongside the varsity roster, including Paxten Jeremy, Chase Weeks, Bryce Ewers, Talon Reeves, Wyatt Wulff and Parker James. With five seniors graduating, those names are likely to factor heavily into next season’s plans if Head Coach Chandler Harker determines they are ready for expanded roles.

Among that group, sophomore Talon Reeves stands out as a rising piece of the program. Reeves averaged 3.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in varsity action. On the junior varsity level, he delivered one of the season’s most memorable moments with a game-winning buzzer beater at the Bourbon JV Tournament. His confidence and composure suggest a larger role could be ahead.

Sophomore Bryce Ewers also logged varsity minutes, averaging three points and one rebound per game while adding steady ball movement. His ability to adjust to the speed of the varsity game will be key moving forward.

Parker James impressed at the JV level and showed flashes during his varsity minutes, reinforcing that Vienna’s future depth may already be in place.

The loss at Richland closed the book on the 2025-26 season, but with an MVP returning, an All-Conference guard beside him and a wave of underclassmen gaining experience, the Eagles appear positioned to build on their consistency. Matching last year’s win total may have been steady. What comes next could be a step forward.