BELLE — Vienna High School’s boys basketball team dropped to 2-2 on the season following a 74-42 loss to Maries County rival Belle this past Friday. In perhaps the most anticipated non-playoff matchup of the year, the battle of Maries County lived up to its reputation as a rivalry that never fails to draw excitement.

The packed gym echoed with cheers from both sides as three referees worked to keep up with the fast-paced action on the court. Fans filled every seat, and the energy was electric from tip-off to final buzzer.

Before the game, Vienna head coach Chandler Harker spoke about the intensity of the rivalry.

“We know what we’re up against,” Harker said. “Whenever Vienna and Belle get together, all records go out the window and rankings go out the window. It’s going to be a battle.”

Harker emphasized the contest would come down to effort and controlling the 50-50 balls. Harker also added the rivalry has been a tradition in Maries County.

“This is a great rivalry and has been around for a long time,” Harker said. “I’m focused on getting my kids mentally prepared and giving maximum effort all the time.”

The history between the two teams only adds to the tension. Vienna has dominated in recent matchups, winning 17 of the last 24 meetings, though Belle has taken a handful along the way, including this latest victory.

Though the stats and box score are still forthcoming, the atmosphere alone told the story: a full gym, passionate fans and a fierce rivalry that keeps Maries County basketball at the center of local sports attention.

Leading the way for Vienna on the night was Teagan James with 20 points, coming off four three-pointers and a couple from the charity stripe. Following James was senior Jude Stricklan, who finished with 15 points, all from beyond the arc, tallying five three-pointers on the game. Three of his makes came from his sweet spot in the corner. Hunter Schwartze was third on the team in scoring with five points, followed by Dylan Long with two. Only four Vienna players were able to find the bottom of the bucket on the night. At points in the game for Vienna, it looked like the rim was the size of a cheerio, while Belle’s hoop looked as big as a hula hoop, with nearly every shot they took finding nothing but the bottom of the net.

Belle was led in scoring by Kooper Elrod, who poured in 24 points, eight of them coming from the free-throw line. Hank Stratman followed with 16 points, four coming by way of the charity stripe. Garrett Gehlert added 16 as well, while Kaegan Kinsey finished with five and Luke Rohrer chipped in two.

Belle was whistled for 16 total fouls in the game, while Vienna was called for 20. The officiating crew set the tone early, calling everything from hand-checking to charges and making it clear that physical play would be limited on both ends of the floor.

Belle’s dance team took the floor at halftime with a performance that drew plenty of applause from the crowd. Both Belle and Vienna cheer squads also performed for their respective fan sections, showcasing the spirit Maries County brings on game night. Vienna Cheer is led by head coach Carrie Kleffner and assisted by Kara Cohlmia.

The Vienna and Belle JV squads also faced off, with Vienna pulling away for a 47–34 win. Sophomore Talan Reeves led the Eagles with 15 points on the night. Bryce Ewers and Chase Weeks each added seven points, while Jaiden Hayes finished with five. Wyatt Wulff chipped in four points, and Paxten Jeremy closed the scoring with one point from the free-throw line. Gage Curler did not score but had over 4 assists on the night looking like a future playmaker.

Belle JV was led by Lathan Miller with 13 points, including one make from beyond the arc. Tucker Harris followed with 10 points. David Skaggs scored four, Malachi Frendendall added three, Brayden Barzee finished with two, and Brayden Gibson and Cody Hamm each contributed one point.