VIENNA — The Vienna boys basketball team eased into the new year with a steady and disciplined performance, defeating Grandview of Hillsboro 48–30 in the opening round of the Bourbon Tournament and earning its first win of 2026.

Coming off a full week away from game action, Vienna entered the contest knowing rhythm might take time to return. Early possessions reflected that reality, but the Eagles remained patient, trusting their defense and allowing the offense to settle naturally as the game progressed.

Team captain Teagan James said the layoff showed at times, even for him, but emphasized that the group stayed focused on the bigger picture.

“We took a week off, we had to get back in the gym, we were pretty rusty so we had to knock off the rust,” James said. “Tonight, I even felt some rust. I turned the ball over a few times, but we still got the win.”

James led all scorers with 20 points, providing a consistent presence throughout the game and setting the tone offensively for Vienna. His ability to score in different situations allowed the Eagles to maintain separation as the game wore on.

Hunter Schwartze followed with 10 points, eight of which came in the first half. His early scoring helped Vienna build momentum before halftime and prevented Grandview from gaining confidence during the opening stretch. Dylan Long added nine points, continuing to be a reliable contributor on both ends of the floor.

Jude Stricklan finished with six points in a rare night where he did not connect from beyond the arc, marking the first game this season without a three-pointer from the sharpshooter. Bryce Ewers rounded out the scoring for Vienna with three points, knocking down a deep shot that drew energy from the bench.

While the offense found its footing, Vienna’s composure on defense proved just as important. The Eagles limited Grandview’s opportunities and avoided unnecessary mistakes, committing only nine fouls for the entire game. That discipline marked a clear improvement from earlier in the season, when foul trouble had often been a factor.

Grandview was led by Cameron Brooks and Quinton Byers, both of whom turned in strong individual performances despite facing consistent defensive pressure throughout the night.

With the victory, Vienna evened its record at 4–4 and advanced to the second round of the Bourbon Tournament. The Eagles will face Valley Park, an 8–1 team, on Jan. 6 in what shapes up to be a challenging matchup as Vienna looks to build momentum early in the new year.

For Vienna, the opener served as both a reset and a reminder. Even with rust to shake off, the Eagles showed they can remain composed, defend with discipline and find ways to win as the calendar turns to the heart of the season.