Da Matchup Showcase Day 2 | Bentonville West vs. eStem

Game 3: Bentonville West Wolverines vs. eStem Mets

The third game of the morning brought a clash between two programs with very different histories but the same mission: sharpen early-season edges and show the state they’re for real. Bentonville West entered with a bit of mystery, at least to me, as I hadn’t gotten a chance to see them last year beyond knowing they finished 4th in the 6A West before falling to LR Central in the opening round of the playoffs. The Wolverines came into this showcase searching for identity and momentum, and they absolutely found pieces of both today.

The eStem Mets, on the other hand, are never a mystery. Under Head Coach Monty Patel, preparation is a lifestyle. From film work, to scouting, to their relentless defensive culture, the Mets stay ready. They returned several key pieces including Kingston Alexander, Jayson Williams, Riley Jones, Holden Kirk, and Justin Caldwell, while welcoming a freshman I’ve personally been watching for years, Zhion Harris, a player whose ceiling feels higher every time I see him touch the floor. They entered the game 8-0 on the season, including a strong win over Forrest City, and appeared poised for another statement outing.

But this one didn’t go as planned for the Mets.

First Half Breakdown

Halftime: Bentonville West 28 – eStem 18

From the jump, Bentonville West controlled the pace. The Wolverines didn't rush, didn’t panic, and didn’t allow eStem’s defensive pressure to force unnecessary mistakes. While the Mets launched nine attempts from behind the arc, not a single one found the bottom of the net in that opening half. Meanwhile, the Wolverines hit three 3-pointers of their own and got great looks inside the arc as well.

The game stayed slow, methodical, and very half-court oriented, an environment that favored West’s execution.

Second Half Breakdown

The third quarter belonged to eStem. They tightened up the defense, got better looks, and fought back slowly but surely until they erased the deficit and entered the fourth quarter tied 33-33. It felt like momentum had officially shifted.

Then came one of the most grind-it-out scoring stretches of the entire showcase.

For the first two and a half minutes of the final quarter, neither team scored. Finally, Kingston Alexander broke the silence with a much-needed three. But Bentonville West answered immediately with a triple from Landon Price, who refused to let his Wolverines give up the lead without a fight.

Every possession down the stretch mattered. Ties, lead changes, steals, put-backs—it was a battle of nerves. With 1:44 left, Bentonville West led 46-42. A huge finish from Drake Tidwell pushed the lead to six, and that’s when it felt like the Wolverines locked the door for good.

They outscored the Mets 21-9 in the fourth quarter and closed out a statement victory.

Final Score: Bentonville West 54 – eStem 42

MVP: Landon Price (Bentonville West) 17pts, 3rebs — clutch perimeter scoring and momentum threes all game long

Bentonville West showed poise, patience, and a willingness to impose their style of basketball. Their defensive disruption paired with timely scoring from Price proved to be the difference. Not many teams can hold eStem to 42 points, but the Wolverines set a tone, and set it early.

As for eStem? There is zero panic necessary. Even elite teams have cold shooting days, and despite the offensive struggles, they still battled back and tied the game entering the fourth. With Patel at the helm, you can guarantee they’ll use this game as film and fuel.

Both teams will be fun to watch as the season continues, I’m excited to see how high each of them climb.

KFletch 🖤