Springdale boys beat Bentworth in key matchup in section playoff race

By: Antonio Rossetti
Friday, January 23, 2026 | 9:57 PM

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The Springdale boys basketball team pulled away for a 43-31 win over Bentworth, holding the Bearcats to just four points in the fourth quarter of their Section 1-2A battle Friday night.

“It means a lot to the kids,” Dynamos coach Scott Ruppert said. “There was a lot of buildup and a lot of preparation. This was a game we needed to win to get where we want to be. It also gives us a chance to split for the third spot, which is the best-case scenario.

“The kids were excited, they were engaged in practice and they game-prepped well. I was really proud of how hard they competed.”

Liam Dexter led the Dynamos (9-8, 6-4) with 21 points — making three 3-pointers — and seven rebounds.

“Coming in here and beating them after that first game felt spectacular,” Dexter said. “They beat us, and it was a tough overtime loss but we came here and got it done. No overtime needed.”

The Dynamos tallied 11 team assists and made six 3-pointers.

“This puts us in a much better spot for playoffs,” Springdale’s Robbie Simmen said. “We came in with a great mindset, and we really wanted this win.”

Simmen tallied 17 points, along with four assists and six steals.

“Defense is a big part of our game,” he added. “If my offense isn’t going well, I’ve got to get back on defense and get the ball back. We take pride in playing both ways.”

Added Ruppert: “Robbie and Liam are both really developing as young men. This was the year they had to take that step, and they went above and beyond. When those two show up — and they both did tonight — they’re our one-two punch. … It’s becoming the norm for them.

“They’re juniors, so we’ve got another year with them and I’m proud of their work. They come in every day committed and dedicated. They committed to our game plan tonight, and this win is largely because of what they did and how the rest of the team supported them.”

Dexter sparked the offense with 14 first-half points.

Dexter’s hot streak continued as a three put the Dynamos up 28-19 to start the third quarter. After being doubled, Dexter kicked it to Simmen, who buried a three to give them a 31-19 lead.

Their connection helped guide the Dynamos to victory.

“I’ve been playing with Rob since second grade,” Dexter said. “When he’s on the court, I’m on the court, we just link. If he sees me, I hit a shot. If I see him, he hits a shot.”

Said Simmen: “We know what each other can do and we trust each other. We know our ability.”

Ben Hays, however, carried the Bearcats back as Bentworth (11-5, 6-4) went on a 8-2 run with Hays tallying all eight to end the third quarter with Springdale holding a 33-27 lead.

Hays opened the fourth with a layup to cut it to 33-29, closing a 10-2 run.

The Dynamos, however, shut down the Bearcats, holding them to two points for the last six minutes.

“We came in with a plan to limit their other options and make it a Ben Hayes game,” Ruppert said. “We knew he was going to get his. That kid is a gamer. He’s going to fight and get his points no matter what. It was about taking away their second and third options when he didn’t get the basket. He’s an excellent player and, in my eyes, an all-section player. He had an outstanding game. He did everything he could, so credit to him.”

Springdale held Bentworth to 12 second-half points.

Hays led the game in scoring with 22 points. Denying him the ball in the late stages was crucial and Springdale executed, holding him to two points in the final quarter.

“We wanted to challenge him and make it tough, and force other kids to make plays,” Ruppert said. “We know what he can do with the ball, so the goal was to pressure the other players and make them beat us.”

Springdale closed Bentworth out, putting them in a tie for third place.

“We’re going to prepare for Riverview,” Ruppert said. “We’ve got them on Tuesday. Hopefully, the game doesn’t get canceled with all the snow, but we’ll be ready.”

Tags: Bentworth, Springdale