Basketball Game Preview: Estero Wildcats vs. Gateway Eagles

Estero hasn't had much luck against Gateway recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Wildcats will venture away from home to face off against the Eagles at 7:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.

Estero took a loss when they played away from home on Thursday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Cypress Lake as they made off with a 73-51 victory. The Wildcats' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Lincoln Zadach

Points (Career)

12/16/25 vs Cypress Lake	13
12/11/25 @ Mariner	11
11/25/24 vs Riverdale	8
12/09/25 @ Cape Coral	6
02/03/25 vs Bonita Springs	6

Ashton Peterson and Lincoln Zadach were among the main playmakers for Estero as the former posted 17 points and the latter had 13 points. Those 13 points gave Zadach a new career-high. Aiden Soerens was another key player, putting up eight points.

Meanwhile, Gateway was just a bucket shy of victory on Tuesday and fell 85-84 to Mariner.

With the win, Estero broke their five-game losing streak and moved their record to 3-5. As for Gateway, their loss dropped their record down to 1-7.

Estero couldn't quite get it done against Gateway in their previous matchup back in February of 2024 as they fell 59-48. Thankfully for the Wildcats, Christopher Davis (who almost dropped a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.