Second-year player Sam L. scored 12 points to lead the boys’ middle-school basketball team to a 14-point road victory over Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School on Tuesday. Under new management, the team the season with statement victory. Greg Buttrick has taken over for head coach Robert Salazar and looks to improve on last season’s 3-6 record.

Assistant coach Justin Laneuville, a senior, said he expects this group to show growth.

“This year’s team brings more experience with an eighth-grade-dominated roster,” he said. “And they know what it takes to win.”

With 12 out of 16 ballers in eighth grade, experience is a valuable asset in the two-year middle school eligibility window.

“This team has the potential to win every game but they must put the work in to do so,” Laneuville said.

The Wildcats will try to build a win streak against cross town rival Edgewood in another road game tonight.

Editor’s note: Brevard Public School policy prohibits the inclusion of last names for middle-schoolers on its web sites.