Led by C.J. L’s 12 points, the middle school boys’ basketball team climbed back to above .500 after defeating Cocoa Beach 40-31 at home Thursday.

Coach Derrick Hamilton seemed pleased at the boys’ determination.

“We where mentally and physically tired, [but] we battled back, and I was proud of the boys,” Hamilton said. “This was a win we really needed going into Cocoa.”

Although pleased with the result, Hamilton also spotted areas where the team needs to improve.

“I guess it was a win and a loss,” he said. “We need to improve all aspects of our game. Hopefully a rest will improve the team and give the guys a break.”

The boys now hold a 3-2 record and travel to Cocoa to play their second to last game of the season.

Editor’s note: Brevard Public Schools policy prohibits the inclusion of middle-schoolers’ last names on district websites.