On Senior Night, the varsity boys basketball team faced Cocoa Beach at home on Tuesday, Jan. 28, coming off a 60-40 win over Edgewood. The Wildcats entered the game with a 4-12 record.

The senior ceremony took place before the game, when senior players Ethan Marana, Boston Boucher and Max Rogers, along with manager Liam Corey, were honored for their dedication to the program.

To carry on the tradition, all the seniors took the court for the opening tip, including Corey, who suited up for the first time all season. The first quarter was a defensive battle, with the Minutemen holding a 13-7 lead at the buzzer.

The Wildcats’ offense began to find its rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the Minutemen 12-9 to cut the deficit to three points at halftime.

The Wildcats came out of the locker room strong, keeping it a one-score game for the opening minutes. The Minutemen closed the third quarter with a scoring run to extend the lead to 38-30.

Hungry for a Senior Night win, the Wildcats pulled within 46-45 with less than three minutes remaining. The Minutemen forced a late turnover to retain possession and sealed the game with a 50-45 win.

The Wildcats are the No. 5 seed in the Class 2A-District 6 tournament and are set to face Edgewood (7-11) on Feb. 3. The Wildcats have won the last two matchups against the Red Wolves as they look to advance in the district tournament.