Basketball Game Preview: Cocoa Tigers vs. Rockledge Raiders

Cocoa is 2-8 against Rockledge since February of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Cocoa Tigers will welcome the Rockledge Raiders at 7:30 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Cocoa is headed into Thursday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They took a 60-47 hit to the loss column at the hands of Viera. While losing is never fun, the Tigers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 500th, while the Hawks are ranked 67th).

Meanwhile, Rockledge was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Friday as they fell 61-57 to Viera. The Raiders have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Cocoa will have to contain Damien Bryant as he made an impact in Rockledge's last game. He shot 6-for-11 from long range and dropped a double-double on 24 points and ten boards. The dominant performance gave Bryant a new career-high in rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Conlan Oakley, who posted 14 points along with five assists and five boards.

Rockledge's loss dropped their record down to 14-9. As for Cocoa, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-13.

Cocoa took a serious blow against Rockledge in their previous meeting back in January of 2024, falling 76-31. Thankfully for Cocoa, Ryan Blount (who went 13 of 26 on his way to 41 points and five 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.