Hayden built a big lead early, then withstood a rally down the stretch for a 53-48 win over J.B. Pennington in girls basketball action Friday.

The Wildcats built an 11-point lead at halftime, 21-10. But then the Tigers outscored the Cats 25-11 in the third quarter to take a 35-32 lead.

Sharley Miller hit 5-of-6 free throws in the last 30 seconds to clinch the Cats’ victory.

Hannah Padgett lead all scorers with 18 points, Evin Bibb added 11 and freshman Taylor Garrett added nine, as did Miller.

Hayden (1-1) travels to nearby Locust Fork on Tuesday night.