The Wayland junior varsity girls’ basketball team Thursday evening improved its overall season record to 11-2 with a 43-35 victory over Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills.

The Bengals jumped out to a quick lead behind tough defense and the sharp shooting of T. Moores. The Wildcats had more trouble than usual putting the ball in the basket and their cold streak continued through the entire first half. In addition, the Bengals continued to shoot well from the outside.

Ottawa Hills led 24-21 at intermission.

The Wildcats turned up the defense in the third quarter to hold Ottawa to one point and halfway through the third period took the lead for good.

The Wildcats, now 4-1 in O-K Gold Conference play, have lost only to Hudsonville and Grand Rapids South Christian this season.

Coach Coralie Ritz Miller’s team next will play Middleville Thornapple Kellogg at home Thursday.