The East Clinton eighth grade girls basketball team was defeated by Hillsboro 26-18 Monday night.

Camille Hughes and Mersadees Gulley had five points each. Rhylee Luttrell and Kiya Bird had four points each.

Coach Greg Dell said the Lady Astros played well offensively in the first half, leading 11-9. Dell added the team’s defense has been improving throughout the season.

On Jan. 14, East Clinton was defeated by Clinton-Massie 28-25.

Luttrell paced the EC offense with 16 points. She had a trio of three-point baskets. Hughes added seven and Katrina Bowman had two points. Coach Dell said Kiya Bird and Alexia Garen contributed on the defensive end. Makenzy Winer played well for the Astros.

“It was a tough loss but it showed me the girls are capable of playing at a higher level,” Dell said.

On Jan. 11, East Clinton lost to Washington 39-22.

Hughes led with 12 points while Luttrell had six. Gulley and Bird had two points each.

Coach Dell said Luttrell, Bird and Gulley contributed offensively while Garen, Winer and Yongqi Lin “stepped up their defensive capabilities” in this one.