When a wrist injury forced Woodland’s Ashley Marble to miss eight games in the middle of the season, her defending Class D state champion Dragons could have been expected to struggle.

But even if the Dragons had to lose Marble for a time, coach Arnie Clark’s team found new ways to improve its game.

“If you survive something like that, it almost always makes you stronger,” Clark said.

Marble, a third team All-Maine selection last year, returned to action on Jan. 18. While she was out, the Dragons lost twice – to Calais and Lee – but younger players had the chance to gain valuable experience and skills that will serve the team well in the tournament.

Woodland is ranked first in the Southeastern division and Lee is tops in the Northeastern division. While the Dragons and the Pandas seem to be on a collision course for the Eastern Maine final, they will face stiff challenges from Van Buren, Limestone/Maine School of Science and Mathematics, Southern Aroostook of Dyer Brook, Bangor Christian and Shead of Eastport.

Woodland is entering the postseason with momentum, having topped previously unbeaten Class C powerhouse Calais in the last game of the season.

Marble, a versatile 5-foot, 9-inch swingman, leads the team in scoring and is the Dragons’ top defensive player. Fellow senior Julia Knights, a 5-10 forward, is Woodland’s other top scoring threat.

Forward Katie Smith has provided more offensive power, while savvy 5-2 point guard Kaitlyn Leeman runs the offense.

The Dragons were without starting off-guard Erika Brown for two weeks late in the season. Brown suffered a contusion in her knee, but is nearly at full strength now and started in the game against Calais.

Lauren Troiani and Megan Lord stepped in while Marble and Brown were injured and will be counted on to contribute in the tournament.

Woodland uses a variety of fullcourt presses and its depth sustains its running game.

Lee features a potent inside-outside game with 5-8 freshman forward Shelby Pickering and senior guards Deidra Ham and Ashley Linscott.

Coach Carrie Goodhue’s Pandas can be counted on to trap and harass their opponents into turnovers that translate into easy baskets.

“We try to focus on defense, and when we play defense well we play offense well,” Goodhue said.

Linscott leads the team in steals and is an outside scoring threat. Goodhue said that pointguard Ham provides leadership and scoring punch.

“Deidra keeps the team composed when we need to be composed. She’s a coach on the floor,” Goodhue said.

Pickering has more than held her own for the Pandas in the paint, despite her youth and small size for a post player. She leads the team in scoring and rebounding.

Goodhue has been pleased with Pickering’s transition to high school ball.

“She’s really tough physically and mentally. … If she gets hacked inside, or misses a key free throw, she doesn’t let it bother her. She just gets the rebound and puts it in later on,” Goodhue said.

The Pandas go eight deep, with valuable contributions from 3-point sharpshooter Katie Harris, swingman and defensive specialist Kristin Bird, Kristin Hersom, Sam Cole and Ashley Gifford.

Van Buren, ranked second in the Northeast with a 14-3 record, keeps opponents off-balance with a varied selection of half-court zone and man-to-man defenses.

The Crusaders are led by 5-4 pointguard Nicole Corbin, one of the top players in the region. Corbin, Van Buren’s only senior, is averaging about 24 ppg.

Coach Steve Lapierre said the team depends on Corbin’s leadership.

“She’s a good all-around player. She shoots well, she sees the floor well, she plays defense and she passes the ball well. She also does a good job motivating the other players,” Lapierre said.

Junior forwards Michelle Parent and Danielle Gagnon are both averaging in double figures in scoring and rebounding.

Lapierre said every player is looking to shoot out of his team’s half court offense.

“All five [of our starters] can shoot when they’re open. If they’re open, they look to take the shot,” Lapierre said.

But with just nine players on their roster, the Crusaders could be limited by a lack of depth.

“With only nine people it’s been a little difficult to practice. But the girls have stepped up, so hopefully it keeps on,” Lapierre said.

Limestone, third in the Northeast at 14-4, is keyed by junior pointguard Ashley Brooker, a three-year starter, who is averaging 17 ppg and leads the team in assists.

Coach Bob Hancock starts three juniors and two sophomores. And though the team is young, it is experienced, with four of five starters back from last season.

Traci Weatherhead, who moved to Limestone from Colorado this year, stepped into the starting lineup and has been the Eagles second-leading scorer and top rebounder. Junior Jessica Stackhouse has also been a scoring threat.

Limestone’s formidable set of full court zone and man-to-man presses has been keyed by guard Jacinda St. Pierre. Hancock said St. Pierre’s hard work inspires the team.

“She’s our defensive stopper – and one of those kids who likes that kind of role,” Hancock said.

Hancock said defense has sustained the team when it struggled offensively.

“Even at 14-4 I couldn’t point to any game and say we shot really well. … Basically we just hold teams down. Our style allows us to play with folks no matter how well we’re shooting,” Hancock said.

Southern Aroostook, ranked fourth in the Northeast with a 13-5 record, features a guard-oriented attack that makes up for its lack of size with its quickness. Coach Jon Porter’s starting center is just 5-9 and the team often puts four guards on the floor.

The Warriors rely on a variety of full and half court traps to generate easy fast break hoops.

The team is sparked by 5-6 off-guard Kristi Brooker, who is scoring at an 18 ppg clip. Pointguard Nicki Lyons is second with 12.5 ppg.

Center Tiffany Hartin accounts for 10 ppg and is the top rebounder with 11 per game.

Southern Aroostook could be slowed by an injury to senior forward Holly Toothaker, who hurt her knee in a Jan. 14 game against Ashland. Porter is unsure if Toothaker will play in the tournament.

Bangor Christian is paced by 6-0 Pam Reitsma, a tough inside scorer and rebounder. The Patriots finished at 9-7 to claim the second seed in the Southeast.

Shead, Eastern Maine runners-up last year, is sparked by sophomore guard Samantha Davis. Davis is an able outside shooter and ballhandler. The Tigerettes are ranked third in the Southeast with a 10-8 record.