In a span of a couple of games, the Rangeley Lakers made amends – at least for now.

After losing to Waynflete last year and getting stunned by Valley in the Western D semifinals last February, the Lakers paid them all back.

Rangeley beat the defending Class D state champs 52-33 and then handed Valley a 57-38 defeat a few nights later.

“It was a big week,” said Rangeley coach Heidi Deery, whose team was ranked second in Western D in the latest Heals. “We had geared up for it. I think for the most part, we dominated the games, and that’s what I was looking for – to see how we were going to match up. We had some goals and I think we reached them.”

Rangeley’s one-two punch of guard Sarah Schrader and center Krysteen Romero did considerable damage in the two wins. Schrader had 20 points against Waynflete while Romero added 14. Against Valley, Romero led all scorers with 23 while Schrader had 10. Sabrina Clark had 22 points between the two games for the Lakers (6-0). Add in the play of Rosie LaPointe and Justine Frost-Kolva and the returning veterans gave Rangeley the kind of depth the other two clubs couldn’t match.

The Lakers loss to Valley in last year’s playoffs has certainly helped set the tone for Rangeley this season. The pressure defense has been as stingy as ever and both the Flyers and Cavaliers struggled.

“We talk about it every day,” said Deery of Valley’s come-from-behind playoff win. “That was devastating for the kids, and they don’t want to relive that. At some point it might be time to put it behind us, but they’re still aware it happened.”

It has made the Lakers more focused and determined. They know the implications of the slightest letdown, and they’re bound to avoid similar disaster.

“They know that you have to perform every night,” said Deery. “You know as a coach, and you tell them that any night and on any given day it can happen, but they lived it, and they had to live with it for a year.”

The Lakers face Valley again Jan. 24. They were supposed to play that game Wednesday, but it was postponed because of transportation issues.

“I don’t feel like our job is done at all,” said Deery. “We’re sure when we see them again it will be a battle.”

Hurting in Eastern A

There has been no shortage of injured players among the Eastern A teams. Besides the lengthy injury to Mt. Ararat’s standout Erika Stupinski, a number of teams have been missing key ingredients this season.

Cony has been without Maggie and Briiana Rende. Briiana recently returned to action.

Bangor has been without post player Alyssa Ogden. Both Oxford Hills and Leavitt have been hindered without key components to their offense.

The Hornets have been without guard Stephanie Healy while the Vikings lost Annie Foster. Both have been out with ankle injuries. Hampden and Lawrence have also had some injury woes.

It has meant that at least one-third of the Eastern A field has been playing at less than full strength.