MARYSVILLE — The Lady Tomahawks found a way to counter every Seagull shot en route to their first state berth in 13 years.

“They’ve so competitive,” said Marysville-Pilchuck coach Julie Martin. “They’re the best team I’ve ever coached. They have the heart you want in a team.”

Marysville-Pilchuck (17-5) held off a late run by an Edmonds-Wooday (20-2) squad that had suffered just one other loss this season to win 56-54 in a District 1 tournament semifinal game Feb. 19.

Despite having just one senior on the roster, M-P played like a team that knew how to win in the playoffs by putting pressure on Edmonds until they appeared to crack. The Lady Tomahawks pushed the tempo from the tip, using their depth advantage by subbing in fresh legs every few minutes and overwhelming the Seahawks’ strength: it’s front line.

“We knew we were at a height disadvantage so we wanted to tire the tall girls out,” said junior guard Andi Adams.

The strategy held Edmonds at bay to the tune of a 28-20 halftime lead that was previously as large as 11.

But the Seagulls spent the next quarter and a half coming back from the early deficit, which they eventually did — and led by three with as many minutes remaining. Adams, however, scored six of her team’s remaining 12 points to secure the victory. She finished with 13.

While it was Adams in the end of the game, junior guard Morgan Martinis kept the Tomahawks’ advantage throughout most of the game, scoring a game-high 18 points and was the player who fired back whenever Edmonds made a big basket.

“Morgan hitting those threes in the third quarter for huge for us,” Martin said about two of Martinis’ four total treys that came directly after the Seagulls scored three points.

In addition to earning a state berth, the win puts Marysville-Pilchuck in the district championship game against Lake Stevens to be held at 8 p.m. Feb. 27 at Jackson.

“This is so great,” Martin said. “I’m so happy for them. We are such a close group. I’ve been waiting years for these girls.”