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Seven-foot-tall centers, 20-point-per-game scorers and can't-miss Division I college prospects are a rarity at Cape Henlopen High School.

But those shortcomings haven't stopped the Vikings from mastering one important skill -- winning basketball games.

Cape has won four consecutive Northern Division titles, perhaps none more impressive than last season's, when the Vikings used a balanced attack to go 22-3 and win their first Henlopen Conference championship in 15 years.

"We didn't really have a superstar," Cape coach Ed Waples said. "Hopefully, we'll have the same kind of team effort (this season)."

Cape's winning formula focuses on crisp passing, good shot selection and stifling defense. Not spectacular, but effective. And with a solid group of returning seniors, it's not likely things will be any different in 1998-99.

Center Adam Scott and guards Ricky Thompson and O.J. Wilson will provide the nucleus for a team in search of its fifth straight division title. They will be joined by promising junior guard Darrell Davis and the frontcourt platoon of Dominique Hack and Tom Sheehan.

Those players must step up to compensate for the loss of graduating seniors Ronson Burton, Carl Floyd and Olin Bolden and junior Julius Hazzard, who is currently ineligible and may be lost for the season.

"If we work hard, we can be in the running. If you work hard, good things can happen to you," Waples said. "We're in good shape right now for that. I think that's probably the way Cape works best."

Waples places a strong emphasis on defense and likes to give opponents different looks on offense. At times last season, he employed a system that featured three point guards.

But balance and depth are the keys and Waples is hoping his younger players can make a quick adjustment to the system. Even some of the returning seniors didn't get into the flow of things until the second half of last season.

"We're bringing in a fairly new group of kids. It's sort of a new unit," he said. "If I do my job well enough, we're going to surprise some people."

And if you're a Cape fan, here's a comforting thought: Waples was last season's Delaware Interscholastic Coaches Association Coach of the Year.

Coach: Ed Waples (2nd year)

Last Year: 22-3, Henlopen Conference champion

Key Losses: Ronson Burton, Carl Floyd, Olin Bolden, Julius Hazzard

Key Returnees: C Adam Scott, sr.; G Ricky Thompson, sr.; G O.J. Wilson, sr.; F Haywood Burton, sr.

Newcomers: G Eric Croce, sr.; F Tom Sheehan, jr.; G Tavon Biles, jr.; G Mark Moore, jr.; G Tim Widdoes, jr.; G Bobby Croce, jr.; G Patrick Woods, so.; C Dominique Hack, jr.; G Darrell Davis, jr.

Outlook: Cape has good senior leadership in Scott, Thompson and Wilson and an up-and-coming talent in Davis. The Vikings rarely have superstars but succeed by working together as a team and showing opponents different looks. This season is no different. If this group displays the team chemistry and work ethic of seasons past, the Vikings will again be a strong contender in the Northern Division.