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Tim Slade one day hopes to try his hand at politics, and few other professions could better prepare him for such an endeavor than that of Sussex Central boys basketball coach.

"This is a political game," joked Slade, who played at Sussex Central from 1987-1989 and was a member of the 1988 team that reached the state finals. "It's a lot of pressure because I've lived in this town all my life."

Slade takes over for Vic Hrebien, who was let go after last season. It says something about the demands of the job that Hrebien was dismissed after leading the Golden Knights to a 14-9 record, their best since 1993.

Slade was Central's junior varsity coach from 1995-1997 and is now charged with leading one of the youngest teams in the Henlopen Conference back to the state tournament.

"When I got this job, the expectations were so high," he said. "It takes time to develop a good player. I'm hoping people realize that. People are not going to understand why you're not winning."

Central's attack will be centered around a pair of returning forwards ­ junior Travis Leonard and senior John Gordy. The rest of the team in made up primarily of juniors and sophomores.

Slade must also replace standout guard Brian Polk, who transferred to Sussex Tech.

"Brian's a terrific talent, but it seems like my team has come together in looking for each other instead of looking to one person," Slade said.

The Knights should have little trouble scoring but must gel on defense if they are to be successful in the tough Henlopen North, he added.

"I love challenges," Slade said. "It's going to be a little difficult. I just want people to realize it takes time and to see how young our team is."

But despite the demands of the job and its seemingly small margin for error, Slade is happy to the man in charge for 1998-99.

"It's an honor to have this position," he said.

Coach: Tim Slade (1st year)

Last Year: 14-9

Key Losses: Brian Polk, Kasiem Miller, Donnie Strand

Key Returnees: F Travis Leonard, jr.; F John Gordy, sr.

Newcomers: G George Dutton, jr.; G Tony Cintron, jr.; C James Cannon, so.; C Robin Stephens, so.; G Jay Balback, sr.

Outlook: The Knights should be able to score with a strong frontcourt of Leonard and Gordy, but Slade is concerned about a lack of game experience and early-season struggles on defense. "We have talent and height. We can score but I don't know if we can stop you from scoring," he said. Slade must also replace Brian Polk, a premier talent who transferred to Sussex Tech. Once this team gels, it could be a force in the Northern Division.