"Back to the Future" for Cape basketball

The Cape girl’s basketball team returns to the state championship game this Friday night March 11, 2011, at 7 p.m. for the first time since the Vikings won the title in 1973, the inaugural year of the tournament, beating Mt. Pleasant 33 to 31.

Last season when Cape’s new gym was opened the team from 1973 was invited to the first home game where they were honored and presented with their banner which is still the only Cape state championship for girl’s basketball.

“It was a wonderful time in our lives looking back now 37 years later, said team member Amy Reed.  “We had a special bond, team and coach! I'm sure each and every one of us smiles when we recall that season and the special win- the first Girls State Championship. I know I'm still proud. Plus our record still stands unmatched at Cape today! The community support was great, I talk to people even today who tell me they were there that night and I had no idea- how special! We live in a beautiful area, small town America at its best!”

Poly Tech in 2003 under Coach John O’Connor is the only other downstate team besides the 1973 Cape team to win the championship in the 38 title games contested.

Sussex Central, under the direction of Coach Charlie Hudson, lost to Ursuline in the championship game in 1995, Seaford with Coach Jim Weardon, now at Wesley, lost to Poly Tech in 2003 and Seaford lost again in 2004 to Ursuline.

‘We all know it’s been 38 years since Cape has been in the game so we are proud to represent our school,” Johnesha Warren said after Cape’s overtime semifinal win over Ursuline.

The Cape girls will “go to school” all the long day on championship Friday, no distracting pep rallies are scheduled ,then they will roll north to the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center for a 7 p.m date with destiny and the Sanford Warriors.

Both teams are 19-4 and both have a large and loud following of fans. All tickets are sold at the door and cost 7 dollars. Cape fans are encouraged to wear blue in support of their team.

Back to the future begins at tip-off.