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Delaware teams announced for 2017 Slam Dunk to the Beach

Holiday showcase event slated for Dec. 27-29
October 17, 2017

The Delaware Sports Commission announced Oct. 17 the four Delaware teams that will participate in the 2017 Slam Dunk to the Beach at Cape Henlopen High School. 

Set for Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 27-29, Slam Dunk to the Beach presented by Grotto Pizza will be back in Lewes for the fourth consecutive year after drawing more than 30,000 fans, players and participants over the last three seasons. 

The schools representing Delaware’s local community include host Cape Henlopen High School, Caravel Academy, Howard High School and Smyrna High School.

“We are pleased to welcome another outstanding slate of Delaware talent to the 2017 event,” said Jessie Dmiterchik, executive director of the Delaware Sports Commission. “The state will be well represented with at least one team from each county, giving the top programs the opportunity to compete against the nation’s elite.” 

Since the tournament’s 2014 return, each eventual DIAA state champion has played at Slam Dunk to the Beach before going on to win the state title. Andrew Mears, head coach of the 2017 State Champion Smyrna Eagles, said: “Last year's event provided such a valuable opportunity and learning experience for our team. We are excited and humbled to once again be included this year.”

Over the years, Slam Dunk to the Beach has hosted some of the nation’s premier players, including LeBron James (2001), Kevin Durant (2003) and Carmelo Anthony (2000), but recent participants are already making their presence felt in the world of hoops. Cheick Diallo (2014) is the newest Slam Dunk alum to make the NBA, now in his second season with the New Orleans Pelicans. In college basketball, Mohamed Bamba (2015, 2016) will make his debut for the Texas Longhorns this fall after being ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the 2017 class by ESPN. 

The Delaware Sports Commission is looking forward to its continued partnerships and increased support from the community. 

“In year four, Slam Dunk to the Beach has become the event we aspired it to be,” said Dr. Matthew Robinson, chairman of the Delaware Sports Commission. “With national recognition, top-tier talent and support from the local community, Slam Dunk to the Beach will continue to provide positive economic impact to Sussex County. This could not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, local businesses and community leaders.” 

“We are very proud to be the Official Pizza and presenting sponsor of Slam Dunk to the Beach,” said Vinnie DiNatale, marketing director for Grotto Pizza. “Competition at the event is fierce. The games are very exciting to watch, and the buzz has grown, so you don’t want to miss a single game. Slam Dunk to the Beach gets better and better every year. We are glad to be a part of such a great event in Sussex County."

Here’s a closer look at Delaware’s Slam Dunk entrants: 

• For the fourth year in a row, the defending DIAA State Champion will participate at Slam Dunk to the Beach when Smyrna High School tips off.  In a return visit for Andrew Mears’ team, this talented Eagles squad boasts two returning all-state selections from 2016-17 - Caleb Matthews (first team) and Jaymeir Garnett (honorable mention). 

• Cape Henlopen High School will once again compete at the event played on its home floor. Head coach Steve Re’s Vikings team advanced to the second round of the state tournament in 2016-17 and will bring back a strong local presence. The Vikings will once again be led by two of the top seniors in the state, Ian Robertson and Randy Rickards. 

• 2017 DIAA state runner-up, Caravel Academy, is looking to build on last season’s tournament run. Head coach Mark Tobin and all-state guard O’Koye Parker took the Buccaneers from 19th seed to the championship game in 2017, and they come into this season high on everyone’s radar.

• Rounding out the Delaware participants for 2017 is Howard High School of Wilmington. Head coach Rahsaan Matthews will bring plenty of star power with him to Lewes, in the form of returning all-state performer Lamar Woody. The Wildcats appeared in the 2016-17 state playoffs and are poised for a deeper run this year.

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