BENTON — Last summer, gyms across Illinois remained quiet due to COVID-19. That’s certainly not the case this year.

Over the course of two days, Benton welcomed 19 other teams for 96 games of basketball. It’s called the Summer Slam.

What began as a small, varsity only shootout has turned into a major event played on five courts at three different schools.

The slam features a wide variety of schools ranging from 1A to 4A, including some from out of the immediate vicinity such as T-town, Freeburg, Breese Central, Civic Memorial, and O’Fallon. The coaches say these summer games will pay dividends down the road.

Summer activities and games are especially important for teams with new coaches such as Goreville and Pete Gordon. The former West Frankfort and Thompsonville boys coach has taken over the Lady Blackcats following the retirement of long time, highly successful coach Mike Helton.

While the records of teams at the Summer Slam won’t likely be remembered, the coaches hope the lessons learned will be.