The SL24 Basketball Classic was established in memory of Sean Locke, a 2012 St. Mark’s High School graduate, 2016 University of Delaware graduate, and former Division I basketball player who lost his battle with depression in July 2018. The event was established in the spirit of providing information and resources to youth in the Delaware community through the avenue of basketball, Sean’s favorite sport.

The funds raised will benefit the SL24: UnLocke the Light Foundation, which helps educate, assist, and support those battling depression, suicidal ideation, and other mental health challenges. In addition, they will allow SL24 to keep providing valuable services and programs at Sean’s Houses in Newark and Lewes, and at Sean’s Rooms across the state of Delaware.

The SL24 Basketball Classic is about more than the game itself. We want young people to understand they are more than a number, more than a score, more than a grade. Our mission at the SL24: UnLocke the Light Foundation promotes this idea in three ways:

Educate: SL24 is ending the stigma and informing young people so they better understand mental health challenges, seek out wellness strategies, and avail themselves of life-changing resources.
Assist: SL24 strives to eliminate all barriers to mental health care. SL24's Mental Health Scholarship ensures that finances will not be a barrier to a young person getting the professional therapy they need to move from darkness to light.
Support: Sean's House and Sean's Rooms provide safe spaces for brave mental health conversations with our trained Peer24 Support Specialists.

The 8th Annual SL24 Basketball Classic will take place at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Delaware on February 5-6, 2027. More information, including the full sponsorship package, can be found on our website here.

2027 SL24 Basketball Classic

Mental Health Advocacy through Basketball