LEWES, Del.- The Delaware Sports Commission on Tuesday announced 18 out of the 19 teams that will be participating in the 2015 Slam Dunk to the Beach. According to a release sent to WBOC, selected are five teams in the top 50 nationwide, as well as six teams from Delaware. 

Cape Henlopen High School will not only be the host, but also will be the sole Sussex County participant for the second year in a row. They are joined by Dover High School in Kent County, and four teams in New Castle County. 

In the tournament’s prime, it played host to NBA All Stars such as Lebron James, Dwight Howard, and Carmelo Anthony. That all came to an end in 2004 though, when the tournament organizer cited health issues. That founder, Bobby Jacobs, later pleaded no contest to charges of stealing thousands of dollars from the tournament. 

Following these legal problems, the tournament disappeared from coastal Delaware for a decade, before returning in 2014. 

The result was a major financial success, according to the DSC, which estimated the 2014 tournament brought in about 10,000 fans, and a boost of approximately $1 million to the local economy. 

"The energy level was sky-high," said Cape Henlopen Athletic Director Bob Cilento. "A lot of people interested. It was just a fantastic first year. Everything went very smooth."

Betsy Reamer, of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, said the impacts were widespread. 

"They come with their families," she said. "They eat in our restaurants, they stay in our hotels, and it’s just a wonderful addition to the events we already do here at the beach." 

Tickets are now on sale for $55 for a three-day pass.