Coming from a long line of educators and coaches, Jordan Gunter was practically destined to become a teacher. “Teaching is in my blood,” he says. Despite initially pursuing a degree in business, Gunter eventually found his way back to education, where he feels most at home.

“Once I graduated college and moved back to Southern Illinois, I knew this was my calling,” Gunter shares. After assisting at Sesser-Valier High School, he joined Benton Jr. High, where he teaches 7th grade Physical Education and leads the boys’ varsity basketball team, which includes sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.

For Gunter, basketball is about more than just winning games—it’s about preparing students for life. “I tell my players all the time that they’re not just going to be athletes; they’re going to be husbands, parents, and role models someday,” he explains.

Gunter emphasizes lessons like accountability, perseverance, and teamwork during practices and games. “Not many teams go undefeated,” he says. “Learning how to handle losses and bounce back is a lesson these kids will carry for the rest of their lives.”

At the end of each practice, the team gathers for a discussion. Whether it’s celebrating academic achievements, acknowledging acts of kindness, or preparing for the challenges ahead, Gunter ensures that every player understands the value of character and effort both on and off the court.

Leading a basketball program for a Jr. High with more than 60 hopefuls trying out is no small task. Gunter and his two assistant coaches, Wyatt McClintock and Lucas Wilson, meticulously narrow the roster to just 20 players - five 8th graders who play on the varsity team and fifteen 7th and 6th graders who round out the 12-man varsity roster and also play on the junior varsity team.

Practices are a mix of drills, strategy sessions, and team-building exercises. “We practice together—JV and varsity—because I want the younger kids to learn from the older ones,” Gunter explains. The result is a cohesive program where players support each other and work as a unit.

The basketball program also fosters community pride. “When we step onto the court, we represent Benton,” Gunter says. “How we play, how we act, and how we respect the game reflects on our town, and we hold ourselves to a high standard.”

Gunter goes above and beyond to ensure his players feel supported. Each year, the team organizes a free-throw-a-thon fundraiser to cover expenses for travel shirts, shooting shirts, and to subsidize the cost of high-quality basketball shoes, ensuring every player has the gear they need to succeed.

“Everything we raise goes back to the kids,” Gunter says. “I want them to feel like they’re part of something special, and I want them to have what they need to perform at their best.”

For Gunter, the basketball program is more than a team—it’s an opportunity to showcase Benton Jr. High’s spirit. He encourages community members to attend games, not only to support the players but to see the school’s broader culture in action.

“Coming to a game isn’t just about basketball,” Gunter explains. “You’ll see the choir performing the national anthem, cheerleaders energizing the crowd, and students coming together to support each other. It’s a reflection of who we are as a school and as a community.”

Gunter firmly believes that basketball teaches lessons that go far beyond the court. From handling adversity to collaborating with teammates, these experiences help students develop the skills they’ll need throughout their lives.

“Most of these kids won’t go on to play college or professional basketball,” Gunter admits. “But the lessons they learn here—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—will help them in their future careers, families, and communities.”

As the boys’ basketball season continues, Gunter remains focused on his mission: to build confident, capable, and community-minded young men. “I want them to leave this program not just as better athletes, but as better people,” he says.