DME Academy takes immense pride in fostering talent that transcends borders, and Lara Barnes is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the best. A standout Shooting Guard on DME Academy’s High School National Girl’s Basketball team, Barnes recently made headlines by representing Turkey in the 2023 FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship held in Izmir, Turkey from August 11 to 19, 2023.
Barnes demonstrated her incredible skill set as she donned the Turkish national jersey during this prestigious international tournament. Notably, she led the team in points per game with 9, and 3-point shooting efficiency, which stood at just over 35%.
Her sharpshooting from beyond the arc was a crucial factor in Turkey’s success during the championship.
Mike Panaggio, DME Director and Head Coach of girl’s basketball, couldn’t be more thrilled about Barnes’ achievements.
He shared, “Lara is an exceptional talent, and her performance at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship is a testament to her dedication and skill. We are excited to have her back at DME Academy as she prepares for the upcoming high school season. Her experience on the international stage will undoubtedly elevate her game and inspire her teammates.”
Barnes’ journey from the DME Academy court to representing Turkey at an international tournament exemplifies the exceptional training and development opportunities available to our athletes. It’s not just about honing their skills but also providing them with the exposure and experience needed to compete at the highest level of basketball.
This achievement reflects the collective effort of Lara Barnes, her coaches, and the entire DME Academy community. As she returns to her training regimen at DME Academy, Barnes is set to continue her growth and success, both as an individual player and as an integral part of the elite squad at DME.
DME Academy takes immense pride in our athletes’ achievements, and Lara Barnes’s journey is a shining example of what can be accomplished with determination, dedication, and world-class coaching. DME looks forward to another remarkable season with Barnes and the rest of the very talented High School National squad.
To learn more about how you can become a part of DME Academy’s elite girl’s basketball program, click here.
