Daytona Beach, Fla. -- The elite teams get a chance to play for a national championship.
The DME Academy Girls Basketball team gets that chance for the first time in program history at the GEICO High School National Championships. The squad is the second seed and begins play against No. 3 seed Montverde Academy on Friday, April 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla. The game can be seen on ESPNU.
DME (25-3) is ranked 10th in the country, coming into the national championship by ESPN SC Next, while Montverde (18-3) is ranked 11th. If DME wins the semifinal game, they will advance to the national championship game on Saturday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m. EDT (ESPN2).
On the other side of the bracket is the No. 1 seed New Hope (Md.), and they will play the winner of the play-in game between No. 5 Bishop McNamara (Md.) and No. 4 IMG Academy.
In their respective classes, three DME players are ranked in the Top 100 players by ESPNW. Junior Chloe Kitts (No. 16) leads DME in scoring (18.7 ppg) and rebounding (8.2 rpg). Seniors Sydney Shaw (No. 50) adds 12.5 points 3.0 assists per game, while Amiya Evans (No. 66) adds 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Shaw is headed to Auburn next season, while Evans has signed with Central Florida (UCF).
“Our girls have worked hard this year,” said Michael Panaggio, Director of Girls Basketball at DME. “They have put in the time and effort to make this season a success, and we are all looking forward to playing for a national championship.”
For a complete list of where each tournament game will be televised on the ESPN family of networks and for more information about the GEICO National Championship, including ticket information, please visit geicohoops.com.
Follow our girls all week long here.
Interested to learn how you can join the DME family? Learn more about our girls basketball program here
DME Academy is reimagining the way student-athletes learn, engage, and grow. With a flexible, fully accredited program, students in grades 6-12 are taught to balance academic expectations with their unique athletic skill sets. Today we’re reviewing the 6 reasons why our DME curriculum is so unique. 

1. Rigorous Curriculum

Xceed DME offers a full suite of Honors, Advanced, and A.P. classes. DME’s diverse course offerings are imperative to make sure each student is successful in the classroom as well as on the field or court.All of the programs at DME are accepted by Florida’s graduation requirements for college enrollment. We offer over 120 courses and 41 electives so we have something for every student!

2. Individualized Instruction

At DME, our Xceed program has Personalized Learning Programs (PLP) for each individual student. These are heavily thought out with each student in mind to meet their individual goals. Our top priority is making sure every student is learning in a way that works best for them. Our accomplished educators provide one-to-one and small group instruction that helps capitalize on each students’ unique learning styles and strengths. 

3. Flexible Schedule

At DME, we focus on athletics and academics in the same capacity. We are able to provide students a balanced schedule that includes their academics and their sports. We build out their schedules with training, classes and practices in mind so it all works seamlessly together.

4. International Community

Our students come from all over the world. We host students from more than 25 countries so there is a very strong international community on our campus. In fact, DME’s population is 70% international. This sets the stage for advanced collaboration and gives each student an opportunity to participate in shared learning from people from all walks of life.

 

5. Community Service

At Xceed DME, our graduation requirements include 40 hours of community service. We offer a wide variety of service opportunities, including tutoring and coaching younger kids, participating in beach cleanups and food and clothing drives, and volunteering at our local animal shelter.

 

6. Immersion Programs

DME Summer Immersion Programs help our international student-athletes get up to speed in the classroom and the community, preparing them for our rigorous academic curriculum and acclimating them to the DME culture.

 

Are you ready to reimagine your student-athlete experience?

Connect with one of our recruitment specialists to learn more. 

DME Academy Day School
DSC04957

DME Girls Basketball Looks Ahead to GEICO High School National Championship

The DME Girls basketball are coming off a stellar season. Ranked #6 in the country, they finished 25-3 and went on to win the SIAA State Championship, with three athletes named to the SIAA All-Conference team.
So what’s next for these incredible athletes?

March 31-April 2, 2022, the top thirteen teams from around the country will compete at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida at the 14th Annual GEICO High School National Championship and DME Girls Basketball is one of them! This will be their first appearance at the GEICO High School National Championship with ESPNW Ranked Players Sydney Shaw, Amiya Evans, and Chloe Kitts leading the way.

This event will feature 11 games and will be single-elimination, all hosted on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or ESPN+. The girls’ first round kicks off on Thursday, March 31, at 10am, followed by the semifinals on Friday at 10:30am and wraps up on April 2 for the championship game at 10am.

“Our girls have worked hard this year.” Says Michael Panaggio, Director of Girls Basketball at DME. “Between early morning practices and late night games, they’ve put in the time and effort to make this season so successful. I’m incredibly proud of our girls and are excited to coach them at this next level."

The countdown to the showdown between top, nationally ranked talent in the country is on. The competition featured in this year’s tournament is among the best we’ve ever seen and the talent of each athlete is unmatched. We know where we’ll be March 31-April 2, 2022. Will you be there to celebrate with us?

 

“We know the level of talent we’ll be competing against, but we’re confident in what we bring to the table. It’s going to be a fight all the way to the finish!”

 

Stay up to date on when the DME Girls Basketball team will be competing for the National Championship and learn more information about how to attend.

To learn more about our girls basketball program click here.

 

Newly Crowned SIAA State Champions DME Girls Basketball Solidifies Themselves as an Elite Program

The clock hits zero and the crowd erupts in cheers. The DME Girls Basketball team has upset the defending SIAA State Champion, Central Pointe Academy.
This past weekend, our Girl’s High School Basketball team was named the 2022 SIAA State Champions. In a showdown between two of the state’s heavy-hitters, our girls showed up and showed out with a 67-59 win.
With a combination of high-level shots and intense ball pressure, DME took home the trophy. This was thanks to the incredible contributions of Amiya Evan (8 points, 12 rebounds), Sydney Shaw (16 points), and Zeryhia-lee Aokuso (9 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds). Not to mention Chloe Kitts, who had 18 points and was named SIAA MVP.
Not only did our girls receive the title of SIAA Champions, Chloe, Sydney, and Amiya were named 1st Team All SIAA.
DME Academy has established itself as a premier program in the girls high school basketball landscape. Winning the SIAA State Championship solidifies the hype. Be a part of our elite program and click here to learn more about girls basketball programs at DME Academy.

With Two New Fields on the Horizon, DME Has Its Sights Set on Impressive Growth in 2022.

We’re only three months into 2022 and DME already has some big goals.
Coming soon to campus is a brand new field. But this won’t be your standard, run-of-the-mill, athletic field. DME is doing it bigger and better than ever.
With an expected opening of July 2022, DME has broken ground on a 30,000 square foot, climate-controlled covered turf field. It will also have LED lighting, perfect for those early mornings and late-night practices and games!
The new field won’t only play host to an indoor turf area, but it will also include batting and pitching cages and will be home to indoor soccer, baseball, and sports performance programming.
“We have high expectations for what our campus can offer to our student-athletes. This includes making sure they have access to the most elite facilities. Speaking from a personal perspective, I’m excited about the impact this will have on our soccer program and the doors it will open for our players.” says Todd Eason, DME’s Director of Soccer.
In addition, a full-size outdoor turf field is also in the works with an expected completion date in the Fall of  2022. At an impressive size of 120 yards long, the field will increase the amount of usable space on campus for soccer, lacrosse, and football. It will also include lights surrounding the perimeter of the field for nighttime use.
When asked about how this will impact the growth at DME, Dan Pannagio, co-founder of DME, said, “This expansion gives us a lot of opportunities to grow. With the addition of two fields, we can serve more student-athletes and help more talented young people take their talent to the next level. We have big plans for DME Academy, and this is just the beginning!”
If you thought growth at DME has plans to slow down, buckle up because we’re just getting started!
Are you interested in being part of our DME family? Click here to learn more or submit an application!
DME_Interior
DME_Exterior_2

DME Partners Launches New Soccer Program with IDA

DME Academy is proud to announce a partnership with the International Development Academy, IDA, a worldwide leader in international youth soccer programs for our soccer academy program. Our soccer academy will offer a year-round development program, giving players high level training and competition, customized education and direct pathways into Europe and the US collegiate system.

This is a new expansion for IDA in the US, specifically Florida, and marks an important move for IDA, as its existing network of partner clubs and agencies continue to grow in Central and South America.

“We are thrilled to see this come to fruition,” said Rick Angelicola, Director of Global Partnerships. “Florida is at the heart of youth sports and education, so this allows us to increase our reach and create real opportunities for many more student-athletes and parents.”

The partnership with DME Academy will give IDA student-athletes access to an all-inclusive, state-of-the- art campus and a highly personalized educational program that meets the needs of each student-athlete.

DME Academy is largely known for its nationally ranked basketball program, producing a long list of top-level players but has been exploring an expansion into other sports.

Co-Founder, Dan Panaggio, boasts an extensive history in basketball, having coached three NBA teams as well as a trio of the most prestigious NCAA Division I programs including Oklahoma, Indiana, and Marquette.

“We are excited to partner with IDA. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. With their licensed and international coaches and a reputation for building strong players, we believe we can change the soccer landscape together.” said Dan Panaggio

“Partnering with DME Academy will give our student-athletes a tremendous foundation for success, said Angelicola. We are very excited for the future.”

The program is set to launch this coming Fall, and is currently accepting applications.

DME-IDA Summer Camp Line Up! Click here 

Interested in applying or learning more? Click here

3 DME Hoopers Nominated For McDonald’s All American Game

Amiya Evans, Sydney Shaw, and Niccolo Moretti were nominated to compete on the biggest stage in high school hoops, the McDonald’s All American Game. The three DME seniors each competed for 1 of 24 respective roster spots against a pool of over 760 players from across the country.

"It has been a pleasure to coach and work with this team, specifically Amiya and Sydney,” said Wesley Arocho, Head Coach of the girls program. “What an honor for these two young ladies to even be considered for such a prestigious opportunity. They both deserved to be considered in elite company as candidates for the McDonald's All American Game." The pair of hoopers are both DI bound next fall, as Amiya has committed to the University of Central Florida, while Sydney has committed to Auburn University.

“We’re extremely proud of Niccolo for receiving a nomination,” said Matt Panaggio, Head Coach of the boy’s team. “The roster for the 2022 McDonald’s All American Game is loaded with talent, and it’s a great honor to be in the same conversation as those student athletes.” The 6’2 point guard joined the squad at DME Academy after a run with Italy’s Edilnol Biella professional team. His nomination for the game is another feather in his cap as he gears up to make his next move.

DME Academy has quickly asserted itself as a premier program in the high school basketball landscape, and these three nominations are a major testament to each program’s strength. Put yourself in a position to earn All American honors, click here to learn more about basketball programs at DME Academy. 

DME Academy Girls’ High School Basketball Rockets into the Top 10

Latest ESPN Poll Puts the Team at #6 in the Country

Whether on the court, in the classroom, or in daily life, hard work and never giving up always pay off. These guiding principles have helped propel the DME Academy Girls’ High School Basketball program to 8th in the country, according to a recent ESPN article. 

A recent, hard fought victory over Lake Highland, previously ranked 7th, rocketed them into the top 10. The combination of Chloe Kitts leading the charge with 20 points, and Amiya Evans scoring 15 points, drove the offense in this ‘nail-biter’ that saw DME pull out a tight 49 to 48 victory. This was unusual territory for DME as they trailed at halftime, for the first time all season long, but rallied together; earning an enormous road victory in Orlando, Florida. DME’s head coach, Wesley Arocho, credited the second half comeback to the defense, moments after the huge victory. Arocho went on to state “we did a better job guarding their shooters and picked up our energy on defense”. With a perfect record thus far, the DME Academy Girls’ High School Basketball squad is showcasing their ability to play fundamentally sound, confident and aggressive basketball. 

Chosen as a pre-season favorite to compete for the championship, the DME Academy Girls’ High School Basketball program has consistently been a top-tier team, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The nationally admired program success is due in large part to Dan Panaggio and his previous NBA coaching experience. Dan and his staff have uniquely formed a core foundation of community; mentoring and encouraging DME student-athletes to be the best version of themselves. No matter if it is in the classroom, weight room, or on the court, the DME Academy Girls’ High School Basketball team is committed to excellence. 

Learn more on all things pertaining to DME Academy Girls’ Basketball programs, here. Follow the team on their pursuit of a championship, here.

 

2021-2022 DME Boys’ High School Basketball Program Named Top 25 in the Country

In sports, nothing is given but rather is earned. This statement could not be any truer for the DME Academy Boy’s High School Basketball program as they are ranked 20th in the country; cracking into the national rankings released by MaxPreps on November 23rd.

The celebrated entrance into the National rankings came by upsetting the highly-praised preseason favorite, Legacy Early College, on the road, with a dominant performance by senior guard, Niccolo Moretti, who had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Milan Skoric also put on a show with 17 points. This dynamic duo led the way for DME as they capitalized on in-game adjustments, such as moving from man to zone on defense, to grab the win with a final score of 71 to 67; advancing with an impressive record of 6-1.

With the season in the very early stages, there is no reason to pump the brakes on this red-hot team as they have a top-tier roster, an experienced coaching staff, and are here to stay for the long haul. 

“I love what this team is doing! They’re demonstrating hard work on and off the court. A truly dedicated group that plays selfless ball” commented DME Academy Co-Founder Dan Panaggio. 

Moments after securing the upset win, the ecstatic head coach, Matt Panaggio, noted the difference in the game was DME’s defense holding Legacy Early College to 37% shooting from the floor, with the pick-n-roll working well to contain the opposing offense. With a strong, fundamentally sound performance from the team, opposing coaches and student-athletes around the league should have them at the top of their radar; this team’s confidence is at an all-time high with no signs of wavering. 

It comes as no surprise that this team is thriving as the DME Academy’s Boy’s National Basketball program has a core foundation of the community with a culture of belief; igniting the shared dream of being the best for each other. Whether in the classroom or on the court, this team competes for each other and has a bond that cannot be broken. This deeply rooted environment was developed by DME Academy Co-founder, Dan Panaggio, whose reputation runs strongly throughout the NBA. Dan served on the coaching staff of the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers and is currently mentoring DME Academy student-athletes.

Being ranked as the 20th Best Boy’s High School team in the country speaks for itself.

But the chase is on to earn the top spot in America.

Learn more about DME’s Boys’ basketball programs in Daytona Beach, Florida here.

 

DME Academy’s Girl's Basketball Program Boasts 3 Student-Athletes in ESPN’s Top 100 Rankings

ESPN’s Top 100 Rankings
The 2021-22 Girl's Basketball season at DME Academy is shaping up to be something special thanks to its highly decorated roster. Seniors Sydney Shaw (ranked #49) and Amiya Evans (ranked #65), along with junior Chloe Kitts (ranked #16), make DME Academy one of just seven schools in the nation with three student-athletes cracking into the illustrious ESPN Top 100 ranking.
“These young ladies have worked incredibly hard day in and day out to develop and evolve as players,” says Head Coach Wesley Arocho. “It’s a pleasure to get to coach talented student-athletes like Shaw, Evans, and Kitts. They have tremendous capabilities and coachability. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them in high school and as they transition to college. It’s definitely an exciting time for Girl’s Basketball at DME Academy”
So how did DME Academy attract this kind of talent? It’s simple. Brick by brick, its Director of Women’s Basketball, Michael Panaggio, has developed the Girl’s Basketball team into a perennial top 25 program. Combining that with a brand new, state-of-the-art facility, a track record of college commitments, and a big ol’ stack of W’s, has allowed the team to gain recognition on an international level.
“It is such an honor to be selected as one of the top 60 players nationally,” says the 16th ranked junior, Chloe Kitts. “I am so grateful to be considered on a national listing, with so many talented players.” The five-star recruit has yet to declare her college commitment, but she’s guaranteed to gain even more recruiting exposure, thanks to this season’s highly competitive schedule.
The big three will lead DME Academy into one of the most momentous seasons in program history. They’ll compete at highly recruited events like ‘She Got Game’, ‘Jingle Jam’, and the Independent National Championships. Plus, they’ll tip-off against the likes of IMG Academy, Montverde Academy, and Lake Highland Prep for some can’t-miss matchups.
Think you’ve got what it takes to compete at DME Academy? Click here to learn more about our Girl’s Basketball programs!