Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy wrapped up another successful Beach & Ball Classic, hosting elite programs from across the region and delivering a dominant weekend of basketball on its home courts. With several undefeated teams, marquee wins, and standout individual performances, DME once again demonstrated why it remains one of the premier basketball academies in the country.
Across all divisions, DME teams combined for an impressive showing:
One of the weekend’s signature moments came from the DME Prep Team, which defeated IMG Prep 82–81 at the buzzer. Az’Juan Matthews, who was named Player of the Game, capped off a brilliant performance with the game-winning basket, finishing with 27 points.
Matthews’ heroics earned him a place on the All-Tournament First Team, highlighting his exceptional play throughout the event.
The HS Regional Team turned in a perfect 3–0 performance, powered by a breakout weekend from James Jenkins, who was named Regional Division MVP after averaging 21 points per game.
Six additional DME athletes were also recognized on the Regional Division All-Tournament Team, reflecting the depth and strength of the program:
Multiple other DME athletes also received major recognition for their outstanding individual performances:
The 8th annual Beach & Ball Classic once again highlighted DME Academy’s commitment to hosting competitive, professionally run basketball events that bring together top talent from across the country. With strong performances at every level, the Classic served as another reminder of the Academy’s player development excellence and national relevance.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to congratulate Juanita Hernandez on earning a bronze medal with the Colombian National Team at the 2025 Bolivarian Games, marking a significant milestone in her volleyball career and an inspiring achievement on the international stage.
Hernandez, a standout for DME Academy and one of the top rising talents in the program, represented Colombia with exceptional poise, and her contribution helped secure Colombia’s place on the podium at one of South America’s most culturally significant sporting events.
The Bolivarian Games are a historic and prestigious multi-sport event honoring Simón Bolívar, known as El Libertador, the revolutionary hero who led the fight for independence across much of Latin America. The Games feature athletes from the six nations liberated or born from Bolívar’s movements — Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia — and serve as a celebration of athletic excellence and cultural unity.
Hernandez’s success represents not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the world-class training environment at DME Academy, where student-athletes are supported in pursuing opportunities at the collegiate, professional, and international levels.
DME Academy extends its warmest congratulations to Juanita Hernandez and looks forward to her continued accomplishments on the court and beyond.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – Today (Dec. 5), the final draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was held in Washington, D.C., and DME alumnus Yan Diomandé officially learned that he and the Ivory Coast National Team have been drawn into Group E. The Elephants will face a diverse and competitive group that includes Curaçao, Ecuador, and Germany.
Diomandé has quickly emerged as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents, scoring in each of his first two international appearances and helping lead the Ivory Coast to its first World Cup berth since 2014. The former DME standout now prepares to represent his country at the sport’s most prestigious event, running from June 11 through July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ivory Coast Drawn Into Group E
The Elephants will compete in Group E, facing:
This group presents a compelling blend of global football cultures, including the four-time World Cup champions Germany, offering the Ivory Coast both challenge and opportunity as they look to advance to the knockout stages.
Match Schedule to Be Released December 6
The official match dates, times, and host city assignments for Group E will be announced on December 6 at 12:00 p.m. EST. These details will determine the Ivory Coast’s travel path across North America and set the stage for Diomandé’s first World Cup appearances.
DME Academy Celebrates a Historic Moment
Diomandé’s rise from DME Academy to the FIFA World Cup is a landmark achievement for both the player and the program. His journey reflects DME Academy’s growing global footprint and its commitment to preparing athletes for elite performance on the world stage. DME Academy will provide complete coverage of the Ivory Coast’s World Cup schedule and Diomandé’s performance throughout the tournament.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to announce the return of the 8th Annual Beach & Ball Classic, one of Florida’s premier winter basketball events, taking place December 4–7, 2025, on the DME campus.
This year’s tournament will feature teams across three divisions — Post Grad, High School National, and High School Regional — with each program guaranteed three competitive games over the four-day showcase. Returning programs, college coaches, and fans can expect another year of high-level basketball in one of the most exciting and scenic sports environments in the country.
All participating teams will receive the official 2025 Beach & Ball Classic Tournament T-shirt, provided that the traveling party books accommodations at one of DME’s approved Tournament Hotels.
Known for its competitive matchups, player exposure, and signature Daytona atmosphere, the Beach & Ball Classic has grown into a staple winter event drawing programs from across the Southeast and beyond. This year’s edition is expected to be the biggest yet.
A full event schedule, game times, brackets, and more are available at: dmeacademy.com/beach-and-ball-classic
DME Academy looks forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and fans for another unforgettable weekend of basketball at the 2025 Beach & Ball Classic.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – DME Academy’s National Girls Basketball Team delivered a statement performance at Grind Session Stop #2, defeating No. 11 nationally ranked Legion Prep (TX) by a commanding 66–46 margin.
GiGi Battle was unstoppable, earning Player of the Game honors after posting a dominant 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Sara Okeke added a powerful double-double, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
It was a complete team win, with Timani Harris providing a major spark off the bench, adding 11 points.
The victory further solidifies DME Academy’s standing as one of the premier national programs in girls’ basketball and highlights the depth, talent, and competitive fire within the roster.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to announce that Sther Ubaka, a standout 6’1” forward in the Class of 2026, has officially signed with Vanderbilt University, securing her future at one of the nation’s premier academic and athletic institutions.
Originally from Brazil, Ubaka has emerged as a dynamic presence for DME Academy, pairing size, mobility, and skill with an elite motor that consistently makes her one of the most impactful players on the floor. Her ability to defend multiple positions, finish through contact, and stretch the floor made her one of the most sought-after forwards in her class.
Ubaka’s signing with Vanderbilt, a program competing in the prestigious Southeastern Conference (SEC), marks another major milestone for DME’s thriving girls basketball program and continues the academy’s track record of sending student-athletes to top NCAA Division I programs.
DME Academy congratulates Sther Ubaka and her family on this tremendous achievement and looks forward to watching her continue her academic and athletic success as a Commodore.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to host Grind Session Stop #2 beginning today (Nov. 24) and running through Wednesday (Nov. 26), bringing some of the nation’s top girls basketball programs to campus for three days of elite competition.
DME’s National Girls Team will headline the event, with the Regional and Prep Girls Teams also competing on Court 2 throughout the showcase.
Grind Session is the first-ever winter circuit dedicated to elite high school basketball, featuring more than 400 action-packed games from November through March across top venues in the U.S., Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. The circuit provides athletes with premier competition, national exposure, and a powerful platform to prepare for the next chapter of their basketball careers.
DME Academy is excited to welcome teams, coaches, and fans to Daytona Beach for an event that continues to elevate girls’ basketball on the national stage.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – The DME Academy National Boys Basketball Team delivered another strong showing on the national stage, finishing 1–1 at Grind Session Stop #2 in a highly competitive weekend that featured late-game drama and standout individual performances.
In the opening matchup, DME fell in a heartbreaking one-point loss, where a last-second game-winner was waved off, ending a back-and-forth battle that showcased the team’s toughness and ability to execute under pressure.
The group responded with authority in Game Two, sailing past Hamilton Heights in a dominant performance fueled by high-level scoring, defensive intensity, and impressive ball movement. Nate Kirk delivered a breakout game and was named Player of the Game, continuing his upward trajectory this season.
Through two Grind Session stops, DME’s National Team has continued to prove why it remains one of the top prep programs in the country, competing against elite national talent, demonstrating depth across the roster, and establishing a foundation for another high-impact season.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Former DME Academy standout Joachim Kyei continues to shine on one of the biggest stages in junior college soccer, helping guide Daytona State College to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Soccer National Championship Final. The Falcons will face Indian Hills Community College on Saturday, November 22, at 3 p.m. EST, with a national title on the line.
Daytona State earned its spot in the final with a pair of impressive victories earlier this week. On Tuesday, the Falcons defeated Barton Community College 4–3 in a high-energy quarterfinal match in which Kyei played the full 90 minutes and recorded a crucial assist.
The momentum continued into Thursday’s semifinal, where Daytona State posted a commanding 3–1 win over Mohave College, securing their place in Saturday’s championship match.
Since graduating from DME, Kyei has continued to elevate his game as one of Daytona State’s most influential players, helping push the program to the brink of a national championship. His rise reinforces DME Academy’s track record of developing athletes who excel at the collegiate, professional, and international levels.
DME Academy congratulates Joachim Kyei and the Daytona State Falcons on their exceptional postseason performance and wishes them the best of luck in the 2025 NJCAA National Championship Final. Follow along by clicking here:
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – Led by a trio of nationally ranked stars, the DME Academy Girls’ Basketball Team has been ranked No. 4 in the country in the SportsCenter Next Top 25 Preseason Rankings.
DME’s team strength is anchored by standout players Sara Okeke, GiGi Battle, and Chikae Desdunes, all ranked inside the top ten of the Prep Girls Hoops Florida Class of 2026 rankings. Read the full article here.
Earlier this week, the girls opened Grind Session conference play with a dominant 83–52 victory over Grind Prep, powered by 21 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks from Sara Okeke.
DME Academy’s reputation as a premier destination for developing top-tier talent, through world-class coaching, elite facilities, and national-level competition, continues to grow with this latest ranking. The team now looks ahead to building another banner season for the program.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.