At DME Academy, we are proud to be the home of some of the most talented and driven young athletes in the country. Two standouts from the Class of 2026, AJ Williams and Gigi Battle, have already made waves in the world of high school basketball and are on track for incredible futures.
AJ Williams: Elmwood Park’s Star
Hailing from Elmwood Park, New Jersey, AJ Williams is a 4-star athlete whose talent has already earned him offers from prestigious programs like Creighton, Georgetown, Mississippi State, and Wake Forest. Despite currently recovering from an injury, AJ’s potential is undeniable.
Matt Panaggio, Director of the Boys Basketball program and National Team Head Coach, couldn’t be more excited to see him back on the court, stating, “AJ is a super smart, skilled, and athletic player. I believe he will be the difference maker for this year’s team.”
AJ’s decision to join DME Academy was driven by his desire to elevate his game in a professional environment. When asked why he chose DME, AJ said, “I wanted to be in a college/pro environment with great minds to learn from, along with the welcoming strong brotherhood from the staff and teammates.” His commitment to growth, even during tough times like his injury, shows his dedication to becoming a top-tier player. As he works his way back to full strength, AJ is sure to continue turning heads and impressing scouts across the country.
Gigi Battle: New Jersey’s #1 Player
Ranked as the #1 player in the state of New Jersey, Gigi Battle is not only a force on the court but also one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. With offers from schools like Auburn, Rutgers, Boston College, Princeton, and Ohio State—to name a few—Gigi’s future is incredibly bright. Coming from Edison, New Jersey, Gigi has been described as “a special talent and one of the more physically gifted kids we’ve ever had. She is highly touted for good reason” by Michael Panaggio, director of the Girls Basketball Program and Head Coach of the Gurls National Team.
Gigi chose DME Academy to better prepare herself for the demands of college basketball, saying, “I wanted to be more prepared for college and development in basketball.” Her focus and determination to push herself in every aspect of the game have already paid off, and the sky’s the limit for this outstanding young athlete. With her incredible work ethic and natural talent, Gigi is set to leave an indelible mark on the basketball world.
What’s Next for AJ and Gigi?
Both AJ Williams and Gigi Battle represent the future of basketball, and their time at DME Academy is helping to shape them into the stars they are destined to be. With the guidance of their coaches and the supportive environment at DME, these two athletes are not just preparing for college but for long, successful careers in the sport.
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