Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy athletes continue to shine on the international stage! On Thursday (Dec. 18), alumnus Dalph Panopio won the gold medal with Team Philippines at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), held this December in Thailand.
The Southeast Asian Games are one of the region’s premier multi-sport events, featuring 11 Southeast Asian nations competing across Olympic and regional sports. Panopio’s achievement places him at the top of one of the most competitive international stages in the region and marks a significant milestone in his athletic career.
Panopio’s gold medal performance reflects not only his dedication and talent but also his ability to compete and succeed under pressure at the highest levels of international competition. Representing his country with pride, he delivered when it mattered most and helped Team Philippines secure the top spot on the podium as they defeated Thailand, 70-64.
Panopio’s continued success adds to DME Academy’s growing list of alumni competing and excelling globally, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to preparing student-athletes for opportunities far beyond the classroom and competition floor.
DME Academy congratulates Dalph Panopio on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to following his continued journey representing both Team Philippines and the DME family with distinction.
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 calling on its global community to show support for three of its distinguished alumni by participating in NBA All-Star Voting.
Former DME standouts Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings), Kris Murray (Portland Trail Blazers), and Moussa Diabaté (Charlotte Hornets) are all continuing to make their mark at the highest level of professional basketball, and DME Academy is proud to celebrate their success.
Keegan Murray, a 2020 DME Academy alumnus and rising star with the Kings, is currently averaging 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 43.0 percent from the field. Known for his consistency, versatility, and two-way impact, Murray remains one of the league’s most reliable young forwards.
His twin brother, Kris Murray, now with the Trail Blazers, is contributing 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 44.1 percent from the field. Kris continues to develop his role at the NBA level, providing energy, defense, and toughness in the frontcourt.
Moussa Diabaté, a former DME Academy standout and current member of the Hornets, has been highly effective this season, averaging 8.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 63.4 percent from the field. His rebounding presence and interior efficiency have made him a key contributor.
NBA All-Star Voting is now open, and fans can help elevate DME Academy alumni on the league’s biggest stage and send them to Los Angeles 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. – 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 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. – 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.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – Ryan Hampton, a 6’7” guard/wing and five-star prospect in the Class of 2027, has been named to the prestigious Naismith High School Boys Player of the Year Watchlist, recognizing the nation’s top high school basketball players.
Hampton, ranked No. 5 nationally in the Class of 2027, joins an elite group of players being recognized for their skill, production, and impact at the highest level of high school competition. He will compete for DME Academy in Daytona Beach for the next two seasons, continuing his development within one of the country’s top basketball programs.
Last season, Hampton earned Underclassman Honorable Mention on the Naismith list, and since then, he’s elevated his game to new heights. On the Nike EYBL circuit with Drive Nation, Hampton established himself as one of the most efficient and dynamic scorers in the country — averaging more than 25 points per game this summer against elite national competition.
Being named to the Naismith Watchlist solidifies Hampton’s standing as one of the premier young talents in the nation.
The inclusion of Hampton on the boys’ side and GiGi Battle on the girls’ watchlist reinforces DME Academy’s growing reputation as a national powerhouse for player development, competition, and college preparation.
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.