The deadline to register is May 1st, don't miss out, register now!
This past weekend at the SIAA Crossover held at DME Academy, Mikel Brown Jr. made a powerful statement. The nation’s #3 point guard and the No. 12 ranked high school player didn’t just show up—he dominated.
In the first game, Mikel lit up the scoreboard with a stellar 39-point performance, leading his team to a decisive victory. His offensive prowess was on full display, and there was simply no answer for his relentless scoring. But he wasn’t done yet.
The very next game, facing a tough matchup against Balboa, Mikel took it up a notch. He dropped an incredible 43 points, a DME Academy single-game record, including a clutch game-tying basket that sent the contest into overtime. Though the team came up just short in the extra period, Mikel’s effort was nothing short of heroic. Back-to-back games like this have set his season off to a scorching start, with an average of 41 points per game.
What makes Mikel’s performance so special is not just the numbers—it’s the way he plays the game. His skill set, combined with his drive and determination, puts him in a league of his own. Those who’ve seen the talent that’s come through DME Academy, including standouts like Keegan and Kris Murray, know that Mikel is on a path to greatness.
The buzz around DME this season is electric. It’s rare to see a player with this level of poise, skill, and maturity at such a young age. Mikel isn’t just another top recruit; he’s something special. The way he takes over games and delivers in clutch moments is reminiscent of legends who have gone on to great things. He’s a player you don’t want to miss.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Click here to learn how DME Academy can elevate your game.
Three of DME Academy’s standout female basketball players—Chikae Desdunes, Tessa Gladieux, and Gigi Battle—along with their chaperone, Bria Brown, have been selected to attend the Embry-Riddle Hoops & Heels Luncheon, presented by Brown & Brown.
This exclusive event not only connects them with influential female leaders but also provides a unique platform to engage with community mentors who champion the success of women, particularly in sports.
The significance of attending this luncheon goes beyond the immediate networking opportunities. It plays a critical role in their holistic development as female student-athletes, exposing them to real-world leadership and professional environments that are vital in shaping their futures.
As these players navigate both academic and athletic responsibilities, experiences like this help broaden their perspective, offering insights into career possibilities and personal growth beyond basketball. Building relationships with women who have achieved success in various fields is invaluable in instilling confidence, resilience, and a broader sense of purpose.
For these student-athletes, it’s an opportunity to see the far-reaching impact of their efforts, reinforcing the importance of perseverance, education, and community involvement. Such experiences are essential to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success in life, both on and off the court.
This experience is a testament to the importance of supporting well-rounded growth for our student-athletes, preparing them not only to excel in sports but to thrive as empowered young women in the world.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our basketball program and how we empower student-athletes to excel both on and off the court click here.
Tabitha Betson, a former standout at DME Academy, officially begins her collegiate basketball career with the Colorado Buffaloes. Recently, she made an immediate impact by earning the Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year honor. This prestigious title, voted on by conference coaches, reflects her talent as she transitions to the next level.
Standing at 6’2”, Betson hails from Melbourne, Australia. She was a highly sought-after recruit and received over 30 Division I offers from top programs. Ultimately, she chose Colorado, where she now plays a crucial role on the Buffaloes’ roster.
At DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, Betson distinguished herself not only for her athletic skills but also for her leadership. As a McDonald’s All-American nominee, her drive and work ethic prepared her well for collegiate basketball.
In preseason training with the Colorado Buffaloes, Betson has quickly proven herself. As she moves from high school to college, her dedication and focus continue to shine. Coaches and teammates have recognized her hard work, which is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s success this season.
As the season approaches, Betson’s role on the Buffaloes signals great things for the program. She is set to be a key contributor as Colorado aims for success in the Big 12 Conference. The Buffaloes will play their first exhibition game on October 27 against Colorado Mines, followed by the season opener against Northern Colorado on November 7.
If you want to join DME Academy’s nationally ranked girls’ basketball program and learn from the elite coaching staff that shaped players like Tabitha Betson, click here to explore our program and see how you can be part of our winning tradition. For more information on the Colorado Buffaloes, visit their official athletics site.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Want to stay updated on AJ and Gigi’s journey? Follow DME Academy for all the latest news, updates, and highlights from our top athletes.
**Join our mailing list** or **contact us** today to learn more about our programs and how we’re shaping the future of elite athletes.
We couldn’t be prouder of our very own Tyana Walker, Class of 2022! The Kansas native has made waves in her first collegiate season, being named First Team All-MEAC and earning the prestigious title of MEAC Rookie of the Year!
Tyana’s journey from DME Academy to this huge milestone has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing incredible challenges, including the loss of her mother, Tyana’s determination and heart have propelled her to success. She stepped up not only as a leader in her family but as a force on the court, proving that hard work and perseverance pay off.
Her mom would be so proud, and we at DME Academy, along with her family, are beaming with pride as well! From the day she joined us, Tyana has been a standout student-athlete, and we always knew she was destined for greatness.
This is just the beginning for Tyana, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. Go, Tyana! We’re all cheering you on for another incredible season!Want to learn more about Tyana’s incredible story? Watch her journey and the moments that shaped her into the powerhouse she is today HERE
We are excited to announce that Trey Simpson, a 6’7″ forward from Evergreen, Alabama, has committed to continue his academic and athletic journey at Murray State University. A member of the Class of 2025, Trey has already shown tremendous potential during his short time at DME Academy, where we are confident he will continue to develop and thrive as an elite player.
This summer, Trey played for Alabama Fusion on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he turned heads with his impressive performances. At the renowned Nike Peach Jam, he averaged 16 points and eight rebounds per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the top forwards in his class. His standout play has earned him well-deserved recognition, leading to his commitment to join the Murray State Racers.
Trey brings not only athleticism and skill but also a hunger to learn and grow. We are thrilled to be part of his journey as he prepares for the next level of competition. His future with the Racers is bright, and we can’t wait to see all he will accomplish at DME Academy and beyond.
Congratulations to Trey on this exciting next chapter! The entire DME family is behind you as you continue to Ignite the Dream.
Ready to elevate your game? DME Academy offers top-tier training and opportunities for student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically. Speak with an admissions counselor today to explore how you can take the next step in your journey!
DME Academy’s own Mikel Brown Jr. has just climbed from No. 16 to No. 12 in ESPN’s national rankings for the class of 2025. His rise reflects the hard work, dedication, and elite skill set that have made him one of the most exciting prospects in high school basketball history.
With top college programs closely tracking his development, Brown continues to shine during our preseason training setting the stage for an exciting season at DME Academy. His talent, combined with his commitment to excellence, proves that the sky’s the limit for his future.
Follow Mikel’s journey this season and stay updated on all things DME Basketball. To learn more about our Basketball Programs and DME Academy Click here.
Rising Star in High School Basketball
Mikel Brown is no ordinary recruit. Ranked #16 in ESPN’s Top 100 for the 2025 class and the #3 point guard in the country, Mikel’s arrival at DME Academy is a game-changer. His exceptional performance on the court has caught the attention of many, but it is his leadership and work ethic that truly set him apart.
International Acclaim with Team USA
Mikel’s journey to DME Academy includes impressive international experience. As the starting point guard for the U18 National Team, he played a pivotal role in Team USA’s success at this year’s FIBA Americup in Argentina. Averaging 10.3 points and 5.2 assists per game, Mikel not only showcased his scoring ability but also his playmaking skills, earning the distinction of being the second-highest assister in the tournament.
Before joining DME Academy, Mikel spent a year with the prestigious Overtime Elite program in Atlanta, Georgia. Playing for the Cold Hearts, he averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 assists per game. His time at Overtime Elite honed his skills against top-tier competition, preparing him for the next chapter in his basketball career.
Dominating the Adidas 3SSB Circuit
This summer, Mikel led Team Loaded NC on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, guiding them to a 15-5 overall record and a 5th place finish in 3ssb finals. His stellar performances, averaging 21.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, earned him a 1st team spot on the Adidas Circuit. Mikel’s ability to take charge in critical moments and deliver consistently has made him a standout player on every team he has been a part of.
His future in college basketball looks incredibly promising, with many top programs vying for his commitment. He has received several offers from top-tier programs, including Auburn, Baylor, Florida, Texas A&M, Seton Hall, Indiana, Maryland, Texas, Kansas, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Kansas State, Michigan, Florida State, LSU, South Carolina, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Louisville, Kentucky, Pitt, and Illinois.
“Mikel Brown’s commitment to DME Academy marks a significant milestone for our basketball program. His arrival brings excitement and anticipation as we look forward to seeing him lead our team to new heights” said DME Academy’s Director of the Men’s Basketball Program, Matt Panaggio.
Mikel Brown is now the 2nd ESPN top 100 ranked player to commit to DME Academy for the upcoming season. Earlier this month DME received a commitment from another highly rated player in Jermal Jones who is currently ranked as the 50th best player in the country by ESPN.
Join us in welcoming Mikel to the DME Academy family and stay tuned for updates and game highlights as Mikel Brown begins this exciting new chapter at DME Academy.
DAYTONA, FL. – On Friday (June 28), it was announced that Keegan Murray, former DME Academy standout, was named to the 2024 USA Men’s Select Basketball Team. The USA Men’s Select Basketball Team will help the Men’s National Team prepare for the 2024 Summer Olympics held in Paris, France.
Keegan Murray, a 2020 graduate from DME, took a huge leap in his sophomore year with the Sacramento Kings. Murray helped guide the Kings to the postseason, where they fell to the Pelicans in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The second-year player was also honored by the NBA as a Rising Star as part of this year’s All-Star Weekend.
As members of the USA Select Team, Murray will train with the USA Men’s National Basketball Team during their training camp in Las Vegas from July 6-8. The training camp is the first step for Team USA to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games, which will take place in France from July 26-August 11.
“As a former member of the USA Select Team, I know how important and fun this opportunity is for each of these players,” said Grant Hill, USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director. “There is a tremendous amount of talent on this Select squad with the significant job of helping the 2024 USA Men’s National Team as they begin their journey to the Olympics. Each of these athletes will play a role in our preparation as we also develop the national team pipeline for the future.”
View the full team and learn more about the important role the Select Team plays and the vital experience these players will gain by Clicking Here:
To start your journey with DME Academy Basketball program and create your own legacy, visit: https://dmeacademy.com/athletics/boys-basketball/
Spend your weekend at DME Academy competing with top basketball teams in our 2nd annual Summer Slam Tourney. This tournament is ideal for boys 3rd-12th grade and girls 6th-12th grade. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three games at our elite 47,000 square foot field house in Daytona Beach.
Our elite field house is home to our basketball, volleyball and performance training areas. With more than 47,000 square feet our professionally maintained facility has the latest training equipment and technology for athletes. Our facility boasts 2 full NBA courts, 5 youth courts, 7 regulation volleyball courts, a performance center, athletic training rooms and a spa.
The deadline to register is May 1st, don't miss out, register now!
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