In a noteworthy NBA matchup on Wednesday, DME Academy alumni and twin brothers, Keegan and Kris Murray, found themselves on opposing sides as the Sacramento Kings hosted the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Kings secured a thrilling 121-118 victory in overtime, improving their season record to 3-4. Keegan played a pivotal role in the triumph, contributing nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal during his 31 minutes on the court. This game marked the first of three scheduled meetings between the Kings and the Trail Blazers this season.
Kris, making his third appearance of the season, took the court for nine minutes, showcasing his defensive prowess with a crucial block, notably against his brother.
In a heartwarming conclusion to this historic face-off, the Murray brothers demonstrated the true essence of sportsmanship by exchanging jerseys after the game. This symbolic gesture, a common tradition among athletes at the professional level, added a personal touch to the sibling rivalry that had unfolded on the court.
The sibling rivalry took center stage in this unprecedented NBA showdown, marking the first time Keegan and Kris faced each other on the basketball court at any level. Their basketball journey has been closely intertwined, from their shared experiences at DME Academy to their collegiate years at Iowa.
This matchup not only showcased the individual achievements of both players but also served as a testament to the caliber of athletes produced by DME Academy, further solidifying its reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier basketball talent.
To learn more about DME Academy’s prestigious basketball program, click here.
On November 8, DME Academy celebrated a momentous National Signing Day as six exceptional student-athletes officially committed to continuing their academic and athletic journeys at esteemed institutions.
Jaylen Robinson, a 6’6″ forward, chose the University of Richmond’s academics and men’s basketball program over a distinguished list of finalists, including Princeton, Mercer, Yale, Penn, and Columbia. Matt Panaggio, Director of Men’s Basketball at DME Academy, expressed his pride in Jaylen, stating, “I am very proud of Jaylen and excited to see his future at the University of Richmond. He’s very unselfish, coachable, and hardworking.”
Olivia Schmitt, a 5’5″ point guard from Staten Island, is heading back to her home state to study and play women’s basketball at Syracuse University. Head coach Felisha Legette-Jack said, “She has a certain toughness about her. She can pass that ball; she can shoot that ball, and one thing I love about her is she has no problem going in with the trees and trying to make things happen.”
Keira Scott, a 6’1″ four-star forward and daughter of Syracuse football alum George Scott, will be joining DME teammate, Olivia Schmitt, at Syracuse University. Legette-Jack said, “Once we learned how incredibly gifted she was both academically and athletically, and she’s also got a connection to being Orange, it was a no-brainer that we were going to go after her as if she was the best player in the world.”
Tahj Bloom, a highly rated 6’3″ forward for DME Academy, signed with Mississippi State University as a four-star recruit, ranking No. 41 overall and No. 9 among forwards by Premiere Basketball and espnW HoopGurlz. Head Coach Sam Purcell said of Bloom, “She brings a dynamic skill set and competitive mentality each time she steps on the floor. Most importantly, Tahj comes from a great family and will be a great addition to the culture we are building at Mississippi State.”
6’2″ forward from Melbourne, Australia, Tabitha Betson, signed to the University of Colorado. A four-star recruit, Betson holds the No. 80 spot on ESPN.com’s top 100 list. Colorado head coach, JR Payne, said, “Tabs is one of the most skilled and well-rounded players we have recruited here at Colorado. Her basketball IQ is off the charts and will be a perfect fit for our offensive system.”
Ines Goryanova, a 5’8″ point guard from Sofia, Bulgaria, chose Baylor University. Ranked No. 49 on ProspectsNation and No. 71 on espnW, Goryanova impressed Baylor head coach Nicki Collen with her exciting guard abilities, deep shooting range, and the overall toughness cultivated through her mother’s extensive professional basketball background.
Michael Panaggio, Director of Girl’s Basketball at DME Academy, commemorated the day as historic for the program, stating, “We have 5 extremely special young ladies who are headed to the power 5 level. I am very proud of their individual success thus far and I’m excited to see what they can accomplish together during their senior year.”
DME Academy looks forward to witnessing the continued success of our class of 2024 basketball student-athletes, both academically and athletically. Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes on this remarkable accomplishment.
DME Academy’s 2024 guard standout, Ines Goryanova, has announced her commitment to Baylor University Women’s Basketball, solidifying her place as the second addition to the Bears’ 2024 class, alongside forward Kayla Nelms.
At a height of 5-foot-8, Goryanova has earned her reputation as a No. 71 overall prospect in the highly competitive 2024 class. This exceptional achievement positions her as a promising prospect within the realm of women’s collegiate basketball. Moreover, Baylor’s 2024 class now boasts two top 100 prospects, reinforcing the program’s commitment to excellence and continuous success.
Goryanova’s decision to choose Baylor over formidable offers from institutions like Penn State, Auburn, Cal, Louisville, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and West Virginia underscores the magnetic pull of the Baylor Bears. When asked about her choice, Ines herself shared her excitement, stating, “I’m super excited to play for Baylor and Coach Nicki. I think she’s an amazing coach and a person that’s going to help me grow as a player and as a person.”
Goryanova’s decision to commit to Baylor is a testament to her admiration for the coaching staff, the program’s welcoming atmosphere, and the genuine connections she felt with the people there. Her choice signifies the profound impact that the Baylor Women’s Basketball program, under the leadership of Coach Nicki, has in nurturing both talent and character.
DME looks forward to having Ines representing the academy in blue and black this season, and knows that she has a successful collegiate career ahead of her.
To learn more about DME Academy’s prestigious girls basketball program and how they’re developing athletes for next-level success, click here.
DME Academy, a distinguished sports institution located in the sunny heart of Daytona Beach, Florida, has long been known for its commitment to excellence in athletic and academic development. This past weekend, DME’s middle school boys’ basketball program reaffirmed their dedication to the game by conquering the Super Six Tournament in Orlando. Both the 7th and 8th-grade teams displayed unwavering determination and skill, emerging victorious without a single loss in the tournament.
The Super Six Tournament was nothing short of a basketball spectacle, with talent from all over the region converging for a thrilling competition. DME Academy’s young athletes showcased their skills, discipline, and team chemistry from the very outset, with the 7th-grade team leading the charge. Throughout the tournament, they left no room for doubt, claiming victory after victory and showcasing their determination and teamwork. The grand finale saw them facing off against the formidable Hoopdreams Elite team, where they triumphed and secured the gold medal.
But the excitement did not end there. The 8th-grade team embarked on an equally challenging journey, demonstrating remarkable resilience and skill to reach the tournament’s final stage. In a closely contested match, they emerged victorious against the fierce Brawlers 2028 team to seize the championship title. Their dedication, hard work, and the unyielding support from their coaches played a pivotal role in this hard-fought victory.
Coach Gyongi Zsolnay, the driving force behind these young athletes, expressed her immense pride in the teams, saying, “Congratulations to all the players of the DME Basketball Middle School program for their effort, perseverance, and the gold medal that comes with winning the tournament.”
The success of both DME’s 7th and 8th-grade teams in the Super Six Tournament is not just a celebration of victory but a testament to the academy’s mission and the vision it upholds. DME strives to provide elite sports education, emphasizing character development, teamwork, and personal growth. This remarkable accomplishment serves as a reminder of the dedication and hard work invested in each player’s development.
Congratulations to the 7th and 8th-grade teams for their undefeated triumph, and we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their basketball journey. The future indeed looks bright for these budding athletes.
To learn more about DME Academy’s middle school boys’ basketball program, click here.
The 2023 Nike World Basketball Festival was more than just a tournament; it was a celebration of basketball culture, a gathering of the world’s finest athletes, and a showcase of the best products and experiences in the sport. Amidst the glittering backdrop of Lincoln Center in New York City, one young player stood out as a beacon of talent and determination – Keira Scott, an elite girls’ basketball player from DME Academy.
The festival, held from September 15 to 16, brought together the brightest stars in the world of basketball. The event aimed to usher in a new era of basketball culture, designed especially for, and with, the next generation of players and fans. With its electrifying atmosphere and world-class competition, the festival lived up to its promise.
The competition showcased four selectively assembled regional teams, each consisting of nationally-ranked talent. Scott was among a select group of just thirty-five athletes who received invitations to participate, proudly representing the ‘South’ regional team.
Standing tall at 6’2″, Scott is a versatile wing known for her incredible skills and accuracy, especially from the 3-point line. She is a standout player for DME Academy, and after the upcoming season, will take her talents to Syracuse University.
However, this past weekend, she was in the spotlight for leading her ‘South’ team to a resounding tournament victory. Scott’s exceptional performance was a key factor in her team’s success, and she left her mark on the tournament with a memorable 3-pointer shot with just one minute remaining in the championship game. Adding a touch of star power to the celebration was rapper Travis Scott, who was on hand to present the championship trophy to Keira and her victorious teammates.
Scott summed up her experience at the festival with enthusiasm, stating, “I had a great time and experience playing with the top competition from around the world, in such a monumental place in NYC.” DME Academy takes immense pride in Scott’s achievements and her role as a symbol of excellence in women’s basketball. Her journey from DME Academy to the global stage of the 2023 Nike World Basketball Festival is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the academy’s commitment to fostering young athletes’ growth.
As Scott looks forward to her upcoming season with DME Academy and her future at Syracuse University, basketball fans everywhere eagerly await the next chapter in her remarkable journey. With her dedication and undeniable talent, there is no doubt that Keira Scott is destined for even greater heights in the world of basketball.
To learn more about DME Academy’s prestigious girls basketball program, click here.
DME Academy takes immense pride in fostering talent that transcends borders, and Lara Barnes is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the best. A standout Shooting Guard on DME Academy’s High School National Girl’s Basketball team, Barnes recently made headlines by representing Turkey in the 2023 FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship held in Izmir, Turkey from August 11 to 19, 2023.
Barnes demonstrated her incredible skill set as she donned the Turkish national jersey during this prestigious international tournament. Notably, she led the team in points per game with 9, and 3-point shooting efficiency, which stood at just over 35%. Her sharpshooting from beyond the arc was a crucial factor in Turkey’s success during the championship.
Mike Panaggio, DME Director and Head Coach of girl’s basketball, couldn’t be more thrilled about Barnes’ achievements. He shared, “Lara is an exceptional talent, and her performance at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship is a testament to her dedication and skill. We are excited to have her back at DME Academy as she prepares for the upcoming high school season. Her experience on the international stage will undoubtedly elevate her game and inspire her teammates.”
Barnes’ journey from the DME Academy court to representing Turkey at an international tournament exemplifies the exceptional training and development opportunities available to our athletes. It’s not just about honing their skills but also providing them with the exposure and experience needed to compete at the highest level of basketball.
This achievement reflects the collective effort of Lara Barnes, her coaches, and the entire DME Academy community. As she returns to her training regimen at DME Academy, Barnes is set to continue her growth and success, both as an individual player and as an integral part of the elite squad at DME.
DME Academy takes immense pride in our athletes’ achievements, and Lara Barnes’s journey is a shining example of what can be accomplished with determination, dedication, and world-class coaching. DME looks forward to another remarkable season with Barnes and the rest of the very talented High School National squad.
To learn more about how you can become a part of DME Academy’s elite girl’s basketball program, click here.
Ignacio Rodriguez, International Recruiter for DME Academy, recently embarked on a remarkable journey that took him to the bustling city of Manila, Philippines. There, he took on the role of Assistant Coach and Scouting Analyst for the Jordanian National Team, participating in the prestigious 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. This extraordinary opportunity not only highlighted Rodriguez’s expertise but also underscored the far-reaching impact of his coaching journey from DME Academy.
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which commenced on August 25 and is set to conclude on September 10, has brought together basketball enthusiasts from all over the world. And for DME Academy, it marked yet another opportunity to showcase the quality of coaching and talent development that takes place within its walls.
Rodriguez has played an instrumental role in nurturing basketball talent over the years. Before his role with the Jordanian National Team, he was deeply involved with DME’s Post-Graduate Men’s Basketball team during the 2019-2020 season. Working alongside the former longtime DME Academy coach, Wesam Al-Sous, who is now the head coach of Jordan’s Men’s Basketball team, Rodriguez helped mold young athletes into formidable players. Notably, this period included the coaching of Kris and Keegan Murray, who have since made their mark in the NBA.
At this year’s World Cup, Rodriguez and Al-Sous reunited to guide the Jordanian National Team. The team faced formidable opponents, including Greece, Mexico, USA, Egypt, and New Zealand. This international stage allowed Rodriguez to further showcase his coaching prowess, all while carrying the values and lessons learned from DME Academy.
Rodriguez, reflecting on his time at DME Academy, expressed his gratitude and admiration for the institution’s dedication to player development. “Working with Wesam at DME was an amazing experience for me,” he said. “I was new to the high school and post-grad level, and I saw the attention to detail and care for the players’ development and well-being firsthand. The 2019-2020 season was the first year DME was invited to the National Championship, and it couldn’t have been a better start for me. Once Wesam offered me the chance to work alongside him for the Jordanian National Team, I wanted to make sure that it would be something I could combine with DME. My passion has always been to help international student-athletes follow their dreams and get to the US to develop as athletes, students, and people, just like I did when I was younger.”
The impact of DME Academy, its coaches, and its alumni continue to resonate throughout the basketball world. Rodriguez demonstrated how a passion for basketball and a commitment to nurturing talent can take an individual from the halls of a respected academy to the global stage.
To learn more about DME’s impressive basketball development school, click here.
DME Academy’s girls basketball program proudly announces that not one, not two, but four of their exceptional players have earned spots on the prestigious ESPN HoopGurlz Top 100 List for the 2024 recruiting class. Tahj Bloom, Ines Goryanova, Tabitha Betson, and Keira Scott have all earned well-deserved recognition for their outstanding skills, dedication, and hard work.
Tahj Bloom, a 6’3″ forward from Chicago, Illinois, has secured the 38th spot on the list. The 8th-ranked forward recently committed to DME Academy for the upcoming season, and her impact is anticipated to be nothing short of extraordinary. Bloom is a top recruit in the 2024 class, having received numerous offers from top Division I programs but ultimately committing to Mississippi State.
Next on the list is Ines Goryanova at #71, marking an impressive ascent of 8 spots since the last rankings. Hailing from London, England, Goryanova is a 4-star point guard who has garnered attention from over 35 colleges across the nation. With her sights set high, she has recently narrowed down her prospective schools to an electrifying Top 8, which reads like a who’s who of collegiate basketball—Louisville, West Virginia, Auburn, Baylor, Iowa State, and more. Goryanova’s dedication and skill set make her a valuable asset to any team she joins.
Tabitha Betson, a 6’2″ forward from Melbourne, Australia, holds the 80th spot on the list. Betson’s ability to dominate in the paint is complemented by her versatility on both offense and defense, and she’s expected to be a strong leader for this DME Academy team in the upcoming season. Betson received offers from over 30 Division I women’s basketball programs, and has now narrowed her choices down to a select group of 12 schools, including powerhouses such as Syracuse, Clemson, and Maryland.
Last but certainly not least, Keira Scott stakes her claim at #97. Hailing from Falls Church, Virginia, this 6’2″ wing has already secured her future at Syracuse University, a testament to her exceptional skills both on and off the court. She’s expected to put a lot up on the board for DME Academy this season, especially from the 3-point range.
As the 2023-24 season looms on the horizon, DME Academy’s girls basketball program stands on the precipice of greatness. With an ensemble of talented players who have not only secured their places among ESPN’s HoopGurlz Top 100 but also demonstrated the commitment and passion that fuels their drive, success is inevitable. Michael Panaggio, Director of Girls Basketball at DME Academy, stated, “We are immensely proud of Tahj, Ines, Tab, and Keira for their remarkable achievements. Their inclusion in the ESPN Top 100 List is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and boundless potential. We are excited to see them continue to excel and make a significant impact both on and off the court.”
To learn more about DME Academy’s elite girls basketball program, click here.
On Thursday, August 17, the NBA released the regular season schedule for the 2023-24 season. Basketball fans around the world are ecstatic, especially here at DME Academy as two of our most successful alumni, twin brothers Keegan and Kris Murray, are set to play against each other three times this upcoming season.
Keegan Murray, a former standout at the University of Iowa, is entering his second season with the Sacramento Kings after being drafted fourth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the team. He had an impressive debut last season, showcasing his talent as a versatile forward for the Kings and breaking the record for most 3-pointers in a rookie season. This season, Keegan is looking forward to building on his success and will need to bring his A-game when he faces his brother Kris Murray on November 8, December 26, and April 14.
Kris Murray, also a DME Academy standout and All-American at Iowa, was drafted 23rd overall by the Portland Trailblazers in the 2023 NBA Draft. Kris is excited to make his mark in the NBA, and these matchups against his brother will be one of the many anticipated highlights of his rookie season.
DME Academy takes immense pride in its role in nurturing these extraordinary athletes. Our dedicated coaches, staff, and fellow students have avidly tracked their evolution from high school to collegiate ranks, providing unyielding support that has carried them to the grand stage of the NBA.
Furthermore, our anticipation extends beyond the Murray twin showdowns. The partnership between DME Academy and St. John’s Northwestern Academies (SJNA) promises additional entertainment. Brandin Podziemski, an alumnus of SJNA and a guard for the Golden State Warriors, is slated to face off against the Murray brothers a total of seven times this season – four times against the Kings and three times against the Trail Blazers.
As we eagerly anticipate these matches, DME is so proud to have these basketball greats representing our academy on the world stage. The Murrays have achieved so much in their high school and collegiate careers, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these twin basketball sensations.
To learn more about DME Academy’s prestigious basketball program, click here.
In the realm of high school girls basketball, one standout talent has been making waves in the recruiting arena. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Tabitha Betson, a remarkable 6’2” forward in the class of 2024 at DME Academy, has embarked on an awe-inspiring journey through the world of college recruitment. Her prowess on the court has attracted the attention of a long list of Division I programs, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in her athletic career.
Among the array of scholarship offers from over thirty prestigious institutions, Betson has meticulously curated a list of twelve prospective schools that have captured her interest. This list includes esteemed names like:
As the school year commences, Betson plans to embark on a series of visits to these institutions, with each step bringing her closer to the decision that will shape her future.
Beyond her elite basketball skills, Betson’s character shines through as an exceptional teammate and a natural leader. DME Academy’s coach, Mikey Panaggio, attests to her integral role within the team dynamics. Having earned her place as one of the select few returning players, Betson’s value as a team player is indisputable. Panaggio envisions her continued growth, as a leader both on and off the court, priming her for the challenges of the next level while propelling the team to new heights in the upcoming season.
As Betson navigates the intricate landscape of college programs, her discernment is focused on finding the perfect synergy between her playing style and her future team’s system. This meticulous approach extends to evaluating the team’s culture, goals, and how she fits into the program’s tapestry.
In the realm of international athletes transitioning to the American game, Betson defies convention. Her swift adaptation has caught the eye of her coach, who marvels at her journey. Mikey Panaggio said, “Tab’s well-earned recruitment and her remarkable transformation in just 10 months stand as a testament to her exceptional talent. She embodies the essence of a true post player, a rare find in the basketball world.”
It’s clear that Betson’s multifaceted excellence, remarkable talent, and natural leadership positions her as an invaluable asset to any team. As her narrative continues to unfurl, enthusiasts eagerly await Betson’s decision, pondering which fortunate program will have the privilege of welcoming her into their fold.
Interested in becoming a part of DME Academy’s nationally ranked girls basketball program? Click here.
