Daytona Beach, FL – On May 25, 2023, DME Academy and St. John’s Northwestern Academies (SJNA) announced an exciting new partnership between the two academic institutions.
Starting in the 2023-24 academic year, DME and SJNA will work together to amplify the sports program at St. John’s Northwestern in Delafield, Wisconsin. The joint venture kicks off with 11-year NBA veteran Wesley Person, currently at DME Academy in Daytona, Florida, bringing the successful DME basketball academy to SJNA. This move is the beginning of what both academies expect to be a deeper relationship whereby DME Academy will lead and grow more sports programs at the SJNA campus.
“We are so excited to partner with DME Academy,” said Bob Fine, President of SJNA. “They bring an instantly recognizable sports name to boost our already strong academic and athletic programs here at St. John’s Northwestern. Together with DME, the program has never been in safer hands, and the power of the two brands will provide our student-athletes with a pathway for success both on and off the court.”
The basketball brand of St. John’s Northwestern will be on show this summer at the 2023 NBA Draft by Brandin Podziemski ’21. The Lancer great is projected to be drafted in the first round and was named the West Coast Conference (WCC) Co-Player of the Year during his time at Santa Clara University. At SJNA, Podziemski racked up over 2,000 career points, was a three-time All-State honoree, and in 2021 he earned the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s Mr. Basketball, along with the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year.
DME Academy has quickly grown its Daytona campus from 75 to 225 full-time student-athletes over the past three years, built on a reputation for delivering a world-class experience. DME will be bringing in its elite admissions and recruiting team, which features an international arm, experienced coaches, support staff, relationships, and pathway opportunities for all student-athletes.
On the court, DME also brings with them a proven history of preparing players to excel at the top levels of the game. Just this season, DME Academy alumni Keegan Murray was drafted No. 4 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft and has broken into the scene in a huge way, smashing the all-time record for made three-pointers by a rookie with 206.
“As DME continues to grow, it’s essential to find the right partners that share our vision for providing a better experience for student-athletes. SJNA has a beautiful campus, academic success, great facilities, committed staff, and the shared belief that together we can accomplish more. We are ready to collaborate and bring the best of both institutions to the table,” stated Dan Panaggio, Founder of DME Academy.
With the new partnership, student-athletes who choose to join the “DME at SJNA” program will also have the opportunity to tap into SJNA’s 140 years of academic excellence, including dual enrollment college and AP courses, STEM curriculum, leadership development, and a top-level aviation program.
To learn more or apply to be a part of the DME at SJNA partnership in Delafield, Wisconsin click here:
Founded in 1884, St. John’s Northwestern Academies develops young men and women inspired to become responsible citizens and moral and ethical leaders for the global community through excellence in Academics, Leadership Skills, Spiritual and Character Development, and well-being through Athletic Activities and Healthy Life Habits. For more information, visit sjnacademies.org.
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DME Academy’s Girls’ High School National and Boys’ High School Gold Teams Win Sunshine Independent Athletic Association State Championships
DME Academy, a prominent athletic institution located in Daytona Beach, Florida, recently made headlines for its outstanding performance in the Sunshine Independent Athletic Association (SIAA) state championships. Two of DME’s basketball teams, the Boys’ High School Gold, and Girls’ High School National emerged victorious and claimed championship titles in their respective divisions.
The boys’ basketball team, led by head coach Hocine Gaham, had a remarkable season. They dominated their opponents throughout the year, showcasing their superior skills and teamwork. The team worked well together and it was apparent they had been training all season for a championship battle against Montverde Academy. The final score was a close 50-49, with Traye Sturm leading the way with 19 points. DME Academy’s victory allowed them to claim the Sunshine Independent Athletic Association’s trophy for the 2022-2023 season.
Similarly, the Girls’ High School National team, coached by Michael Panaggio, put up a stellar performance in the championship game against Central Pointe. The team was led to victory by Olivia Schmitt who had 15 points in the 52-42 victory. Schmitt was also declared the SIAA league, tournament, and game MVP. The win crowned DME Academy as the SIAA state champions for the second year in a row.
“Watching our girls’ basketball team win the state championship was one of the proudest moments of my coaching career. Winning two years in a row is something to be proud of,” said Panaggio. “Their dedication, hard work, and perseverance throughout the season paid off, and they proved that anything is possible with determination and teamwork.”
The victories of both teams are a testament to the hard work and dedication put in by the coaches and players. Both coaches had carefully crafted game plans, and the players executed them with precision and focus. The academy’s emphasis on rigorous training and development of their athletic skills has undoubtedly paid off, and the teams’ success is a source of pride for DME Academy.
It is a significant achievement that will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations to the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for their exceptional performance and for bringing home the SIAA state championship hardware!
Interested in learning more about DME Academy’s proven basketball programs? Check them out here!
Check out the highlights from the Girls’ National win over Central Pointe here!
DME’s High School National basketball team is beginning to see all of its hard work on the court pay off. For the first time in the program’s history, DME Academy has broken onto the scene and has become nationally ranked. Capitalizing on a pair of losses from Winston-Salem Christian and Huntington Prep, DME has claimed the No. 10 spot per MaxPreps.
The team sits behind Montverde, IMG, Link Academy, Prolific Prep, AZ Compass Prep, Sunrise Christian Academy, Wasatch Academy, La Lumiere, and St. Benedict’s Prep.
Led by head coach and DME director of basketball, Matt Panaggio, the High School National team’s current record is 11-4. Showing no mercy to their opponents, the team has amassed point differentials as high as 65 points, proving they are fierce competitors. Even in defeat, the team has only lost by 10 points.
“This year’s team is special,” said Panaggio. “Our team is very competitive and hungry to win. When they play together it’s a tough team to beat because of the natural chemistry they show towards one another.”
Each year, the DME basketball program gets stronger and stronger. That’s due to the recruitment of incredible athletes. With standout talents like Baraka Okojie, Alvaro Folguerias, Joseph Katsman, Nigle Cook, Robert Lizalek, Lauchlan Mark, Maor Nekrashevich, Petras Padegimas (who just committed to The University of Central Florida), and Yan Ryazantsev, it’s no wonder this team is making a name on the National stage.
With its recent recognition nationally, DME now has plenty to prove among top teams in the country. The remainder of the season will serve as an opportunity to continue climbing the rankings.
Get to know more about the HS National players here!
