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Mikel Brown Jr. is solidifying his place as one of high school basketball’s top talents at DME Academy. In a game for the ages, DME Academy’s Boys National team went head-to-head with Dream City Christian, ranked #10 on MaxPreps and #14 on The Circuit, on Friday, Nov. 15. The battle lived up to its billing, with Mikel Brown Jr. delivering one of the most electrifying performances in DME history.
The game came down to the final possession, tied with just seconds left. With composure beyond his years, Mikel drained a buzzer-beater three-pointer to secure the win, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The final dagger was the exclamation point on a record-breaking night, with Mikel scoring an incredible 50 points—beating his own record while hitting eight three-pointers on the night.
The National Team carried their momentum into the following game, delivering a commanding 30-point victory. It was a total team effort, with standout performances across the board. Trey Simpson III led all scorers with 21 points, followed closely by Nathan Kirk with 20 and Matas Buteliauskas with 18. The win showcased the team’s depth and chemistry, setting a strong tone for the season ahead.
Daytona Grind Session Recap
Fast forward to the Daytona Grind Session, hosted at DME Academy from Nov. 22–24, and Mikel Brown Jr. continued to prove why he’s one of the best High School basketball players in the nation. In the first game of the event, Mikel led the charge with 29 points, setting the tone for another standout weekend.
Facing Royal Crown in the final matchup of the Grind Session, Mikel raised his game even further, pouring in 35 points to cap off the event.
The Boys National Team showed depth and determination throughout the session, with contributions from multiple players alongside Mikel’s brilliance. The momentum they’ve built early in the season continues to position them as one of the top teams in the country.If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, discover how DME Academy can provide the tools and environment to help you succeed on and off the court. Click here to get on our radar and to learn more.
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 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!
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/
A New Chapter in DME History
Earlier this month, The DME Boys Basketball team embarked on an european expedition to Cholet, France, marking their first foreign tour to compete against international teams. But this trip wasn’t merely about basketball, it was a chance for the team to experience a completely new culture, play under new rules and compete against some of the best teams in France and Europe.
The Games Begin
After a grueling 24-hour voyage, the team arrived in Cholet, France. Their inaugural friendly took place in a packed arena in Salle de l’Arceau located about 3 hours south west of Paris where they were able to secure a 100-90 victory despite making the adjustment to FIBA rules.
Culture and Community Engagement
The next day before their second game, the boys seized the opportunity to explore the streets of Paris, climbing the Eiffel Tower and of course enjoying the french bread and other local cuisine. The team then hosted a basketball camp for over 50 local youngsters in Cholet, fostering skill development and camaraderie. The team also visited a nearby elementary school and shared laughs and took questions while assisting the students with their English.
Tournament Play and Individual Highlights
Jaylen Robinson shined during tournament play and delivered a jaw-dropping 40-point performance in the game against Polaris Prep out of Canada, and he also earned a spot into the finals of the dunk contest. Matas Buteliauskas also competed in the skills and showcase and was able to secure runner up in the three point contest while Yamar’e Bell won the skills challenge.
A Trip Of A Lifetime
Beyond the scoreboard, this trip nurtured team cohesion, broadened the boys cultural horizons and left a lasting imprint on the communities they encountered. As the boys returned home we were thrilled to hear about how impactful this trip was for the coaching staff, players and our partners in France. To learn more about DME Academy’s prestigious men’s basketball program and how you can be apart of the legacy we are building here in Daytona, Florida and abroad, click here
Daytona, Fla. (Mar. 26, 2024) -After a challenging two weeks, the Boys National Basketball team concluded their journey at the Grind Session World Championship. Kicking off in Las Vegas, they quickly made their mark with early wins, notably against Winston-Salem Christian National, edging them out 72-68. This season, the team notched over 25 wins for the second consecutive year, highlighting the program’s growth and its success in securing back-to-back winning seasons against top national teams.
Transitioning to Chicago for the semifinals, the Boys National squad faced Dream City Christian. Despite a hard-fought battle, DME would lose to Dream City, with the final score reading 54-72.
Throughout the tournament, DME Academy’s players showcased exceptional skill and dedication. Savo Drezgic’s performance in the semifinals was particularly noteworthy, with a stat line of 19 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, highlighting his pivotal role in the team’s efforts. Moustapha Thiam’s contributions during their tournament run was also notable, where he averaged 23.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game, demonstrating his significant impact on both ends of the court.
The team’s collective achievements received well-deserved recognition. Jaylen Robinson and Savo Drezgic were named to the All-Grind Session Team, a testament to their outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Moustapha Thiam was honored with a spot on the All-Defensive Team, emphasizing his defensive prowess.
Additionally, Babatunde Durodola and Savo Drezgic’s skills were acknowledged on an international scale, with both players earning spots among the Top 5 International Players “FIBA 5,” highlighting their global impact.
Despite the conclusion of their journey in the semifinals, DME Academy’s campaign in the Grind Session World Championships was characterized by teamwork, grit and standout individual performances, and camaraderie that navigated the challenges of a highly competitive tournament. Their efforts not only showcased the depth of talent within the team but also set a solid foundation for future successes.
To learn more about DME Academy’s prestigious men’s basketball program, click here.
As March Madness grips basketball fans across the country, it’s a moment of pride for us at DME Academy to watch our alumni compete at the collegiate level. This year, we’re thrilled to see our men and women making waves in the NCAA Tournament, affirming our dedication to comprehensive development that mirrors the intensity of college-level competition.
DME Alumni in the NCAA Tournament:
At DME Academy, we prepare student-athletes for the academic rigor and athletic demands of collegiate programs. Our academy is built on the pillars of academic excellence, personal growth, and athletic competitiveness, fostering resilience and ambition in our students.
Seeing our alums excel in the NCAA Tournament spotlights the powerful blend of community support, expert coaching, and educational guidance they embraced at DME Academy. Their achievements underscore our unwavering dedication to fostering the growth of every student-athlete, propelling them toward success in athletics and life beyond.
If you are dreaming of competing at the next level and achieving academic success, DME Academy offers the foundation you need. Join us and begin your journey to becoming a well-rounded individual ready to tackle the challenges of college athletics and beyond. Discover more about how DME Academy can be part of your path to success. Click here to get started.
Finding the right summer sports camp is crucial to your child’s athletic and personal development. At DME Academy, our programs are specifically designed to nurture each athlete’s potential, providing a comprehensive and enriching experience that extends beyond just sports training.
At DME Academy, we recognize the unique goals and interests of each young athlete. Our camp offerings span various sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and more. Tailored to meet athletes at every level, from beginners to advanced competitors, our camps ensure focused attention and skill development for everyone.
DME Academy Summer Camps Available in 2024:
Volleyball Gold Medal Square Camp
Lacrosse Camp powered by System Eighty-One
DME Competitive Summer Prep Camps:
Expert Coaching and World-Class Facilities
Our dedicated coaches bring their passion and expertise to our top-notch facilities, fostering an environment where young athletes can challenge themselves and excel. With access to professional training and insights, participants are empowered to reach new milestones in their athletic journeys.
Beyond the Field
We believe in the power of sports to teach valuable life lessons. Our camps emphasize values like resilience, leadership, and teamwork, creating a nurturing atmosphere for athletes to develop not just physically but also as well-rounded individuals. This approach helps participants to build character, forge lasting friendships, and become part of a supportive community.
The Benefits of Joining a DME Summer Prep Camp:
At DME Academy, we’re committed to providing a transformative summer experience for young athletes. With our comprehensive training programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated coaching staff, we offer the perfect environment for athletes to thrive. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, or any other sport, our camps focus on honing skills, fostering teamwork, and instilling values that extend beyond the field. Join us this summer and discover the difference at DME Academy! Learn more about our summer offerings by visiting our website.
Daytona, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2024) -The Eighth Annual Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global Camp, held during the NBA All-Star 2024 Weekend, showcased the talents of emerging young prospects from around the world. Among the 40 high school-aged participants from 22 countries and territories were two standout players from DME Academy: Savos Drezgic of Serbia and Moustapha Thiam from Senegal.
Savos Drezgic distinguished himself on the court, earning a coveted spot on the BWB Global Camp Boys All-Star Team. His exceptional performance across various camp activities, from games to skills sessions, earned him well-deserved recognition. Drezgic has attracted attention from prestigious universities, receiving scholarship offers from California, Arizona State, South Florida, and Stanford while Moustapha Thiam has committed to UCF Knights.
The participation of Drezgic and Thiam underscores DME Academy’s commitment to providing its athletes with opportunities to compete at the highest levels and gain exposure on the international stage. Their success at the camp serves as a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the quality of training they receive at DME.
As DME Academy continues to nurture talent and ambition in young athletes, the achievements of Drezgic and Thiam stand as inspiring examples. Congratulations to both players for their outstanding performances and for representing DME Academy with distinction. If you’re inspired by their success and want to explore the opportunities offered by DME Academy, visit our website for more information visit our Admissions Page for more information.