Daytona, Fla. DME Academy is excited to welcome Jacob Lanier to our basketball program. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Jacob joins us after transferring from Arizona Compass. Ranked No. 52 in the Class of 2026 by ESPN and No. 2 in the state of Arkansas, Jacob is already making his mark in the recruiting world, holding offers from Arkansas, California, Kansas State, Creighton, and more.
Jacob’s skills on the court have earned him a reputation as one of the top shooting guards in the nation. Known for his sharp shooting and court vision, he adds another layer of strength to DME’s talented roster Head Coach Matt Panaggio shared his excitement about Jacob’s potential, saying, “Jacob is a great all-around player and an even better person. We are very proud to have him in our program. He will bring a new dynamic to the team as a great shooter and add another strong presence in the backcourt.”
Jacob joins a talented DME roster that includes standout players like No. 11-ranked Mikel Brown Jr. and Nathan Kirk. Coach Matt Panaggio emphasized the strength of this trio, stating they will be a challenge for any opponent to match. With his junior year underway, Jacob is preparing for a strong finish to the season and a senior campaign that promises even more success.
We are excited to see all that Jacob Lanier will achieve both on and off the court. Welcome to the DME Academy family, Jacob!
Daytona, FL. DME Academy’s very own Mikel Brown Jr. has taken the next big step in his basketball career by committing to the University of Louisville. As the No. 11 player in the nation and one of the top point guards in the Class of 2025, Mikel continues to break school records, leaving a lasting legacy at DME and positioning himself among the elite in high school basketball.
Mikel’s time at DME Academy has been nothing short of historic. Averaging an impressive 29.3 points per game this season, alongside 4.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds, Mikel has proven to be a dominant force on the court. From his multiple game-winning shots to shattering his own scoring record for DME Academy, Mikel is leaving an undeniable mark at DME. His commitment to excellence and his relentless work ethic are a testament to what it means to be a DME athlete.
Mikel’s decision to commit to Louisville is a significant milestone, not just for him but for DME Academy. Under the guidance of head coach Pat Kelsey—who has previously coached NBA great point guards like Chris Paul and Jeff Teague—Mikel will be stepping into a program with a storied tradition of developing elite point guards like Peyton Siva and Donovan Mitchell.
“Mikel is a generational talent,” Coach Kelsey shared. “His skill, vision, and leadership are unparalleled. He’s the kind of player who changes the game—and he’s only just getting started.” This move cements Mikel’s place among the nation’s basketball elite and provides him with the perfect platform to further his career, with Louisville’s high-octane style of play and proven track record of success.
As a member of the USA Basketball U18 National Team, he helped secure a gold medal at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, showcasing his skills on an international stage. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to any challenge underscores why he is one of the most highly regarded players in the country.
“Mikel’s legacy at DME is built on hard work, determination, and an unwavering commitment to greatness,” said Dan Pannagio, Co-Founder at DME Academy. “We couldn’t be prouder to see him take this next step and continue to make his mark.”
Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level?
Mikel Brown Jr.’s journey is a testament to the power of elite coaching, a supportive environment, and relentless drive. At DME Academy, we’re committed to helping student-athletes achieve their goals on and off the court. Are you ready to elevate your game?
Speak with a Student Advisor today and discover how DME Academy can guide you toward success. Click here to get started!
The 5th Annual Beach & Ball Classic, powered by Halifax Health, wrapped up on Sunday evening after an exciting five days of action with over 73 games spanning the tournament. DME Academy hosted more than 50 teams, from as close as Orlando, to as far away as Rome and Canada.
Each game featured a match-up between two top-talent teams and the most valuable player was named at the end of each game. Over 70 players took home a unique medal to recognize their achievements on the court.
At the end of the tournament, athletes who exhibited outstanding talent were given the honor of being named to the Classic All-Tournament Teams.
Thank you to all the players and coaches who made this tournament a success. DME Academy is looking forward to an even bigger turnout at the next Beach & Ball Classic!
Check out the list of athletes named to the Classic All-Tournament Teams.
1st Team
2nd Team
3rd Team
Honorable Mention
Regional Division
For more information on the DME Academy boy’s basketball program and how you can be recruited or attend a camp, click here.
Now that the Thanksgiving turkey has been consumed and the table is all cleaned up, the most wonderful time of year is upon us. The holiday season gives us so much to look forward to and at DME Academy we have yet another reason to be cheerful. For the last five years, DME Academy has been putting on one of the biggest basketball tournaments in Florida each December.
Since the tournament’s origin, the DME Academy Beach and Ball Tournament has grown exponentially. This year more than 50 teams from all across the United States will travel to the “most famous beach” Daytona Beach in the World for an intense five days of action.
This year is also special because, for the first time, Halifax Health will be the main sponsor of the event. As the official healthcare provider for DME Academy, Halifax Health will make sure that all athletes attending the event are safe to compete and have the care they need during competition. Halifax has been caring for Volusia and Flagler County residents since 1928. Their mission is to be the community healthcare leader through exceptional talent and superior patient-centered service delivered in a financially sustainable manner.
The tournament starts tomorrow, December 7th, and will come to a close on Sunday, December 11th. Over the course of the five days, more than 70 games will be played at DME Academy’s Field House. The event will host some of the best high school basketball players in the country and is expected to gain attention from scouts nationwide.
It is hard to choose, but we have narrowed the 70 games down to 10 marquee matchups to watch for:
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
The most valuable player of each game will also be going home with some hardware. The team at DME put together unique medals for each player receiving the honor. More than 70 MVP medals will be awarded with shoutouts on Twitter and Instagram!
Be sure to follow us on Twitter: @DMESportsAcad, and on Instagram: @DMESportsAcademy to stay up to date on all of the action during the tournament!
It’s the 5 a.m. wake-ups, the lack of spring and summer break, the time spent recovering, the dedication, and hard work. That’s what separates good athletes from great athletes.
Five DME Academy basketball players put pen to paper and signed with their dream schools. This was the ultimate achievement and symbolized the payoff of the commitment and passion they have given to the sport.
Three incredible athletes from our girl’s basketball teams signed with their dream schools. Hannah Miller, a Girls High School Prep team member, signed with Pitt State. Dominika Paurová and Tessa Engelman, members of the Girls High School National team, signed with Minnesota and South Carolina State, respectively.
Two members of our boy’s basketball teams also joined their dream schools. Petras Padegimas, a member of the Boys High School National team, signed with the University of Central Florida, and Alex Doyle, a member of the Post-Grad National/Blue basketball team, signed with Stetson University.
When asked about his experience at DME, Doyle said, “DME helped provide me with the opportunity to receive multiple scholarships. I’m especially thankful to my coaches, and I am extremely excited to make an impact in college at Stetson.”
At DME Academy, we are passionate about seeing our athletes succeed in the classroom and on the court. They make sacrifices daily to be the greatest at their sport and we are grateful we get to be a small part of their journey as they take their talent to the next level.
Congratulations to these five athletes on this incredible honor. Thank you for all you have given to DME Academy. We are excited to cheer you on as you take the next step in your career.
Do you want to take your talent to the next level? Learn more about our sports programs and how you can join DME Academy here.