In the world of high school sports, certain institutions stand out for producing exceptional talent that leaves an indelible mark on professional leagues. Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, Highland Park High in Texas, La Jolla Country Day in California, Norcross High in Georgia, and Allen High in Texas are just a few of these storied schools. Their alumni have gone on to achieve significant milestones in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, WNBA, and beyond. Let's delve into the remarkable journeys of some of these athletes.
Chaminade Prep: The Rise of Tatum and Tkachuk
Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk are among the standout alumni of Chaminade Prep. Tatum, now a star with the Boston Celtics, had an illustrious high school career, averaging nearly 30 points per game and leading his team to a state championship. His exploits on the court earned him the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award. In the NBA, Tatum has maintained his prolific scoring, averaging 30.1 points per game this season, and has been instrumental in leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season and four Eastern Conference finals appearances.
Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk departed Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has established himself as a formidable presence on the ice, scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His contributions have propelled the Florida Panthers to within one win of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy’s Dual-Stars: Garland and Ramsey
Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey are two exemplary athletes who honed their skills at Brentwood Academy in Tennessee. Garland, now a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcased his talent early, starting varsity basketball in eighth grade and winning four state championships. In his senior year, he averaged 27.6 points per game. Garland now leads the Cavaliers in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, known for his versatility, excelled in multiple sports at Brentwood Academy and set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. After winning a BCS national championship at Florida State, Ramsey transitioned to the NFL, where he garnered three All-Pro selections and won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Currently with the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey continues to be a dominant force on the field.
Highland Park’s Elite: Stafford and Kershaw
Highland Park High in Texas boasts two stellar athletes, Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, the quarterback who led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI, first made headlines by winning a state championship in 2005. With nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes in the NFL, Stafford has cemented his legacy as one of the league's premier quarterbacks.
Clayton Kershaw, a high school phenom with a perfect season and 139 strikeouts, including an all-strikeout perfect game, has continued his dominance in MLB. Kershaw has accumulated three Cy Young Awards, a National League MVP, and played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. Though he trails Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history, Kershaw’s contributions to baseball remain unparalleled.
La Jolla Country Day’s Trailblazers: Plum and Edman
Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman are among the bright stars from La Jolla Country Day in California. Plum's high school career was marked by over 2,000 points and 600 rebounds, leading her team to a state championship. As the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum has been a pivotal part of the Las Vegas Aces, helping them secure a WNBA title and averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman, known for his versatility with the St. Louis Cardinals, set school records for hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. With 91 stolen bases in four varsity seasons and a career batting average of .271, Edman continues to be an invaluable asset, starting at multiple infield positions for the Cardinals.
Norcross High’s Standouts: DeShields and Carter
From Norcross High in Georgia, Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter have made significant impacts in their respective sports. DeShields, a dominant figure in high school basketball with three state titles, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. She has played for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, contributing significantly to the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter, a standout in football, recorded 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, leading Norcross to a state championship. Drafted in the third round by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter, despite an Achilles injury that limited his 2020 season, currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons and has tallied 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High’s Dominance: Nickal and Murray
Allen High in Texas has produced two exceptional athletes, Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray, who won 43 consecutive games and led his team to three state titles in high school, accounted for 186 touchdowns during his prep career. After a stellar collegiate career that earned him the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, Murray was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. His immediate impact in the NFL was recognized with the Rookie of the Year award, and he led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, a wrestling prodigy, won state championships in three weight classes and lost just seven matches in high school. At Penn State, he secured three national titles and has transitioned seamlessly into mixed martial arts, earning a UFC contract and winning all four of his professional bouts to date.
These alumni from various high schools illustrate the remarkable talent that can emerge from high school sports programs. Their achievements in professional leagues are a testament to the hard work and dedication they honed during their formative years, leaving an enduring legacy for future athletes to aspire to.