Chaminade Prep's Stars Excel in Pro Sports
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, is a breeding ground for exceptional talent, having produced alumni like Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum, who are making waves in their respective sports.
Jayson Tatum: A Beacon for Celtics
Jayson Tatum, currently dazzling audiences as a player for the Boston Celtics, has carried his high school excellence into the professional arena. Averaging nearly 30 points per game in high school, Tatum led Chaminade to a state championship and earned the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year title. This season, he's averaging 30.1 points per game in the NBA and led the Celtics to the NBA Finals last year, marking his fourth Eastern Conference finals appearance.
Matthew Tkachuk's Climb in the NHL
Matthew Tkachuk, who departed Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, is deeply entrenched in his seventh NHL season. Demonstrating unyielding prowess, Tkachuk has netted 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: Producing Versatile Athletes
The athletes emerging from Brentwood Academy in Tennessee are no less impressive. Darius Garland, who started varsity basketball in eighth grade, claimed four state championships and averaged 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads his team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, another Brentwood standout, was a multi-sport athlete who set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His football career flourished at Florida State, where he won a BCS national championship, and he later contributed to the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl triumph. Currently with the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro known for his defensive prowess.
Highland Park High’s Elite Alumni
Highland Park High in Texas boasts its own share of legendary athletes, including Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford led his team to a state championship in 2005 and has enjoyed a stellar NFL career with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes. He capped off his achievements by guiding the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw, Stafford’s high school peer, achieved a perfect season in high school, striking out 139 batters, including a perfect game. With three Cy Young Awards and a National League MVP to his name, Kershaw played a pivotal role in the 2020 Dodgers' World Series win. He continues to chase postseason strikeout records, trailing only Justin Verlander.
La Jolla Country Day: A Hub for Multi-Talented Stars
La Jolla Country Day in California is the alma mater of Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum, who scored over 2,000 points and secured more than 600 rebounds in high school, led her team to a state championship. In the WNBA, Plum was the first overall pick in the 2017 draft and contributed significantly to the Las Vegas Aces’ championship win, averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman set numerous school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases, with 91 stolen bases over four varsity seasons. Edman remains a versatile player for the St. Louis Cardinals, with capabilities at second base, third base, and shortstop, boasting a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High’s Impact in Professional Sports
In Georgia, Norcross High has its own distinguished alumni. Diamond DeShields won three state basketball titles in high school and was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. She has played for teams like the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, playing a crucial role in the Sky’s 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter, another Norcross alum, tallied 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior in high school, leading his team to a state championship. Drafted by the New York Giants in the third round in 2018, Carter now plays for the Atlanta Falcons, having overcome an Achilles injury to amass 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High Produces Phenoms
Allen High in Texas boasts Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal as its notable alumni. Murray led his high school team to three state titles and won the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma. Drafted first overall in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray won NFL Rookie of the Year and led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, another Allen High standout, secured state championships in three weight classes and only lost seven matches in high school. His wrestling prowess continued at Penn State with three national titles. Venturing into mixed martial arts, Nickal earned a UFC contract following his performances in Dana White's Contender Series and has won all four of his professional bouts so far.
These high schools have produced athletes who continue to make significant impacts in their respective sports, showcasing the enduring legacy of excellence that started in their prep days.