In the heart of high school sports, certain institutions stand out not just for the championships they win, but for the superstars they produce. From the ice rinks of Missouri to the hardwood floors of Tennessee, these schools have become breeding grounds for elite athletic talent, shaping the future of professional sports. Let's delve into the illustrious alumni from these powerhouse programs and their remarkable journeys to stardom.
Rising Stars from Chaminade Prep
St. Louis, Missouri's Chaminade Prep boasts a rich tradition of excellence in sports, serving as the starting point for NBA sensation Jayson Tatum and NHL star Matthew Tkachuk. Tatum, now a cornerstone for the Boston Celtics, illuminated his high school career by averaging nearly 30 points per game and spearheading his team to a state championship. His immense talent earned him the prestigious 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award.
In the NBA, Tatum has continued to shine, currently averaging an impressive 30.1 points per game this season. His leadership was pivotal in guiding the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season, adding yet another achievement to his resume, which already includes four Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
Meanwhile, Tkachuk's path diverged after leaving Chaminade post-ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has twice netted 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His impactful play has propelled the Florida Panthers to the cusp of their first Stanley Cup Final since 1996, underscoring his vital role in their success.
Brentwood Academy: A Launchpad for Superstars
Tennessee's Brentwood Academy is another crucible of sporting talent, with alumni like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey making waves in the professional arena. Garland's ascension began in eighth grade when he started playing varsity basketball, eventually leading his team to four state titles. In his senior year, he averaged a remarkable 27.6 points per game. Now a key figure for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads his team in assists while maintaining a scoring average of 21.6 points per game this season.
Ramsey's versatility at Brentwood Academy was evident across multiple sports, crowned by setting a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His collegiate tenure at Florida State University saw him winning a BCS national championship. Ramsey's NFL career has been equally illustrious, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams and three All-Pro selections. Currently, he continues to showcase his defensive prowess with the Miami Dolphins.
Achievements from Highland Park High
Highland Park High in Texas has its own pantheon of sports giants, including NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford and MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Stafford's high school era culminated in a state championship in 2005. His NFL tenure has been marked by nine seasons surpassing 4,000 passing yards and a total of 333 touchdown passes. Stafford's crowning moment came when he led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Kershaw's high school performances were nothing short of legendary, including a season where he struck out 139 batters and pitched an all-strikeout perfect game. He has since amassed three Cy Young Awards and an NL MVP honor. A key player in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win, Kershaw's postseason strikeouts tally places him just behind Justin Verlander.
La Jolla Country Day’s Versatile Talents
California's La Jolla Country Day counts WNBA star Kelsey Plum and MLB player Tommy Edman among its notable alumni. Plum's high school career saw her score over 2,000 points and collect more than 600 rebounds, leading her team to a state championship. Her professional journey began as the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, and she has since become a cornerstone for the Las Vegas Aces, helping them secure a WNBA title. In the 2022 playoffs, she averaged 17.1 points per game.
Edman, renowned for his versatility, set school records for hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases during his high school tenure. With 91 stolen bases across four varsity seasons, he has carried that dynamism to the MLB, adeptly playing second base, third base, and shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, where he holds a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High’s Dynamic Duo
Georgia’s Norcross High has nurtured talents like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields led her high school team to three state basketball titles, averaging 26 points per game as a senior. Picked third overall in the 2018 WNBA draft, she has played crucial roles for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, including a significant contribution to the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Carter, on the gridiron, had an illustrious high school career amassing 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, leading his team to a state championship. Drafted in the third round by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter now bolsters the Atlanta Falcons' defense with 18.5 career sacks, notwithstanding an Achilles injury that marred his 2020 season.
Allen High’s Undefeated Legends
Texas' Allen High produced Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal, both of whom have dominated their respective sports. Murray's high school football career was marked by an astonishing 43 consecutive victories and three state titles. He notched 186 touchdowns in high school, a prelude to winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Murray's NFL tenure with the Arizona Cardinals includes a Rookie of the Year award and a playoff run in 2021.
Nickal's wrestling credentials include state championships in three weight classes, only seven losses in high school, and three national titles at Penn State. Transitioning to mixed martial arts, he earned a UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series and remains undefeated in his professional bouts.
From high school promise to professional triumph, these athletes exemplify how a robust foundation in sports can lead to illustrious careers across various major leagues. Their high school legacies continue to inspire upcoming generations of athletes striving for greatness.