Exceptional Alumni from High Schools Shaping Professional Sports
Exceptional Alumni from High Schools Shaping Professional Sports
High schools across the United States have long been the breeding grounds for the nation's top athletic talents, honing skills that later dazzle at professional levels. Among them, Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, stands out with alumni like Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum making significant marks in their respective sports.
Jayson Tatum: Rising Superstar from Chaminade Prep
Jayson Tatum, currently a standout player for the Boston Celtics, has a legacy that traces back to his days at Chaminade Prep. Tatum's high school career was nothing short of remarkable, averaging nearly 30 points per game and leading his team to a state championship. His talents were nationally recognized when he was named the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year, signifying his outstanding performance and exemplary character.
In the NBA, Tatum continues to shine. This season, he averages an impressive 30.1 points per game, leading his team by example. Last season, Tatum's leadership was pivotal in propelling the Celtics to the NBA Finals. Over his career, he has reached the Eastern Conference finals four times, showcasing a consistency that has made him one of the league's premier players.
Matthew Tkachuk: From Chaminade to the NHL
Matthew Tkachuk's journey from Chaminade Prep to the NHL also speaks volumes of the school's attribute to nurturing talent. Excelling early, Tkachuk left after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, paving his way into professional hockey. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk continues to impress, scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons.
Currently a key player for the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk's performance has been crucial in pushing the team to the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996. His contributions on the ice have been a game-changer for the Panthers' aspirations.
Brentwood Academy: A Powerhouse in Tennessee
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee boasts its own impressive list of alumni, including Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, a rising star in the NBA, began his varsity basketball journey in eighth grade, capturing four state championships and averaging 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now a vital player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads his team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Similarly, Jalen Ramsey has carved out a successful career in the NFL. A multi-sport athlete at Brentwood, he set a Tennessee state record in the long jump and went on to win a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro, now plays for the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High's Elite Alumni
In Texas, Highland Park High has produced talents like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, a stalwart in the NFL, led his high school to a state championship in 2005 and has since posted nine 4,000-yard seasons, thrown 333 touchdown passes, and guided the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl victory.
Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw’s high school journey included a perfect season marked by 139 strikeouts, including an all-strikeout perfect game. In Major League Baseball, Kershaw has won three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP, playing a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. He stands just behind Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day's Sports Stars
La Jolla Country Day in California also stands tall with alumni like Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum, the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds in high school, leading her team to a state championship. As a pivotal part of the Las Vegas Aces, Plum averaged 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs, helping secure a WNBA title.
Tommy Edman set multiple school records during his time at La Jolla Country Day, including hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. Now a versatile asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman has recorded a career batting average of .271 and continues to be a key player at second base, third base, and shortstop.
Norcross High's Impactful Athletes
Norcross High in Georgia produced Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, a dominant force in high school basketball, won three state titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior. The third overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, DeShields has played crucial roles for teams like the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, contributing significantly to the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter, another standout from Norcross, recorded 132 tackles and six sacks as a high school senior, leading his team to a state championship. Despite an Achilles injury in 2020, Carter has made a strong comeback, now playing for the Atlanta Falcons with 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High's Dominance in Texas
Lastly, Allen High in Texas has its own legacy, producing notable athletes like Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray, an exceptional quarterback, led his high school team to 43 consecutive wins and three state titles, accounting for 186 touchdowns. After winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, Murray was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft and quickly made his mark by earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors. He led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021, solidifying his position as a top-tier NFL quarterback.
Bo Nickal’s wrestling prowess at Allen High saw him winning state championships in three different weight classes and losing only seven matches throughout his high school career. At Penn State, Nickal secured three national titles and has transitioned seamlessly into professional mixed martial arts, winning all four of his professional bouts so far.
These high schools have not only molded incredible athletes but have also set the stage for their success at the highest levels of professional sports. Each athlete's journey is a testament to the dedication and rigorous training that began in their formative years, highlighting the impact of their early environments on their stellar careers.
