St. Louis Produces NBA and NHL Stars
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, has the distinction of being the alma mater of two prominent professional athletes: Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk. Jayson Tatum, now a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics, showcased his exceptional talent early on. In high school, Tatum averaged nearly 30 points per game and led Chaminade to a state championship, earning the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year title. This season, Tatum continues to shine in the NBA, averaging 30.1 points per game and spearheading the Celtics' charge to last year's NBA Finals, marking his fourth journey to the Eastern Conference finals.
Matthew Tkachuk, another Chaminade standout, shifted gears early, leaving after the ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has proven his mettle with consecutive 40-goal seasons. His efforts are evident as the Florida Panthers hover just one win away from their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996, thanks in no small part to Tkachuk’s prolific performances.
Tennessee’s Dual-Sport Excellence
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee boasts a pedigree of producing exceptional athletes like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Darius Garland's journey began with a stellar high school career, starting varsity basketball in eighth grade and capturing four state championships. Averaging 27.6 points per game as a senior, Garland transitioned smoothly into the NBA, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He now leads his team in assists and maintains an average of 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, another Brentwood alum, was a multi-sport athlete who set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. After winning a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, Ramsey has firmly established himself in the NFL. Now with the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro, further cementing his status as an elite player.
Texas is Home to Elite Performers
Highland Park High in Texas has produced iconic sports figures like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, who led his high school to a state championship in 2005, has had a prolific NFL career with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes. His crowning achievement came when he guided the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw, another Highland Park alum, dominated high school baseball with a perfect season, including an all-strikeout perfect game. With three Cy Young Awards and an NL MVP title, Kershaw's legacy is unparalleled. His instrumental role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win adds another feather to his cap, despite trailing Justin Verlander for the most strikeouts in postseason history.
California’s Versatile Athletes
La Jolla Country Day in California is renowned for producing versatile athletes like Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum dazzled on the basketball court, accumulating over 2,000 points and more than 600 rebounds in high school, and leading her team to a state championship. As the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum has continued to excel, playing a pivotal role in leading the Las Vegas Aces to a WNBA title and averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman, another La Jolla standout, set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. His versatility has made him a valuable asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, where he has started at second base, third base, and shortstop. With a career batting average of .271, Edman’s consistent performance highlights his significant contributions to the team.
Georgia’s Athletic Powerhouses
Norcross High in Georgia has cultivated exceptional talent like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three state basketball titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior. As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, DeShields has had an impressive career, playing for teams such as the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings. Her crucial role during the Sky's 2021 championship run underscores her influence on the game.
Lorenzo Carter, a standout at Norcross, recorded 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 has overcome significant challenges, including an Achilles injury, to become a key player for the Atlanta Falcons, boasting 18.5 career sacks.
Texas Continues to Breed Champions
Allen High in Texas has given the sports world athletes like Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray had an illustrious high school career, winning 43 consecutive games and leading his team to three state titles. With 186 touchdowns during his prep career, Murray went on to win the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. His rookie season accolades include the NFL Rookie of the Year, and he later led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal's dominance in high school wrestling, with state championships in three different weight classes and only seven match losses, foreshadowed his success at Penn State, where he secured three national titles. Transitioning to mixed martial arts, Nickal's performances in Dana White's Contender Series have been nothing short of spectacular, earning him a UFC contract and an undefeated professional record of 4-0.
These schools have been more than just educational institutions; they have served as launchpads for some of the most talented athletes across various sports. Their achievements, spanning high school championships to professional accolades, underscore the significant role these programs play in shaping the future of sports.