Sports powerhouses across the nation have long been the breeding ground for some of the most spectacular athletic talent in recent memory. Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, stands tall with its illustrious alumni Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk, both of whom have left indelible marks in their respective fields.
Jayson Tatum: A Celtic Stronghold
Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics' star, has had a remarkable journey from his high school days. At Chaminade, Tatum averaged nearly 30 points per game and led his team to a state championship. His exceptional performance earned him the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Transitioning seamlessly to the NBA, Tatum's prowess on the court has only magnified. This season, he averages 30.1 points per game and boasts the accolade of leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season. Notably, Tatum has reached the Eastern Conference finals four times, underscoring his consistency and leadership.
Matthew Tkachuk: An NHL Dynamo
Matthew Tkachuk’s decision to leave Chaminade after the ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team set the stage for his prodigious NHL career. Currently in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has scored 40 goals in consecutive seasons, a testament to his offensive acumen.
Tkachuk has been crucial in pushing the Florida Panthers to new heights. With the team just one win away from their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996, Tkachuk's contributions have been undeniably vital.
The Prestigious Brentwood Academy
From Tennessee, Brentwood Academy has its own legacy with athletes like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, who started varsity basketball in the eighth grade, won four state championships and averaged 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now a pivotal player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads the team in assists and puts up an impressive 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, another Brentwood alum, showcased his versatility early on, setting a Tennessee state record in the long jump. Ramsey's illustrious career includes a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams. Now a three-time All-Pro, Ramsey continues to be a force with the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High’s Sporting Titans
Highland Park High in Texas has given the sports world Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, an NFL quarterback, led his team to a state championship in 2005 and has since achieved nine 4,000-yard seasons, with 333 touchdown passes to his name. His crowning moment came with leading the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory.
Clayton Kershaw, a masterful pitcher, had a perfect high school season, striking out 139 batters, including an all-strikeout perfect game. With three Cy Young Awards and an MVP to his credit, Kershaw was instrumental in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series triumph. Although he trails Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history, Kershaw's legacy is firmly entrenched.
La Jolla Country Day: The Rise of Plum and Edman
California’s La Jolla Country Day boasts alumna Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman, both of whom have excelled in their sports. Plum, who scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds in high school, led her team to a state championship and was the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. Now a key player for the Las Vegas Aces, Plum averaged 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs and was instrumental in the Aces' WNBA title run.
Tommy Edman, a versatile player for the St. Louis Cardinals, set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases at La Jolla. With 91 stolen bases in four varsity seasons, Edman has seamlessly transitioned to the majors, showcasing his skills at second base, third base, and shortstop with a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High’s Notable Alumni
Norcross High in Georgia has produced stellar athletes like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three consecutive state basketball titles and was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. Having played for teams such as the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury, she was a crucial bench player in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
On the football field, Lorenzo Carter made waves with 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, leading Norcross to a state championship. Drafted by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter has rebounded from an Achilles injury and currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons, amassing 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High’s Dynamic Duo
Allen High in Texas features standout athletes Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray, a dynamic NFL quarterback, led Allen High to an astounding 43 consecutive wins and three state titles. Accounting for 186 touchdowns during his high school career, Murray won the 2018 Heisman Trophy and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Now with the Arizona Cardinals, he won the NFL Rookie of the Year and led his team to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, a wrestling phenom, won state championships in three different weight classes and sustained just seven losses in high school. At Penn State, Nickal secured three national titles and, after stellar performances in Dana White's Contender Series, earned a UFC contract. Nickal remains undefeated in his professional bouts, showcasing his dominant form.
These institutions have not only produced outstanding professional athletes but also contributed significantly to the rich tapestry of American sports history. Their alumni continue to inspire with their remarkable achievements and dedication to excellence.