Chaminade Prep: Producing Talent Across Sports
At Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, the hallways and locker rooms have been graced by some remarkable athletic talent. Among its illustrious alumni are Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum, two stars who have made significant impacts in their respective sports.
Jayson Tatum, a standout forward for the Boston Celtics, began his journey at Chaminade with an impressive high school career, where he averaged nearly 30 points per game and led his team to a state championship. His high school exploits earned him the title of the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Tatum’s transition to the NBA has been nothing short of spectacular; he currently averages 30.1 points per game this season. Last year, he carried the Celtics to the NBA Finals and has made four appearances in the Eastern Conference finals.
Matthew Tkachuk, a crucial player for the Florida Panthers, left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has scored 40 goals in consecutive seasons, making him one of the league’s most feared forwards. With his contributions, the Panthers are on the cusp of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Rising Stars from Brentwood Academy
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has also been a breeding ground for athletic talent, producing stars like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland began playing varsity basketball in eighth grade and went on to win four state championships. His senior year saw him averaging 27.6 points per game. Now a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland not only leads his team in assists but also scores 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, another Brentwood Academy product, was a multi-sport athlete who set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. He later won a BCS national championship at Florida State and achieved Super Bowl glory with the Los Angeles Rams. Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro, now brings his defensive prowess to the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High's Golden Alumni
Highland Park High in Texas boasts notable alumni like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford led the school to a state championship in 2005 and has since enjoyed a prolific NFL career, posting nine 4,000-yard seasons and throwing 333 touchdown passes. He capped off his achievements by leading the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw’s high school career was marked by a perfect season where he struck out 139 batters, including an all-strikeout perfect game. His MLB career with the Dodgers has been equally stellar, earning him three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP. Kershaw played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series win and is second only to Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.
Impressive Performances from La Jolla Country Day
At La Jolla Country Day in California, Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman epitomize athletic excellence. Plum scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds in high school, leading her team to a state championship. She was the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft and has continued to impress, averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs and playing a crucial role in the Las Vegas Aces' WNBA title victory.
Tommy Edman set multiple school records, including hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. He amassed 91 stolen bases across his varsity seasons and now serves as a versatile player for the St. Louis Cardinals, boasting a career batting average of .271 while starting at second base, third base, and shortstop.
Norcross High's Dual Threats
Norcross High in Georgia produced remarkable athletes such as Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three state basketball titles and was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. She has played for several WNBA teams, including the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, and was instrumental in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter's high school career was equally impressive, recording 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, leading Norcross to a state championship. A third-round pick by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter now plays for the Atlanta Falcons and has accumulated 18.5 career sacks despite an Achilles injury that sidelined him for much of the 2020 season.
Allen High’s Champions
Allen High in Texas is known for stars like Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray led the school to three consecutive state titles with an unimaginable 43-game winning streak and accounted for 186 touchdowns. His success continued at Oklahoma, winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy, and he became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Murray won the NFL Rookie of the Year and led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, an exceptional wrestler, won state championships in three different weight classes and lost only seven matches in high school. At Penn State, Nickal secured three national titles. Transitioning to mixed martial arts, he earned a UFC contract after outstanding performances in Dana White's Contender Series and remains undefeated in his professional bouts.
These schools exemplify how nurturing environments and elite training can produce sporting legends. With a legacy of excellence, these institutions continue to pave the way for future stars while their illustrious alumni leave indelible marks on their respective sports.