Stellar Alumni: From Prep Athletes to Professional Stars
Stellar Alumni: From Prep Athletes to Professional Stars
Across the United States, high schools boast impressive rosters of alumni who have transitioned from local heroes to professional stars on a national stage. These institutions have not only cultivated athletic talent but have also become launching pads for superlative careers in various sports.
Chaminade Prep: Producing Dual-Sport Stars
Nestled in St. Louis, Missouri, Chaminade Prep has a rich history of grooming top-tier athletes like Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum. Tatum, now a linchpin for the Boston Celtics, dazzled in high school, averaging nearly 30 points per game and spearheading his team to a state championship. His accolades didn't stop there; Tatum clinched the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Today, he continues to shine in the NBA, averaging 30.1 points per game this season and leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals last year. Remarkably, Tatum has guided the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals four times, cementing his status as a basketball elite.
Matthew Tkachuk, another alum of Chaminade, left after ninth grade to hone his skills with the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has achieved the rare feat of scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His contributions have put the Florida Panthers just one win away from their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy’s Illustrious Lineup
In Tennessee, Brentwood Academy has nurtured numerous talents, including Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland's basketball journey began impressively in eighth grade and culminated in four state championships. As a senior, he averaged 27.6 points per game, showcasing the form that now makes him a critical player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he leads in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey's versatility at Brentwood Academy extended beyond the basketball court. He set a Tennessee state record in long jump, played crucial roles in multiple sports, and went on to win a BCS national championship at Florida State. Ramsey's professional accolades include a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams and three All-Pro selections. He currently brings his defensive prowess to the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High's Premier Performers
Highland Park High in Texas is the alma mater of notable athletes like NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford and MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, who won a state championship in 2005, has had a remarkable NFL career with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes. His leadership took the Los Angeles Rams to triumph in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw, heralded for his dominant high school career, once struck out 139 batters in a season, including achieving an all-strikeout perfect game. In Major League Baseball, Kershaw's accolades include three Cy Young Awards, an MVP title, and a pivotal role in the 2020 World Series win for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also closely trails Justin Verlander for the most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day’s Rising Stars
California's La Jolla Country Day boasts impressive alumni in Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum, a scoring machine, amassed over 2,000 points and 600 rebounds, leading her team to a state championship. She was the prestigious first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft and has averaged 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs. Integral to the Las Vegas Aces, Plum played a crucial role in their WNBA title run.
Tommy Edman, known for his versatility, set numerous school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. Currently, Edman is a valuable asset to the St. Louis Cardinals, proficiently manning positions at second base, third base, and shortstop with a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High’s Dynamic Duo
Georgia's Norcross High has produced extraordinary talents like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, during her high school years, secured three state basketball titles and averaged an astonishing 26 points per game as a senior. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, DeShields has been a vital contributor for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, especially noted for her impact in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter, a standout in football with 132 tackles and six sacks as a high school senior, led Norcross to a state championship. Drafted by the New York Giants in the third round in 2018, Carter now plays for the Atlanta Falcons, overcoming an Achilles injury to record 18.5 career sacks thus far.
Allen High: The Home of Champions
Allen High in Texas, known for its competitive spirit, is where Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal honed their skills. Murray's high school career is almost legendary, with 43 consecutive wins and three state championships. He accounted for a staggering 186 touchdowns and later won the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray earned NFL Rookie of the Year and led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, a dominant force in wrestling, captured state championships in three different weight classes. Losing only seven matches in high school, he translated his prowess to college by winning three national titles at Penn State. Now carving out a promising career in mixed martial arts, Nickal boasts an undefeated professional record, having secured a UFC contract after standout performances in Dana White's Contender Series.
From Chaminade Prep to Allen High, these high schools are veritable breeding grounds for future stars, many of whom continue to light up professional arenas with the same brilliance they displayed in their formative years.
