Spotlight on High School Athletic Powerhouses and Their Star Alumni
Spotlight on High School Athletic Powerhouses and Their Star Alumni
High school athletics often serve as the proving ground for future stars in professional sports. Across the nation, several schools have distinguished themselves by producing standout athletes who have gone on to achieve remarkable careers.
Chaminade Prep: Breeding Ground for Stars
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, has become synonymous with producing elite talent. Alumni include NBA star Jayson Tatum and NHL standout Matthew Tkachuk.
Tatum's journey from Chaminade to the Boston Celtics is a testament to his hard work and perseverance. Averaging nearly 30 points per game in high school, Tatum led his team to a state championship and earned accolades as the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year. His prowess hasn’t faded; he currently averages 30.1 points per game in the NBA and led the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season. With four Eastern Conference finals appearances under his belt, Tatum is solidifying his legacy.
Matthew Tkachuk’s path diverged as he 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. Currently a key player for the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk's contributions have brought the team to the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy: A Hub of Excellence
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has a rich history of producing top-tier athletes, including Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey.
Garland, who began his varsity basketball career in eighth grade, won four state championships at Brentwood. Averaging 27.6 points per game as a senior, he now plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers and leads the team in assists with an impressive average of 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey showcased his versatile athletic skills at Brentwood, setting a Tennessee state record in the long jump. A multi-sport athlete, Ramsey went on to win a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. His stellar NFL career includes three All-Pro selections, and he currently bolsters the Miami Dolphins’ defense.
Highland Park High: Producing Champions
Highland Park High in Texas boasts notable alumni in both football and baseball—Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw.
Stafford's high school career culminated in a state championship in 2005. In the NFL, he has posted nine 4,000-yard seasons, thrown 333 touchdown passes, and led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Kershaw's high school achievements are just as remarkable. He had a perfect season, striking out 139 batters, including during an all-strikeout perfect game. His MLB career has been decorated with three Cy Young Awards, a National League MVP, and a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. Kershaw remains just behind Justin Verlander for the most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day: A Hotbed for Talent
In California, La Jolla Country Day has produced stars like Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman.
Kelsey Plum's high school career saw her scoring over 2,000 points and securing more than 600 rebounds, leading her team to a state championship. Drafted first overall in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum averaged 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs and was a pivotal part of the Las Vegas Aces’ WNBA title win.
Tommy Edman set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases, amassing 91 stolen bases over four varsity seasons. Now a versatile asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman boasts a career batting average of .271 and can play second base, third base, and shortstop.
Norcross High: A Legacy of Success
Norcross High in Georgia has given rise to athletes like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter.
DeShields made her mark in high school by winning three state basketball titles and averaging 26 points per game as a senior. As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, she has played for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, being a crucial player in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter, another Norcross product, 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 currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons and has amassed 18.5 career sacks despite an Achilles injury that sidelined him for most of the 2020 season.
Allen High: A Dominance in Texas
Allen High in Texas is known for its contributions to both football and wrestling, with alumni like Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray.
Kyler Murray's high school football career is almost mythic, with 43 consecutive wins and three state titles, accounting for 186 touchdowns during his prep career. The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors and leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, a wrestling phenom, won state championships in three different weight classes during high school, losing only seven matches. Continuing his dominance at Penn State, he secured three national titles and has transitioned seamlessly into a professional MMA career with a perfect record thus far.
These high schools have not only showcased their ability to nurture young talent but have also cemented their reputations as athletic powerhouses. Each athlete’s journey from high school star to professional success serves as an inspiration and a testament to the importance of quality athletic programs in shaping the future of sports.
