High school sports have long been a fertile ground for nurturing exceptional talents, many of whom go on to leave indelible marks on the professional stage. Institutions such as Chaminade Prep, Brentwood Academy, Highland Park High, La Jolla Country Day, Norcross High, and Allen High have produced stellar athletes who continue to shine brightly in their respective sports.
Chaminade Prep's Dynamic Duo
In St. Louis, Chaminade Prep boasts alumni like Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum, who have ascended to the pinnacle of their sports. Tatum, currently a prominent figure with the Boston Celtics, has been a beacon of excellence since his high school days, where he averaged nearly 30 points per game and led his team to a state championship. His prowess earned him the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Recently, Tatum has been posting an average of 30.1 points per game and was instrumental in the Celtics' run to the NBA Finals last season. His leadership has seen the team advance to the Eastern Conference finals on four separate occasions.
Matthew Tkachuk, another Chaminade gem, took a different route by joining the U.S. National Development Team after ninth grade. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk's tenacity on the ice is evident. He's scored 40 goals in consecutive seasons, contributing significantly to the Florida Panthers' remarkable journey, which sees them on the cusp of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy's Star Athletes
Tennessee's Brentwood Academy has also seen its fair share of elite athletes. Darius Garland, who leads the Cleveland Cavaliers in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season, started making waves in eighth grade and never looked back, clinching four state championships. Jalen Ramsey, another Brentwood standout, was a multi-sport athlete who set a state record in the long jump and has since enjoyed a decorated career with a BCS national championship and a Super Bowl title. Ramsey, currently with the Miami Dolphins, is a three-time All-Pro, recognized for his exceptional performances on the field.
Highland Park's Legendary Lineup
Highland Park High in Texas has been a breeding ground for NFL and MLB talent. Matthew Stafford, with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes in the NFL, led the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory. Clayton Kershaw, another Highland Park alumnus, enjoyed a flawless high school season before going on to win three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP. Kershaw was pivotal in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series triumph and is second only to Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day's Versatile Talents
In California, La Jolla Country Day produced Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman, both of whom have set impressive records. Plum scored over 2,000 points and grabbed over 600 rebounds during her high school career, leading her team to a state championship. Selected first overall in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum is a key player for the Las Vegas Aces, with a significant contribution to their WNBA title. Tommy Edman, noted for his versatility, set school records and accrued 91 stolen bases in four varsity seasons. His adaptability has made him an invaluable asset to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Norcross High's Impressive Alumni
Georgia's Norcross High has produced elite athletes like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, a three-time state basketball champion, has had stints with the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, playing a crucial role in the Sky's 2021 championship run. Carter, who led Norcross to a state championship, currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons, overcoming an Achilles injury in 2020 to continue his impactful career.
Allen High's Phenomenal Performers
Allen High in Texas boasts Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal. Murray, a dynamic quarterback, won 43 consecutive high school games and led his team to three state titles. The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner, Murray was the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft and led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021. Bo Nickal, a wrestling prodigy, won state championships in three different weight classes in high school and secured three national titles at Penn State. Currently undefeated in his professional MMA career, Nickal is proving to be a formidable competitor in the UFC.
These athletes, cultivated in the crucible of high school competition, exemplify the exceptional talent and dedication that propels them to the heights of professional sports. Their stories continue to inspire the next generation, illustrating the profound impact of their high school experiences on their illustrious careers.