Notable Alumni Shining Across Sports from High Schools Nationwide
Notable Alumni Shining Across Sports from High Schools Nationwide
From the basketball courts of St. Louis to the baseball diamonds of Texas, several high schools across the United States have produced a remarkable array of athletic talent. These institutions have seen their former students rise to prominence in professional leagues, showcasing their skills on the national stage.
Chaminade Prep: A Breeding Ground for Basketball and Hockey Stars
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts an impressive roster of alumni that includes NBA star Jayson Tatum and NHL standout Matthew Tkachuk.
Jayson Tatum's ascent began at Chaminade, where he averaged nearly 30 points per game and led his high school team to a state championship. His exceptional performance earned him the title of 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Tatum's success has continued in the NBA, where he currently plays for the Boston Celtics. This season, he is averaging 30.1 points per game and has previously led the Celtics to the NBA Finals. Tatum’s presence has been a significant factor in the Celtics reaching the Eastern Conference finals four times.
Matthew Tkachuk's journey took a different route as he left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has become a key player for the Florida Panthers, scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His contributions have driven the Panthers to the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy: Producing Champions Across Courts and Fields
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has produced elite athletes like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland made his mark early, starting varsity basketball in eighth grade and winning four state championships. By his senior year, he averaged 27.6 points per game. Currently, Garland plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading the team in assists and averaging 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, a multi-sport athlete at Brentwood, set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His athletic prowess continued at Florida State, where he won a BCS national championship, and in the NFL, where he claimed a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams. Now a three-time All-Pro, Ramsey plays for the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High: Stars on the Gridiron and Diamond
Highland Park High in Texas has been home to some notable sports figures, including Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford led his team to a state championship in 2005 and has had a prolific NFL career with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes. His crowning achievement came when he guided the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw had a storied high school career as well, including an all-strikeout perfect game. His MLB career has been equally impressive, with three Cy Young Awards and an MVP title. A cornerstone of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kershaw played a crucial role in their 2020 World Series win and is second only to Justin Verlander for strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day: From Courts to Bases
La Jolla Country Day School in California has seen its share of athletic excellence with Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum was a star in high school, scoring over 2,000 points and grabbing more than 600 rebounds, ultimately leading her team to a state championship. As the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum has been instrumental for the Las Vegas Aces, averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs and helping the team secure a WNBA title.
Tommy Edman set multiple school records, notably with 91 stolen bases over four varsity seasons. Edman’s versatility has made him a valuable asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, where he has maintained a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: Basketball and Football Excellence
Norcross High in Georgia produced basketball star Diamond DeShields and football defensive end Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three state basketball titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior. Drafted third overall in the 2018 WNBA draft, she has played for teams including the Chicago Sky and was a critical bench player in their 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter dominated defensively in high school with 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, leading Norcross to a state championship. Despite an Achilles injury in 2020, Carter has amassed 18.5 career sacks and currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
Allen High: Football and Wrestling Prodigies
Allen High in Texas has seen impressive performances from Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray led his team to three state titles, won 43 consecutive games, and scored an astonishing 186 touchdowns in high school. He continued his success at the University of Oklahoma, securing the 2018 Heisman Trophy. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray has made his mark with the Arizona Cardinals, including an NFL Rookie of the Year award and leading the team to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, a standout wrestler, won state championships in three different weight classes, losing only seven matches in high school. At Penn State, he secured three national titles before moving to professional wrestling, where he remains undefeated in his four bouts.
Each of these schools has played a pivotal role in shaping these athletes, providing them with the foundation to achieve greatness in their respective sports. As they continue to excel, they bring pride to their alma maters and serve as inspirations for future generations.
