St. Louis, Missouri's Chaminade Prep has proven to be fertile ground for top-tier athletes, a claim substantiated by its illustrious alumni—Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum. Tatum, who now dazzles audiences as a player for the Boston Celtics, showed promise early on. Averaging nearly 30 points per game in high school, he led his team to a state championship and earned the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Fast forward to today, Tatum is setting the NBA ablaze, averaging 30.1 points per contest this season. His leadership propelled the Celtics to the NBA Finals last year, marking his fourth trip to the Eastern Conference finals. Tkachuk, a standout in his own right, diverted his talents to the U.S. National Development Team after ninth grade. Now in his seventh NHL season, he has the Florida Panthers on the cusp of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996, thanks to his back-to-back 40-goal seasons.
Nashville's Brentwood Academy: A Factory of Champions
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee continues to produce elite athletes like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, who began his varsity basketball career in eighth grade, captured four state titles and averaged 27.6 points per game as a senior. Today, he steers the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading the team in assists while contributing 21.6 points per game.
Ramsey, a versatile multi-sport athlete, left an indelible mark by setting a Tennessee state record in the long jump. He furthered his athletic prowess at Florida State, winning a BCS national championship, and later clinched a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. A three-time All-Pro, Ramsey currently showcases his talents with the Miami Dolphins.
Texan Titans: Highland Park High
Highland Park High School in Texas has given rise to sports legends like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, who led his team to a state championship in 2005, boasts nine 4,000-yard seasons in the NFL. With 333 touchdown passes and a Super Bowl LVI victory, Stafford's resume speaks volumes about his talent and leadership.
Across another sporting spectrum, Clayton Kershaw delivered a perfect season in high school, striking out 139 batters, including an all-strikeout perfect game. His professional accolades include three Cy Young Awards, a National League MVP, and a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory. Kershaw now trails only Justin Verlander for the most strikeouts in postseason history.
California Dreams: La Jolla Country Day
La Jolla Country Day in California boasts Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman among its notable alumni. Plum, a high school prodigy with over 2,000 points and 600 rebounds, propelled her team to a state championship. The first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum was instrumental in the Las Vegas Aces' WNBA title run and averaged 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Edman, equally versatile, set school records for hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases during his time at La Jolla. With 91 stolen bases over his varsity seasons, Edman now excels for the St. Louis Cardinals, providing invaluable support at second base, third base, and shortstop, and owning a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: Georgia's Sporting Pride
Norcross High in Georgia is celebrated for producing talents like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, who clinched three state basketball titles, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft and has played a vital role for teams like the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings. Her contributions were critical in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Carter, a defensive stalwart, tallied 132 tackles and six sacks in his senior high school year, leading Norcross to a state championship. A third-round pick by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter overcame an Achilles injury and now makes significant contributions to the Atlanta Falcons with 18.5 career sacks.
Texas' Allen High: Where Champions Are Made
Allen High in Texas stands tall with notable athletes Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray in its roll call. Murray, famed for his 43 consecutive victories and three state titles, accumulated 186 touchdowns during his prep career. The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray dazzled as NFL Rookie of the Year and led the Arizona Cardinals to the 2021 playoffs.
Nickal’s high school wrestling career was equally stellar, with state championships in three weight classes and only seven career losses. A three-time national champion at Penn State, Nickal has seamlessly transitioned into mixed martial arts, boasting an undefeated 4-0 record in his professional bouts.
From high school prominence to professional excellence, these athletes illustrate the rich tradition of nurturing world-class talent across America's schools. Their achievements serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication and talent fostered in these academic institutions.
