Notable Alumni from High School Powerhouses
High school sports serve as breeding grounds for future professional athletes, and few schools rival the array of talent produced by institutions such as Chaminade Prep, Brentwood Academy, Highland Park High, La Jolla Country Day, Norcross High, and Allen High. These schools have seen their alumni rise to prominence in multiple professional sports leagues, leaving indelible marks on both their high school teams and their professional careers.
Chaminade Prep: The Birthplace of Basketball and Hockey Stars
Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk, two notable alumni from Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, have each carved out remarkable paths in their respective sports. Tatum, who is currently a cornerstone player for the Boston Celtics, was extraordinary even during his high school years, averaging nearly 30 points per game and leading his team to a state championship. His high school prowess translated seamlessly to the NBA, where he maintains an average of 30.1 points per game this season. Tatum has proven to be a crucial asset for the Celtics, taking them to the NBA Finals last season and making four appearances in the Eastern Conference finals.
In a sporting shift, Matthew Tkachuk left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team and has since blossomed in the NHL. Currently in his seventh season, Tkachuk has scored 40 goals in consecutive seasons, a testament to his offensive capabilities. As a top player for the Florida Panthers, he has propelled the team to the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy: A Dual Dynamo in Basketball and Football
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee boasts alumni Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey, both of whom distinguished themselves early. Garland took the high school basketball scene by storm, starting varsity in eighth grade and clinching four state championships. As a senior, he averaged 27.6 points per game, and his stellar play continues with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he leads the team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
On the gridiron and the track, Jalen Ramsey's multi-sport talent was unrivaled. He set a state record in the long jump and went on to win both a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Ramsey’s versatility and skill have earned him three All-Pro selections, and he currently plays for the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High: Football and Baseball Excellence
At Highland Park High in Texas, Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw made their marks in football and baseball, respectively. Stafford's exceptional arm led his team to a state championship in 2005, and he has since enjoyed a stellar NFL career with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes. His leadership was pivotal in the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory.
Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw enjoyed a picture-perfect high school baseball career, highlighted by striking out 139 batters in a season that included an all-strikeout perfect game. As a three-time Cy Young Award winner and National League MVP, Kershaw played a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win and continues to trail only Justin Verlander for the most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day: Basketball and Baseball Talent
La Jolla Country Day in California produced Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman, both of whom left remarkable high school careers in their wake. Plum, who scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds, led her team to a state championship and later became the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. She remains a vital part of the Las Vegas Aces, contributing significantly to their WNBA title.
Tommy Edman, known for setting school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases, has brought that versatility to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he starts in various infield positions and maintains a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: Dominating the Basketball Court and Football Field
Norcross High in Georgia is home to NBA player Diamond DeShields and NFL linebacker Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, a dominant presence in high school basketball, won three state titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior. Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, she has played crucial roles on several teams, including the Chicago Sky’s 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter was equally spectacular on the football field, recording 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior. Though an Achilles injury impacted his career, he has bounced back, currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons and accruing 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High: A Factory for Football and Wrestling Champions
Allen High in Texas is renowned for producing Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal. Murray’s high school career was marked by an astounding 43 consecutive wins and three state titles, along with 186 touchdowns. His prowess was recognized with the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, and he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Murray has quickly made a mark in the NFL, winning Rookie of the Year and leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs.
Bo Nickal, a wrestling prodigy with state championships in three weight classes, continued his dominance at Penn State with three national titles. Now a rising star in mixed martial arts, Nickal has secured a UFC contract and won all four of his professional bouts so far.
These high school powerhouses continue to be breeding grounds for athletic talent, producing stars who excel on the biggest stages in sports.