Some high schools are remarkable incubators of athletic talent, producing professional stars across various sports. Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts an impressive lineage with Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum as alumni. Tatum, who currently dazzles with the Boston Celtics, has been a standout since high school, where he averaged nearly 30 points per game and led his team to a state championship. His talent earned him the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
In the NBA, Tatum has continued to ascend, averaging 30.1 points per game this season and steering the Celtics to the NBA Finals last year. With four appearances in the Eastern Conference finals, Tatum's impact on the court is undeniable. Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk, who left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, is now in his seventh NHL season, consistently demonstrating his scoring prowess with consecutive 40-goal seasons. His contributions have propelled the Florida Panthers to the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Rising Stars from Brentwood Academy, TN
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has also produced notable athletes, such as Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland started playing varsity basketball in eighth grade and proceeded to win four state championships. As a senior, he averaged an impressive 27.6 points per game. Currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads his team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, another Brentwood alumnus, was a multi-sport athlete who set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. Ramsey's athleticism translated well to football, where he won a BCS national championship at Florida State and later a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Now with the Miami Dolphins and a three-time All-Pro, Ramsey continues to excel at the highest level.
Highland Park Produces NFL and MLB Stars
Highland Park High in Texas can claim NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford and MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw among its distinguished alumni. Stafford, who won a state championship in 2005, has posted nine 4,000-yard seasons in the NFL and thrown 333 touchdown passes. He notably led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw, known for his perfect high school season and 139 strikeouts, including an all-strikeout perfect game, has enjoyed a stellar MLB career. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and National League MVP played a critical role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. With a legacy of postseason strikeouts, Kershaw trails only Justin Verlander.
La Jolla Country Day's Athletic Achievements
La Jolla Country Day in California is where Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman first rose to prominence. Plum's high school career was marked by over 2,000 points and 600 rebounds, leading her team to a state championship. Drafted first overall in the 2017 WNBA draft, she was pivotal in the Las Vegas Aces' WNBA title run, averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman, noted for setting school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases, has proved his versatility with the St. Louis Cardinals. With 91 stolen bases over four varsity seasons, Edman’s career batting average stands at .271, solidifying his reputation as a crucial asset for his team.
Star Performers from Norcross High, GA
Norcross High in Georgia has produced exceptional athletes including Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, a dominant force in high school, won three state basketball titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, DeShields has played for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, playing a key role in the Sky’s 2021 championship run.
Linebacker Lorenzo Carter, who recorded 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, led Norcross to a state championship. Drafted in the third round by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter now plays for the Atlanta Falcons, boasting 18.5 career sacks despite an Achilles injury that sidelined him for much of 2020.
Allen High’s Contributions to the Gridiron and the Mat
Allen High in Texas has given the sports world Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray’s high school football career was nothing short of legendary, with 43 consecutive wins and three state titles. He accounted for 186 touchdowns during his prep career and later won the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray immediately made his mark, winning NFL Rookie of the Year and leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Wrestler Bo Nickal capped his high school tenure with state championships in three different weight classes and only seven losses. He went on to secure three national titles at Penn State and has transitioned seamlessly into the professional ranks, winning all four of his bouts to date and earning a UFC contract after notable performances in Dana White’s Contender Series.
These high schools, spread across the country, continue to be fertile grounds for developing top-tier athletic talent, highlighting the pivotal role of early sports programs in shaping future stars.