Spotlight on Alumni: From High Schools to Professional Glory
High school athletics have long been a breeding ground for future stars. Across various corners of the United States, certain institutions boast a consistent history of producing exceptional talent. These high schools have seen their alumni go on from local legends to become household names in professional sports. Here's a look at a few standout schools and their illustrious alumni.
Chaminade Prep: Breeding Grounds for Excellence
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, has given the sports world two remarkable athletes: Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum. Tatum’s journey from high school stardom to the NBA is nothing short of inspiring. Averaging nearly 30 points per game in high school, Tatum's dominance on the court was evident early on. His high school career was highlighted by leading his team to a state championship and earning the title of 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Tatum's ascent in the NBA has been meteoric. Currently playing for the Boston Celtics, he averages a stunning 30.1 points per game this season. Tatum is not just a scorer but a leader, having guided the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season and reaching the Eastern Conference finals four times during his career.
Matthew Tkachuk’s journey took a different path when he left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has solidified his reputation as a prolific scorer, with consecutive 40-goal seasons. His contributions have been pivotal for the Florida Panthers, who are on the cusp of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy: A Crucible of Talent
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has been home to athletes like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland's impact was felt early as he started varsity basketball in eighth grade and went on to win four state championships. During his senior year, he averaged an impressive 27.6 points per game. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland continues to excel, leading the team in assists and averaging 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey's high school career was equally remarkable. A multi-sport athlete, Ramsey set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. He later won a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Currently, he remains a dominant force in the NFL as a three-time All-Pro, now playing for the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High: Champions on All Fronts
Notable alumni from Highland Park High in Texas include Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford's high school career peaked in 2005 with a state championship. In the NFL, he has proven his prowess by posting nine 4,000-yard seasons and throwing 333 touchdown passes. His career highlight was leading the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw’s high school career was a testament to his dominance, featuring a perfect season highlighted by 139 strikeouts, including an all-strikeout perfect game. In the Major Leagues, Kershaw has collected three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP. He played a crucial role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2020 World Series win and is second only to Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day: Rising Stars
La Jolla Country Day in California boasts Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman among its alumni. Plum left an indelible mark in high school, scoring over 2,000 points and grabbing more than 600 rebounds while leading her team to a state championship. As the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum has continued to shine, playing a pivotal role in the Las Vegas Aces’ WNBA title win and averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman set several school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases at La Jolla Country Day. His exceptional high school career featured 91 stolen bases over four varsity seasons. In Major League Baseball, Edman is a versatile player for the St. Louis Cardinals, starting at second base, third base, and shortstop, with a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: Champions and Record-Breakers
Norcross High in Georgia is where Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter made their mark. DeShields won three state basketball titles in high school and was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. With stints at the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, DeShields was a crucial bench player in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter's high school career saw him record 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, leading Norcross to a state championship. Now playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Carter has accumulated 18.5 career sacks, despite an Achilles injury that sidelined him for most of the 2020 season.
Allen High: Gridiron Heroes and Wrestling Champs
Allen High in Texas is the alma mater of Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal. Murray led his team to three state titles and won 43 consecutive games in high school. He accounted for 186 touchdowns during his prep career. His college career at Oklahoma was highlighted by winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy. Drafted first overall in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray won the NFL Rookie of the Year and led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal’s high school wrestling career was equally impressive, with state championships in three different weight classes and only seven losses. At Penn State, Nickal secured three national titles and has transitioned successfully to professional mixed martial arts, winning all four of his bouts so far and earning a contract with the UFC.
These high schools have not only provided their students with sound education but also with platforms to excel and reach the highest echelons of professional sports. Their alumni continue to inspire the next generation, proving that with talent, hard work, and determination, high school dreams can indeed turn into professional triumphs.