Chaminade Prep: A Breeding Ground for Elite Athletes
When one thinks of athletic excellence at the high school level, Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, shines as an example of nurturing elite talent. Among its notable alumni are two athletes who have risen to prominence in their respective sports: Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum.
Jayson Tatum: A Star from the Start
Jayson Tatum's time at Chaminade Prep was nothing short of extraordinary. Averaging nearly 30 points per game in high school, Tatum's scoring prowess was evident early on. His remarkable performance helped lead Chaminade to a state championship, cementing his reputation as a future star. In 2016, he received the Gatorade National Player of the Year award, recognizing him as the top high school basketball player in the nation.
Tatum's transition to the NBA has been seamless, as he currently averages an impressive 30.1 points per game for the Boston Celtics. Last season, he played a pivotal role in leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals and has now reached the Eastern Conference finals four times in his career.
Matthew Tkachuk’s Hockey Journey
While Tatum's path to stardom kept him at Chaminade through high school, hockey phenom Matthew Tkachuk left the school after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Tkachuk's career has since blossomed, and he is now in his seventh NHL season.
Currently playing for the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk's offensive capability is undeniable, having scored 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His contribution has been vital to the Panthers' success, pushing them to be just one win away from their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Other Notable High School Programs
Brentwood Academy: Producing Multi-Sport Athletes
Tennessee's Brentwood Academy has a rich history of producing top-tier athletes, including Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland made an immediate impact in varsity basketball from eighth grade, eventually leading his team to four state championships. As a senior, he averaged 27.6 points per game and currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he leads the team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Ramsey's achievements span both football and track and field. He set a Tennessee state record in the long jump and won a BCS national championship at Florida State. His professional career has seen him become a three-time All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams. Ramsey now continues his career with the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park: A Texas Powerhouse
Highland Park High in Texas can boast of alumni like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford led his team to a state championship in 2005 and has had a stellar NFL career, including winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams.
Kershaw's dominance on the baseball mound was clear from high school, where he enjoyed a perfect season and once struck out all 27 batters in a game. His accolades include three Cy Young Awards and a National League MVP. Kershaw was instrumental in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory and continues to be a key figure in the team's success.
La Jolla Country Day: Cultivating Diverse Talent
California’s La Jolla Country Day has produced standout athletes in multiple sports. Kelsey Plum, who scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds in high school, led her team to a state championship before being selected first overall in the 2017 WNBA draft. Plum has become a centerpiece for the Las Vegas Aces, contributing significantly to their recent WNBA title.
Tommy Edman, another La Jolla alumnus, set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. Now with the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman’s versatility on the field makes him a crucial asset, with a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: Competitive Spirit
Norcross High in Georgia boasts alumni like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three state basketball titles in high school and was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. She has played for several WNBA teams and made significant contributions to the Chicago Sky's 2021 championship win.
Carter's high school career was marked by 132 tackles and six sacks in his senior year, leading Norcross to a state championship. Drafted by the New York Giants in the third round in 2018, he now plays for the Atlanta Falcons, having recorded 18.5 career sacks so far.
Allen High: Victory and Dominance
At Allen High in Texas, athletes like Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal have made their mark. Murray led his team to three consecutive state titles with a 43-game winning streak and earned the Heisman Trophy in 2018 at Oklahoma. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray brought his electrifying play to the Arizona Cardinals, leading them to the playoffs in 2021.
Nickal’s wrestling achievements include state championships in three different weight classes and a near-perfect record. He continued his success at Penn State, securing three national titles. Nickal has transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts, winning all four of his professional bouts so far.
These high school programs showcase the incredible talent and dedication required to reach the highest levels of professional sports. As alumni like Tatum, Tkachuk, Garland, and others continue to make headlines, their stories inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue their dreams with unwavering commitment.