Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, takes immense pride in its remarkable alumni who have carved their names in the annals of professional sports. Among them are Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum, two athletes whose exceptional talents have propelled them to the pinnacle of their respective sports.
Tatum's Triumphant Rise
Currently dazzling the NBA landscape, Jayson Tatum's journey began at Chaminade Prep. Tatum averaged nearly 30 points per game during his high school career and led his team to a state championship, a testament to his incredible prowess on the court. His high school accomplishments earned him the prestigious title of 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year, setting the stage for his ascent to the NBA.
Tatum's professional career with the Boston Celtics has been nothing short of spectacular. This season, he averages an impressive 30.1 points per game, showcasing his consistent scoring ability. Tatum’s leadership was evident last season as he steered the Celtics to the NBA Finals, demonstrating his knack for excelling in high-stakes situations. Having reached the Eastern Conference finals four times, Tatum continues to be a pivotal figure in the Celtics' quest for glory.
Tkachuk's Impact in the NHL
Matthew Tkachuk's path diverged from that of a typical high school athlete. Leaving Chaminade after the ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, Tkachuk's dedication to honing his craft has paid off in his stellar NHL career. Now in his seventh season, Tkachuk has consistently showcased his scoring prowess, netting 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His contributions have been vital for the Florida Panthers, who are tantalizingly close to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Emerging Stars from Brentwood Academy
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has also produced its share of illustrious athletes. Darius Garland, a standout on the basketball court, started his varsity career in eighth grade and went on to win four state championships. Averaging 27.6 points per game as a senior, Garland's high school success translated seamlessly to the NBA, where he leads the Cleveland Cavaliers in assists and scores 21.6 points per game this season.
On the gridiron, Jalen Ramsey's multifaceted athletic talent was evident during his time at Brentwood Academy. A state record-holder in the long jump, Ramsey won a BCS National Championship at Florida State before clinching a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Now a three-time All-Pro with the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey's versatility and skill continue to shine.
Highland Park's Heroes: Stafford and Kershaw
Highland Park High in Texas boasts two giant figures in their respective sports: Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford's football prowess was clear from his high school days, where he led his team to a state championship in 2005. His NFL career features nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes, capped by leading the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw, a towering presence in Major League Baseball, had a perfect high school season, highlighted by an all-strikeout perfect game. As a professional, Kershaw has won three Cy Young Awards, the National League MVP, and was instrumental in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. His remarkable career includes chasing strikeout records, trailing only Justin Verlander in postseason history.
Success Stories from La Jolla Country Day
In California, La Jolla Country Day has fostered talents like Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum's high school career saw her score over 2,000 points and collect more than 600 rebounds, leading her team to a state championship. The first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum is a pivotal player for the Las Vegas Aces, contributing to their WNBA title run and averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman, known for his versatility, set records at La Jolla Country Day for hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. Now a key player for the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman boasts a career batting average of .271 and has seamlessly adapted to various positions, adding significant value to his team.
Norcross High's Dual Threats
Norcross High in Georgia has produced exceptional athletes Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields dominated high school basketball, winning three state titles and averaging 26 points per game as a senior. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, DeShields played crucial roles for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, including being a key bench player in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter's football career at Norcross was equally impressive, leading his team to a state championship and recording 132 tackles as a senior. A third-round pick by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter now plays for the Atlanta Falcons, overcoming an Achilles injury to amass 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High's Championship Pedigree
Lastly, Allen High in Texas has seen athletes like Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray ascend to greatness. Murray's high school football career was flawless, leading his team to three state titles and accounting for 186 touchdowns. The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner and first overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray has continued his success with the Arizona Cardinals, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors and guiding his team to the 2021 playoffs.
Bo Nickal, a wrestling prodigy, won state championships in three different weight classes during high school. His collegiate career at Penn State was decorated with three national titles, and he has transitioned seamlessly into professional MMA, remaining undefeated in his first four bouts.
These athletes, hailing from different schools and backgrounds, epitomize excellence and dedication in their respective fields, inspiring the next generation of sports stars.
