In the world of sports, some high schools boast alumni lists that read like a who's who of professional athletes. From hardwood heroes to gridiron giants and ice rink icons, these schools have contributed a substantial number of standout athletes to the professional realm. Here's a look at some high school programs that have consistently produced elite sports talent.
Chaminade Prep – A Tale of Hockey and Hoops
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Chaminade Prep can claim two particularly notable alumni: Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum.
Jayson Tatum, now a standout player for the Boston Celtics, left an indelible mark on high school basketball. Averaging nearly 30 points per game, Tatum led his team to a state championship and was named the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Fast forward to his current NBA season, Tatum is averaging 30.1 points per game and has already led the Celtics to four Eastern Conference finals and an NBA Finals appearance. His trajectory from high school to the professional ranks underscores his exceptional talent and dedication.
On the ice, Matthew Tkachuk's journey was equally impressive. After leaving Chaminade following ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, Tkachuk quickly ascended in the hockey world. Now in his seventh NHL season, he's become a pivotal player for the Florida Panthers, scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons. Tkachuk's contributions have the Panthers on the cusp of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy – Champions on Multiple Fronts
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee shines in both basketball and football, with alumni like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey highlighting its impressive track record.
Darius Garland, now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, started on the varsity basketball team as an eighth grader, eventually leading his team to four state championships. His senior season saw him average 27.6 points per game, a precursor to his current NBA success, where he leads the Cavaliers in assists and averages 21.6 points per game.
Jalen Ramsey, a multi-sport athlete at Brentwood, set a Tennessee state record in the long jump and went on to achieve significant success in football. Ramsey won a BCS National Championship at Florida State and claimed a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams. Now with the Miami Dolphins, the three-time All-Pro continues to be a dominant force in the NFL.
Highland Park High – Dominance on the Diamond and the Gridiron
Highland Park High in Texas has produced elite athletes like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw, who have both reached the pinnacle of their respective sports.
Matthew Stafford led his high school team to a state championship in 2005 before embarking on a prolific NFL career. With nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes, Stafford capped his achievements by guiding the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw, one of baseball's premier pitchers, enjoyed a flawless high school season, striking out 139 batters and even pitching an all-strikeout perfect game. With three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP to his name, Kershaw was instrumental in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2020 World Series win, further solidifying his legacy.
La Jolla Country Day – Stars on Court and Field
La Jolla Country Day in California produced basketball standout Kelsey Plum and baseball's versatile Tommy Edman. Plum, the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds during her high school career. She played a crucial role in leading her team to a state championship and has continued to excel in the WNBA, helping the Las Vegas Aces secure a title.
Tommy Edman set multiple school records and showcased his versatility as an infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, maintaining a career batting average of .271. His dynamic play and agility on the field make him an integral part of the Cardinals' lineup.
Norcross High – From the Court to the Field
Norcross High in Georgia gave rise to basketball star Diamond DeShields and football's Lorenzo Carter. DeShields was a dominant force in high school basketball, winning three state titles and averaging 26 points per game as a senior. She has since played for several WNBA teams, contributing significantly to the Chicago Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter, who led Norcross to a state football championship with 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, overcame an Achilles injury in 2020 to become a formidable player for the Atlanta Falcons, with 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High – Undefeated Performers
Allen High in Texas produced two undefeated high school athletes, Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray, an outstanding quarterback, won 43 consecutive games and led his team to three state titles, accounting for 186 touchdowns. His stellar performance at Oklahoma earned him the 2018 Heisman Trophy, and he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021, Murray continues to be an electrifying player in the NFL.
Bo Nickal dominated in high school wrestling, winning state championships in three different weight classes and losing just seven matches. At Penn State, he secured three national titles and has since transitioned to a promising career in the UFC, winning all four of his professional bouts thus far.
These schools have not only nurtured talent but have also significantly contributed to the landscape of professional sports. Their alumni's achievements stand as a testament to the robust programs and dedicated athletes that continue to inspire future generations.