Chaminade Prep's Stellar Alumni
In St. Louis, Missouri, Chaminade Prep has produced two of the most prominent names in professional sports—Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk. Tatum, now with the Boston Celtics, has been a force to be reckoned with since his high school days, where he averaged nearly 30 points per game and led his team to a state championship. His high school prowess earned him the accolade of 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Tatum's impact has only grown in the NBA, averaging an impressive 30.1 points per game this season. Last season, he took the Celtics to the NBA Finals and has reached the Eastern Conference finals four times in his career.
In the world of hockey, Matthew Tkachuk, who left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, is also making headlines. Currently in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has scored 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His contributions have pushed the Florida Panthers to the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy's Athletic Excellence
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has its fair share of athletic stars, with Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey standing out. Garland began his varsity basketball career in eighth grade and led his high school team to four state championships, averaging 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland is a pivotal playmaker, leading the team in assists and posting 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, a multi-sport athlete at Brentwood, set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His athletic journey includes a BCS national championship with Florida State and a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams. Currently with the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro.
Highland Park High's Duo of Champions
Highland Park High in Texas boasts of two illustrious alumni—Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford won a state championship in 2005 and has thrived in the NFL, posting nine 4,000-yard seasons and throwing 333 touchdown passes. His crowning achievement came with leading the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw, meanwhile, had an impeccable high school career, including striking out 139 batters in a season and pitching an all-strikeout perfect game. A three-time Cy Young Award winner and National League MVP, Kershaw was instrumental in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. He remains one of the most formidable pitchers in postseason history, trailing only Justin Verlander in strikeouts.
La Jolla Country Day's Basketball and Baseball Stars
California’s La Jolla Country Day has produced Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum was a high school standout, scoring over 2,000 points and securing a state championship. She became the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft and a critical player for the Las Vegas Aces, helping the team clinch a WNBA title. She averaged 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman set multiple school records, including hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. In the MLB, Edman has been a versatile player for the St. Louis Cardinals, with a career batting average of .271 and the ability to start at second base, third base, and shortstop.
Norcross High's Basketball and Football Talents
Norcross High in Georgia counts Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter among its successful alumni. DeShields secured three state basketball titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior. She was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft and has played crucial roles for various teams, including a championship run with the Chicago Sky in 2021.
Lorenzo Carter, who recorded 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, led Norcross to a state championship. Despite an Achilles injury that sidelined him in 2020, Carter has amassed 18.5 career sacks and continues to be a significant presence with the Atlanta Falcons.
Allen High's Champions in Football and Wrestling
Allen High in Texas is known for athletes like Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal. Murray led his high school team to three state titles, winning 43 consecutive games and scoring an incredible 186 touchdowns. His stellar performance earned him the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, he won the NFL Rookie of the Year and led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, an exceptional wrestler, won state championships in three different weight classes. At Penn State, he continued his dominance with three national titles. Transitioning to professional fighting, Nickal has proven his mettle with an unbeaten record in four professional bouts, securing a UFC contract after impressing in Dana White's Contender Series.