Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts an impressive list of alumni, including NHL star Matthew Tkachuk and NBA standout Jayson Tatum. These two athletes have not only excelled in their respective fields but also laid a foundation that places their high school among the most notable in sports history.
Jayson Tatum: A Star on the Rise
Jayson Tatum's journey began at Chaminade Prep, where he averaged nearly 30 points per game and led his high school team to a state championship. His talents didn't go unnoticed as he was named the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Since then, Tatum's ascent in basketball has been nothing short of meteoric. Currently a key player for the Boston Celtics, he has continued to showcase his extraordinary skills, averaging 30.1 points per game this season in the NBA.
Tatum has been instrumental in the Celtics' recent successes, leading the team to the NBA Finals last season and making it to the Eastern Conference finals four times. His ability to perform under pressure and lead by example has cemented his status as one of the premier players in the league.
Matthew Tkachuk: From Chaminade to NHL Stardom
While Tatum was making waves in basketball, Matthew Tkachuk was carving his own path in hockey. After leaving Chaminade Prep after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, Tkachuk's career has flourished. Now in his seventh NHL season, he has become a key player for the Florida Panthers. Demonstrating his scoring prowess, Tkachuk has netted 40 goals in consecutive seasons.
Tkachuk's contributions have been pivotal as the Florida Panthers find themselves on the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996, showcasing his significance to the team and the league.
Other Notable Alumni from Renowned Schools
Brentwood Academy: Producing Multifaceted Talents
Tennessee’s Brentwood Academy has produced its share of elite athletes, including Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, began his varsity basketball career in eighth grade, winning four state championships and averaging 27.6 points per game during his senior year. Garland continues to impress in the NBA, leading the Cavaliers in assists and maintaining an average of 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, another Brentwood Academy alum, excelled as a multi-sport athlete and set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His accomplishments didn't stop in high school; Ramsey won a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Currently a three-time All-Pro, Ramsey plays for the Miami Dolphins, demonstrating his enduring athletic prowess.
Highland Park High: A Legacy of Champions
Highland Park High in Texas is another institution with a remarkable track record, producing stars like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, who led his high school team to a state championship in 2005, has enjoyed a prolific NFL career with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes to his name. His crowning achievement came when he led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw’s high school exploits were no less impressive, culminating in a season where he struck out 139 batters, including an all-strikeout perfect game. His professional career has seen him win three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP. Kershaw was instrumental in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win and is second only to Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day: Nurturing Excellence
La Jolla Country Day in California produced standout athletes Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum amassed over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds in high school, leading her team to a state championship. Her achievements led to her being the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. Plum has been a central figure for the Las Vegas Aces, helping the team secure a WNBA title and averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases at La Jolla Country Day. His versatility continues to make him a valuable asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, with a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: Athletic Powerhouse
Norcross High in Georgia is known for producing exceptional athletes like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three state basketball titles and was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. She played a vital role from the bench during the Chicago Sky’s 2021 championship run.
Carter led Norcross to a state championship and was later a third-round NFL draft pick by the New York Giants. Despite an Achilles injury that sidelined him in 2020, Carter has amassed 18.5 career sacks and currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
Allen High: A Beacon of Athletic Achievement
Allen High in Texas is home to illustrious alumni like Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray's high school career was marked by 43 consecutive wins and three state titles, culminating in 186 touchdowns. He won the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors and leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, another Allen High star, won state championships in three weight classes during high school. He continued his success at Penn State, securing three national titles, and has seamlessly transitioned to professional MMA, winning all four of his bouts so far.
These schools, through their incredible athletic programs and outstanding alumni, continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of sports. Whether it's on the basketball court, the football field, the baseball diamond, or the hockey rink, their legacies are a testament to the enduring impact of high school sports in shaping future champions.
