Chaminade Prep Alumni Shine on Professional Stages
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, has carved its name in the annals of sports history, producing two stellar athletes, Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum, each making significant marks in their respective fields.
Jayson Tatum: A Basketball Phenom
Currently a star player for the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum's journey to professional basketball prominence began at Chaminade Prep, where he mesmerized fans, averaging nearly 30 points per game. Tatum's exceptional talent led his high school team to a state championship, earning him the prestigious 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award.
Transitioning seamlessly to the NBA, Tatum's prowess has only amplified. This season, he averages an impressive 30.1 points per game, a testament to his scoring ability and consistency. His leadership skills were on full display last season, guiding the Celtics to the NBA Finals. Tatum has reached the Eastern Conference finals four times, showcasing his enduring impact and clutch performance in critical moments.
Matthew Tkachuk: Dominating the Ice
Matthew Tkachuk's journey diverged after ninth grade at Chaminade when he joined the U.S. National Development Team, laying the foundation for his NHL career. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk’s offensive prowess is undeniable, having scored 40 goals in consecutive seasons. Currently, Tkachuk is a vital part of the Florida Panthers' success, propelling the team to the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy Produces Dual-Sport Excellence
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee boasts an impressive roster of professional athletes, including Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey, who have excelled in their respective sports.
Darius Garland: Basketball Maestro
Garland's brilliance was evident early, starting varsity basketball in eighth grade and winning four state championships. As a senior, he averaged 27.6 points per game, creating a robust foundation for his current role with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This season, Garland averages 21.6 points per game and leads the team in assists, showcasing his playmaking skills and versatility.
Jalen Ramsey: A Versatile Athlete
Jalen Ramsey's athletic versatility was evident at Brentwood Academy, where he set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His football career skyrocketed, winning a BCS national championship at Florida State and later securing a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Ramsey's excellence has earned him three All-Pro honors, and he currently fortifies the Miami Dolphins' defense.
Highland Park High’s Dynamic Duo
Highland Park High in Texas is proud of its notable alumni, Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw, who have significantly impacted football and baseball, respectively.
Matthew Stafford: Quarterback Extraordinaire
Stafford's high school career peaked with a state championship victory in 2005, which set the stage for his NFL success. With nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes, Stafford’s name is etched among the NFL elite. His leadership culminated in leading the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw: Pitching Legend
Kershaw’s high school career was marked by striking out 139 batters in a season, including an all-strikeout perfect game. His professional accolades include three Cy Young Awards, a National League MVP, and playing a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. Kershaw's career strikeouts trail only Justin Verlander in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day’s Dual Stars
La Jolla Country Day in California has yielded elite talents Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman, both excelling at the highest levels in basketball and baseball.
Kelsey Plum: WNBA Star
Plum's high school stats are staggering, with over 2,000 points and 600 rebounds, leading her team to a state championship. Drafted first overall in the 2017 WNBA draft, she is now a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Aces, contributing significantly to their WNBA title.
Tommy Edman: Baseball’s Versatile Talent
Tommy Edman set school records for hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases at La Jolla, exhibiting his all-around baseball talent. With the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman’s versatility shines as he plays multiple infield positions and maintains a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High’s Notable Athletes
Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter, hailing from Norcross High in Georgia, have leveraged their high school success into professional accomplishments.
Diamond DeShields: Basketball Prodigy
Winning three state titles and averaging 26 points per game as a senior, DeShields entered the WNBA as the No. 3 overall pick in 2018. With stints in Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, her key contributions helped the Sky clinch the 2021 championship.
Lorenzo Carter: Defensive Powerhouse
Carter’s high school career was marked by stellar defensive performances, including 132 tackles and leading his team to a state championship. His NFL journey, currently with the Atlanta Falcons, includes overcoming an Achilles injury and recording 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High’s Champions
Allen High in Texas has produced standout athletes Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray, each dominating their sports with unparalleled skill.
Kyler Murray: Football Sensation
Kyler Murray's undefeated high school career, laden with state titles and an incredible 186 touchdowns, transitioned seamlessly into college success with a Heisman Trophy win in 2018. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray quickly made his mark, winning NFL Rookie of the Year and leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal: Wrestling and MMA Talent
Bo Nickal's wrestling excellence at Allen High included state championships in three weight classes and only seven career losses. At Penn State, Nickal secured three national titles, furthering his legacy. Now transitioning to MMA, Nickal remains undefeated in professional bouts, showcasing his dominance in the cage.
