Star Athletes Shine Bright from Prestigious High Schools
High school sports programs in the United States have been the nurturing grounds for future stars in various professional leagues. From basketball courts and football fields to ice rinks and baseball diamonds, elite athletes have honed their skills and left lasting legacies. Four high schools, in particular, have produced notable athletes making waves in their respective sports.
Chaminade Prep: Tatum and Tkachuk's Early Years
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts alumni such as NBA sensation Jayson Tatum and NHL star Matthew Tkachuk. Tatum, currently with the Boston Celtics, was a standout in high school, averaging nearly 30 points per game and leading his team to a state championship. His excellence caught national attention, crowning him the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Now, Tatum is a cornerstone for the Celtics, averaging 30.1 points per game this season and having previously led the team to the NBA Finals.
Meanwhile, Tkachuk left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Seven years into his NHL career, Tkachuk has consistently showcased his talent, scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His contributions have been pivotal for the Florida Panthers, who are one win away from their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy: The Rise of Garland and Ramsey
In Tennessee, Brentwood Academy has been the proving ground for athletes like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, who started playing varsity basketball in eighth grade, won four state championships and averaged an impressive 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads his team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Ramsey, a multi-sport athlete at Brentwood, set a Tennessee state record in the long jump and won a BCS national championship at Florida State. His versatility has translated well into his professional career, where he won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams and is a three-time All-Pro, currently playing for the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High: Stafford and Kershaw's Dominance
Highland Park High in Texas produced NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford and MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Stafford won a state championship in 2005 and has since posted nine 4,000-yard seasons in the NFL, leading the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI. With 333 touchdown passes and counting, Stafford’s impact in the league is significant.
Kershaw had an unparalleled high school career, striking out 139 batters in a season, including an all-strikeout perfect game. His professional accolades include three Cy Young Awards, the National League MVP, and a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. Kershaw remains a top contender, trailing only Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day: Plum and Edman's Versatility
La Jolla Country Day in California is home to accomplished athletes Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds in high school, leading her team to a state championship. She was the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft and now plays a crucial role for the Las Vegas Aces, contributing to their WNBA title run.
Edman set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases, with 91 stolen bases over four varsity seasons. As part of the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman's versatility shines through, starting at second base, third base, and shortstop, while maintaining a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High and Allen High: Emerging Talents
Georgia's Norcross High produced Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, a dominant force in high school basketball with three state titles and an averaged 26 points per game as a senior, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. She played a vital bench role for the Chicago Sky during their 2021 championship run and continues her professional career with the Dallas Wings.
Carter, known for his defensive prowess, recorded 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior and led Norcross to a state championship. Currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Carter has overcome an Achilles injury and boasts 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High in Texas is celebrated for athletes like Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray won 43 consecutive games and secured three state titles in high school, later winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Murray continues to impress with the Arizona Cardinals, earning the NFL Rookie of the Year and leading his team to the playoffs in 2021.
Nickal, a wrestling prodigy, won state championships in three different weight classes in high school and secured three national titles at Penn State. Transitioning to MMA, Nickal has won all four of his professional bouts, earning a UFC contract after standout performances in Dana White's Contender Series.
With such an impressive array of talent emerging from high school sports programs, it is evident that these institutions are essential in shaping the future of professional sports. The successes of Tatum, Tkachuk, Garland, Ramsey, Stafford, Kershaw, Plum, Edman, DeShields, Carter, Nickal, and Murray inspire the next generation of athletes aiming to leave their mark on the world stage.