Chaminade Prep's Alumni Shining on National Stages
Chaminade Prep's Alumni Shining on National Stages
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, has produced two standout athletes, each excelling in different professional sports. Jayson Tatum, now a star for the Boston Celtics, and Matthew Tkachuk, a celebrated player in the NHL, both started their impressive careers at this esteemed institution.
Jayson Tatum: From High School Phenom to NBA Star
In high school, Jayson Tatum's prowess on the basketball court was evident as he averaged nearly 30 points per game. His talent led Chaminade to a state championship and earned him the title of the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Tatum's journey from high school stardom to NBA fame has been nothing short of spectacular.
Currently, Tatum averages 30.1 points per game in the NBA and has established himself as a cornerstone for the Boston Celtics. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season. Throughout his career, Tatum has reached the Eastern Conference finals an impressive four times, underscoring his consistent performance and determination.
Matthew Tkachuk: Dominance on the Ice
Matthew Tkachuk followed a different path, leaving Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has made a name for himself with consecutive 40-goal seasons. His impact is unmistakable, with the Florida Panthers on the verge of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996, thanks in large part to Tkachuk's contributions.
Other Notable High School Legends
Brentwood Academy: Producing Multi-Sport Stars
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee boasts an impressive roster of alumni, including Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland's basketball career took off early, starting varsity in eighth grade and securing four state championships. His senior year saw him averaging 27.6 points per game. Currently, Garland plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he leads the team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey's versatility in sports was evident during his high school years, setting a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His athletic journey culminated in a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams. Ramsey is now a three-time All-Pro, showcasing his talents with the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High: A Legacy of Excellence
Highland Park High in Texas is another institution known for producing top athletes, including Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford led his team to a state championship in 2005 and has since accumulated nine 4,000-yard seasons in the NFL, throwing 333 touchdown passes. His crowning achievement came with a Super Bowl victory for the Los Angeles Rams.
Clayton Kershaw's high school career was nothing short of remarkable, featuring a perfect season and an all-strikeout perfect game. With three Cy Young Awards and a National League MVP to his name, Kershaw was pivotal in leading the Dodgers to a 2020 World Series win. He continues to chase history, currently trailing only Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.
Rising Stars and Versatile Athletes
La Jolla Country Day: Grounding Excellence in Various Sports
California's La Jolla Country Day has also produced notable athletes like Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum's high school career saw her scoring over 2,000 points and leading her team to a state championship. As the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum has become a pivotal part of the Las Vegas Aces, helping them secure a WNBA title and averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman, another La Jolla standout, set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. With 91 stolen bases in his four varsity seasons, Edman has transitioned smoothly to the MLB. As a versatile asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, he has played multiple infield positions and boasts a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: Producing Championship Athletes
Georgia’s Norcross High has given us Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, a basketball phenom, won three state titles and went on to be the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. Her professional career includes a key role in the Chicago Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter's high school career was marked by 132 tackles and six sacks in his senior year, leading Norcross to a state title. After being drafted in the third round by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter's NFL career has been noteworthy despite an Achilles injury in 2020. He now plays for the Atlanta Falcons, with 18.5 career sacks to his name.
Allen High: Home to Football and Wrestling Greats
Allen High in Texas has nurtured talents like Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal. Murray's high school football career was exceptional, with 43 consecutive wins and three state titles. He accounted for 186 touchdowns during this period, eventually winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy and being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Murray led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021 and was named NFL Rookie of the Year.
Bo Nickal, a wrestling ace, won state championships in three different weight classes and lost just seven matches in high school. His wrestling career flourished at Penn State with three national titles. Nickal's transition to mixed martial arts saw him secure a UFC contract after impressive performances in Dana White's Contender Series, where he remains undefeated in his professional bouts.
From high school to the highest echelons of professional sports, these athletes’ journeys are a testament to their dedication, talent, and the solid foundations laid during their formative years.
