High schools across America have become breeding grounds for exceptional talents who later dominate professional sports. Among these institutions, several stand out for their remarkable alumni who continue to shine at the highest levels. Let's take a closer look at some of these schools and the athletes they produced.
Chaminade Prep, St. Louis
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts a lineage of talent that includes NHL star Matthew Tkachuk and NBA sensation Jayson Tatum. Tatum made headlines during his high school career, averaging nearly 30 points per game and leading his team to a state championship. His impressive performance earned him the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
In the NBA, Tatum's prowess has only grown. Averaging 30.1 points per game this season, he led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals last season and has reached the Eastern Conference Finals four times in his career. Tkachuk, who left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, is now in his seventh NHL season. His back-to-back 40-goal seasons have been pivotal for the Florida Panthers, who are on the verge of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy, Tennessee
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has produced exceptional athletes like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, who started varsity basketball in eighth grade, won four state championships and averaged 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now, as a Cleveland Cavalier, he leads the team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Ramsey's versatility shone through in high school, where he set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His athleticism translated well into football, where he won a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Currently playing for the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro, solidifying his status among the NFL's elite.
Highland Park High, Texas
Highland Park High in Texas is the alma mater of NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford and MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Stafford's high school career was highlighted by a state championship win in 2005. In the NFL, he has achieved nine 4,000-yard seasons and has thrown 333 touchdown passes, leading the Los Angeles Rams to Super Bowl LVI victory.
Kershaw's high school career was nothing short of legendary. He maintained a perfect season, striking out 139 batters and even pitching an all-strikeout perfect game. As a professional, Kershaw has earned three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP and played a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. He only trails Justin Verlander for the most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day, California
La Jolla Country Day has produced standout athletes like Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum, who scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds in high school, led her team to a state championship. Her prowess made her the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. Plum has been essential for the Las Vegas Aces, averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs and helping the team secure a WNBA title.
Edman set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. A versatile asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman starts at multiple infield positions and boasts a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High, Georgia
Norcross High in Georgia is known for alumni Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three state basketball titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior. As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, she has played for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings. Her contribution was vital in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Carter, who recorded 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, led Norcross to a state championship. Picked by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft, Carter currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons and has accumulated 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High, Texas
Allen High in Texas has produced remarkable athletes like Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray's high school career included 43 consecutive wins and three state titles, with a staggering 186 touchdowns. He won the 2018 Heisman Trophy and was the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. As the NFL Rookie of the Year, he led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Nickal's high school wrestling career was highlighted by state championships in three different weight classes. At Penn State, he secured three national titles and later earned a UFC contract after impressive performances in Dana White's Contender Series. So far, Nickal has won all four of his professional bouts.
These high school alma maters have each played a significant part in molding athletes who shine brightly on the national stage. Through hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent, these former high school sports stars continue to leave their mark on the world of professional sports.
