High schools across the United States have long been the breeding grounds for exceptional athletic talent, producing a slew of professionals who continue to excel in their respective sports. Among these remarkable institutions are Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, Highland Park High in Texas, La Jolla Country Day in California, Norcross High in Georgia, and Allen High in Texas. These schools have not only shaped the futures of their student-athletes but also significantly contributed to the sports legacy at both collegiate and professional levels.
Chaminade Prep: A Launchpad for Excellence
Chaminade Prep has been instrumental in producing top-tier athletes like Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum. Tatum, currently a star player for the Boston Celtics, showcased his prodigious talent early on by averaging nearly 30 points per game in high school and leading his team to a state championship. His accolades didn't stop there; Tatum earned the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year and has continued his stellar performance by averaging 30.1 points per game this NBA season. His leadership led the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season, marking his fourth appearance in the Eastern Conference finals.
Matthew Tkachuk, who left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, has established himself as a force in the NHL during his seven-season career. Known for his scoring prowess, Tkachuk has achieved back-to-back 40-goal seasons and is a key player for the Florida Panthers, who are on the verge of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy: A Legacy of Champions
Nashville's Brentwood Academy boasts a rich history of producing top athletes, including Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, who started playing varsity basketball in eighth grade, led his team to four state championships and averaged 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now a pivotal player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads his team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, a multi-sport athlete and record-holder in the long jump, won a BCS national championship at Florida State before making waves in the NFL. Currently playing for the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams.
Highland Park High: The Cradle of Superstars
Highland Park High in Texas has cultivated extraordinary talent, including Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, who won a state championship in 2005, has consistently performed at a high level in the NFL with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes. His crowning achievement came when he led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Kershaw, an ace pitcher, had a perfect high school season, striking out 139 batters, including an all-strikeout perfect game. With three Cy Young Awards and a National League MVP under his belt, Kershaw played a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win and continues to be a formidable presence on the mound.
La Jolla Country Day: A Gateway to Professional Success
California's La Jolla Country Day has produced stars 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 and became the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. Averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs, Plum is a key player for the Las Vegas Aces and helped them secure a WNBA title.
Tommy Edman set school records at La Jolla Country Day, particularly excelling with 91 stolen bases over four varsity seasons. His versatility makes him an invaluable asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, frequently starting at second base, third base, and shortstop while maintaining a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: Producing Multi-Talented Athletes
Norcross High in Georgia has been a training ground for elite athletes like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, who won three state basketball titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. She has played crucial roles in the Chicago Sky's 2021 championship run and continues to bring her talents to the Phoenix Mercury and Dallas Wings.
Lorenzo Carter, with 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, led Norcross to a state championship. Drafted in the third round by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter now plays for the Atlanta Falcons and has accumulated 18.5 career sacks, despite an Achilles injury that sidelined him for much of the 2020 season.
Allen High: A Powerhouse of Athletic Talent
Allen High in Texas is celebrated for producing Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal. Murray's high school career is the stuff of legends with 43 consecutive wins and three state titles, culminating in his Heisman Trophy win in 2018 at Oklahoma. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray has already made his mark by leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs and earning the NFL Rookie of the Year award.
Bo Nickal, dominating different weight classes in high school wrestling with just seven losses, secured three national titles at Penn State. Transitioning to MMA, Nickal has won all four of his professional bouts and has already earned a UFC contract thanks to his performances in Dana White's Contender Series.
These high schools have proven to be essential in nurturing and developing athletes who continue to make their marks across various professional sports. Their legacies are a testament to the importance of strong athletic programs and the dedication of the schools, coaches, and communities that support these young talents.