Spanning from high school triumphs to professional accolades, several athletes started their illustrious careers in the hallways of various American high schools. These institutions stand as a testament to the nurturing of talent, honing future stars who dominate the fields of basketball, football, baseball, and hockey.
Chaminade Prep: The Starting Point
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, is renowned for producing elite sports talent, with Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk among its notable alumni. Tatum, currently a superstar for the Boston Celtics, showcased his scoring prowess even in high school, averaging nearly 30 points per game and leading his team to a state championship. His exceptional performance earned him the title of the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
In the professional arena, Tatum has continued to excel, averaging 30.1 points per game this NBA season. His leadership skills were on full display last season when he guided the Celtics to the NBA Finals. Adding to his already impressive resume, Tatum has reached the Eastern Conference finals four times, cementing his status as one of the most formidable players in the league.
Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk took a different path, leaving Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has established himself as a consistent goal scorer, notching 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His pivotal contributions have led the Florida Panthers to the cusp of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Nashville's Own: Brentwood Academy
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has been a breeding ground for versatile athletes like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland's prowess was evident from a young age; he started playing varsity basketball in eighth grade and won four state championships. As a senior, he averaged an astounding 27.6 points per game. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads his team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
On the football field and track, Jalen Ramsey was a force to be reckoned with. Setting a Tennessee state record in the long jump, Ramsey also excelled in football, winning 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, showcasing his elite skills as a defensive back.
Texas Triumphs: Highland Park High
Highland Park High in Texas boasts a rich tradition of sporting excellence, producing stars like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, a talented quarterback, led his team to a state championship in 2005. In the NFL, he has posted nine 4,000-yard seasons and thrown 333 touchdown passes, culminating in a Super Bowl LVI victory with the Los Angeles Rams.
On the baseball diamond, Clayton Kershaw’s high school career was nothing short of phenomenal. He had a perfect season, striking out 139 batters, including an all-strikeout perfect game. His professional career has been equally stellar, with three Cy Young Awards, a National League MVP, and a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. While Kershaw trails Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history, his legacy is firmly established.
Coast to Coast: La Jolla Country Day
La Jolla Country Day in California has produced dual-sport talents like Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum, a dominant high school basketball player, scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds, leading her team to a state championship. As the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum has been a pivotal figure for the Las Vegas Aces, helping secure a WNBA title with an impressive 17.1 points per game during the 2022 playoffs.
Tommy Edman's high school baseball career was marked by multiple records, including hits, runs, doubles, and a staggering 91 stolen bases. Now with the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman is a versatile player, starting at second base, third base, and shortstop, with a commendable career batting average of .271.
Rising Stars: Norcross High and Allen High
Norcross High in Georgia is another powerhouse, nurturing talents like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three state basketball titles in high school, averaging 26 points per game as a senior. In the WNBA, she has played for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, being a crucial bench player in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Carter, a formidable football player, recorded 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, leading Norcross to a state championship. Despite an Achilles injury in 2020, Carter has made a strong comeback, now playing for the Atlanta Falcons with 18.5 career sacks.
Finally, Allen High in Texas has given rise to Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray, a football prodigy, led his team to three state titles, accounting for 186 touchdowns during his high school career. His success continued at Oklahoma, where he won the 2018 Heisman Trophy. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray claimed the NFL Rookie of the Year title and led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Nickal, known for his wrestling prowess, won state championships in three different weight classes in high school. At Penn State, he secured three national titles and later earned a UFC contract after standout performances in Dana White's Contender Series. To date, Nickal remains undefeated in his professional career.
These athletes' stories reflect the remarkable talent nurtured within American high schools, setting the stage for their achievements on the grandest stages of professional sports.