Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts a rich history of developing athletic talent, and two of its most illustrious alumni, Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk, exemplify the school's commitment to excellence.
Jayson Tatum: Dominance on the Court
Jayson Tatum's journey from Chaminade to NBA stardom is a testament to his relentless dedication and exceptional skill. Showcasing his potential early on, Tatum averaged nearly 30 points per game in high school, ultimately leading his team to a state championship. Recognizing his exceptional talent, Tatum was named the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Transitioning to the professional arena, Tatum has continued to excel. Currently with the Boston Celtics, he averages an impressive 30.1 points per game this season. His leadership has been pivotal, guiding the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season. Tatum’s prowess is further underscored by his four appearances in the Eastern Conference finals, cementing his status as one of the NBA’s elite.
Matthew Tkachuk: A Rising Force on the Ice
Matthew Tkachuk, another Chaminade alumnus, took a different path, leaving the school after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. This decision paved the way for an illustrious career in the NHL. Now in his seventh season, Tkachuk has firmly established himself as a dominant force, scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons.
Currently, Tkachuk is making significant contributions to the Florida Panthers. The team is one win away from their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996, thanks in large part to Tkachuk’s efforts on the ice.
Other Notable High School Alums Making Waves
Beyond Chaminade, several other high schools across the nation have also produced remarkable athletes who have risen to prominence in their respective sports.
Brentwood Academy: Garland and Ramsey
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has a proud tradition, producing stars like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, who started playing varsity basketball in eighth grade, led his team to four state championships, averaging 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland continues to shine, leading the team in assists and averaging 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, another Brentwood standout, excelled in multiple sports, setting a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His athletic versatility translated seamlessly to football, where he won a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. A three-time All-Pro, Ramsey is now a key player for the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High: Stafford and Kershaw
In Texas, Highland Park High has been a nurturing ground for talent, including NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford and MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, who secured a state championship in 2005, has accumulated nine 4,000-yard seasons in the NFL and led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Kershaw, known for his remarkable high school career, struck out 139 batters in a season, including an all-strikeout perfect game. As a professional, he has won three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP and was instrumental in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win.
La Jolla Country Day: Plum and Edman
La Jolla Country Day in California has produced stars like 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. As the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum has been a pivotal part of the Las Vegas Aces, helping them secure a WNBA title.
Tommy Edman, known for setting school records for hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases, continues to be a versatile asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, starting at multiple infield positions and maintaining a career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: DeShields and Carter
Norcross High in Georgia boasts alumni like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, a three-time state basketball champion, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft and played a key role in the Chicago Sky's 2021 championship run. Carter, known for his defensive prowess, leads the Atlanta Falcons and has 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High: Murray and Nickal
Finally, Allen High in Texas has been the launchpad for Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal. Murray, known for leading his team to three state titles and winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy, continues to make waves as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Nickal, a wrestling phenom, secured three national titles at Penn State and remains undefeated in his professional MMA career, showcasing his dominance in the UFC.
These athletes, hailing from diverse high school backgrounds, exemplify the spirit of dedication and excellence, continuing to inspire the next generation of sports stars.
