St. Louis has long been a nurturing ground for athletic prodigies, and Chaminade Prep is no stranger to producing top-tier talent. The school boasts NBA superstar Jayson Tatum and NHL standout Matthew Tkachuk among its illustrious alumni.
Jayson Tatum’s Ascent
Jayson Tatum's journey from Chaminade Prep to the heights of NBA stardom is nothing short of remarkable. Averaging nearly 30 points per game in high school, Tatum's scoring prowess led Chaminade to a state championship and earned him the prestigious honor of 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Today, Tatum is a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics, posting 30.1 points per game this NBA season. His leadership and skill not only guided the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season, but he has also helped the team reach the Eastern Conference finals on four occasions.
Matthew Tkachuk’s Hockey Brilliance
Matthew Tkachuk’s path diverged from Tatum’s but remained equally impressive. Leaving Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, Tkachuk has become a formidable force in the NHL. Now in his seventh season, he has netted 40 goals in consecutive seasons.
His current tenure with the Florida Panthers is turning heads, as they are just one win away from their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996, thanks in no small part to Tkachuk’s contributions on the ice.
Athletic Prowess Beyond Missouri
Elsewhere, other high schools across the United States have also been fertile ground for top athletes. Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has given us Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland began his varsity basketball journey in eighth grade, winning four state championships, and now leads the Cleveland Cavaliers in assists while averaging 21.6 points per game this NBA season.
Jalen Ramsey’s athletic versatility in high school saw him setting a state record in the long jump. His football career is decorated with a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams. Currently, he is a three-time All-Pro honing his skills for the Miami Dolphins.
Texas’s Prominent Athletes
Highland Park High in Texas shares in the glory with alumni like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford’s arm has thrown for nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdowns in the NFL, leading the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory.
Meanwhile, Kershaw’s high school dominance was highlighted by a perfect season and an all-strikeout perfect game. His MLB career with the Dodgers boasts three Cy Young Awards, an NL MVP, and instrumental contributions to the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series win.
California’s Standouts
La Jolla Country Day in California can proudly claim Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum dazzled in high school, scoring over 2,000 points, and later became the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. Leading the Las Vegas Aces, Plum averaged 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs, playing a pivotal role in securing a WNBA title.
Tommy Edman’s versatility on the baseball field is well documented, holding school records and demonstrating exceptional skill for the St. Louis Cardinals in various infield positions. With a career batting average of .271, Edman’s contributions continue to be invaluable.
Notable Talents from Norcross and Allen High
Norcross High in Georgia has given us Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, a three-time state basketball champion, has provided key contributions in the WNBA, including playing a crucial bench role in Chicago Sky’s 2021 championship run. Carter's high school football excellence has translated into an impactful NFL career, currently with the Atlanta Falcons.
Allen High in Texas is home to Kyler Murray and Bo Nickal. Murray, who led his team to three state titles and accounted for 186 touchdowns in high school, has continued his success in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, earning the 2018 Heisman Trophy and being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Bo Nickal’s wrestling dominance in high school and at Penn State has transitioned seamlessly into his MMA career, where he remains undefeated as a professional fighter.
These institutions have not only nurtured talent but also instilled a competitive spirit and excellence that continue to define these athletes' careers, making them standouts in their respective sports.