Chaminade Prep Alumni Leading the Charge in NBA and NHL
Chaminade Prep Alumni Leading the Charge in NBA and NHL
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, has become a notable training ground for elite athletes, boasting alumni such as Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum, who dominate their respective fields in the NHL and NBA. Both players have translated their high school promise into professional success, setting benchmarks and leading their teams to new heights.
Jayson Tatum: Powerhouse for the Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum, a Chaminade Prep graduate, has carved out a stellar career in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. Tatum’s remarkable high school statistics—nearly 30 points per game and steering his team to a state championship—were early indicators of his potential. His prowess earned him the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award, setting the stage for his future in professional basketball.
This season, Tatum is averaging 30.1 points per game, a testament to his consistent performance and growth as a player. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season, and he has led them to the Eastern Conference finals four times. Through his dynamic playstyle and unyielding work ethic, Tatum continues to bolster his reputation as one of the league's top scorers.
Matthew Tkachuk: Anchoring the Florida Panthers
Matthew Tkachuk, who departed Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, is in his seventh NHL season, currently playing for the Florida Panthers. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the sport, Tkachuk has scored 40 goals in consecutive seasons, a feat that underscores his offensive capabilities.
His significant contributions have propelled the Florida Panthers to the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996. Tkachuk’s journey from high school to the NHL epitomizes the determination and skill required to excel at the highest level of hockey.
Brentwood Academy: A Breeding Ground for Champions
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has its own rich legacy of producing elite athletes, including Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Their tenure at the academy laid the groundwork for distinguished careers in the NBA and NFL, respectively.
Darius Garland: Cleveland Cavaliers’ Star
Starting varsity basketball in eighth grade, Darius Garland won four state championships, solidifying his place as a prodigious talent. As a senior, he averaged 27.6 points per game, a performance that cemented his reputation as a high scorer. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads his team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season, showcasing his all-around skill and playmaking ability.
Jalen Ramsey: Versatility and Dominance in the NFL
A multi-sport athlete at Brentwood Academy, Jalen Ramsey not only excelled in football but also set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. Ramsey further distinguished himself by winning a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Currently a three-time All-Pro, Ramsey now plays for the Miami Dolphins, where his defensive prowess continues to shine.
Highland Park High: Producing Top-Tier Talent
Highland Park High in Texas is noteworthy for its production of exceptional athletes like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw, who have each reached the pinnacle of success in their respective sports.
Matthew Stafford: NFL Excellence
Matthew Stafford's tenure at Highland Park High culminated in a state championship in 2005. His NFL career has been marked by consistent excellence, with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes. Stafford achieved the ultimate career highlight by leading the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI, affirming his status as one of the league's elite quarterbacks.
Clayton Kershaw: Dominating the Diamond
Clayton Kershaw’s high school career included a remarkable perfect season and an all-strikeout perfect game. His professional accolades include three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP. Kershaw played a vital role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win and is only behind Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day and Norcross High: Rising Stars in the WNBA and NFL
Athletes like Kelsey Plum from La Jolla Country Day in California and Diamond DeShields from Norcross High in Georgia have made significant impacts in their professional careers, continuing the legacy of their high school achievements.
Kelsey Plum: WNBA Champion
Kelsey Plum, whose high school career included over 2,000 points and more than 600 rebounds, led her team to a state championship and was the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. Plum was instrumental in the Las Vegas Aces securing a WNBA title, solidifying her place as a critical player in the league.
Diamond DeShields: Versatility and Impact
Diamond DeShields, a standout at Norcross High with three state basketball titles, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. She has since demonstrated her versatility and impact, playing for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings. DeShields was a crucial bench player in the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Whether it's Matthew Tkachuk pushing for a Stanley Cup or Jayson Tatum breaking records with the Celtics, these athletes are testament to the formative power of their high school experiences. From Chaminade Prep to the professional stage, their journeys are defined by exceptional talent and relentless determination.
