WILLIS BASKETBALL STAR SHAWNDRICK “SJ” YOUNG JR. HAS ALWAYS HAD TUNNEL VISION—HE’S WIRED THAT WAY.
The junior averaged nearly 20 points per game, earning District 13-6A Co-MVP honors while leading the Wildkats to school history this past season. But his motivation? It’s personal. Very personal.
“My dad holds a lot of the old scoring records here at Willis,” Young said with a laugh. “He was thought to be the best thing walking the halls at Willis... now it’s me. I want all the records, and that really pushes me.”
Young was the engine behind Willis advancing to the third round of the UIL Class 6A playoffs, something the school had never done before.
“The school really rallied around us,” he said. “We had a pep rally where everyone lined the halls as we left for our playoff game. Next year, we want to win district and go even farther. If everyone has the same mentality as me, we’re going to get there.”
The summer AAU circuit and offseason training will be critical for the 6-foot-5 hybrid, who has college hoops aspirations.
“I’m a forward at the high school level... but not in college,” he said. “I’ve got a good shot, I’m a really good passer and rebounder, but I’m locked in on two things this offseason—getting stronger and tightening my ball handling. I can get to my spots now, but I’m going to add strength so I can take the contact in the paint and still finish.”
And when he’s not in the gym? It’s still hoops.
“I love playing the (video) game, of course,” he said. “But me and my friends go to the park, and before you know it, we’ve got some really competitive five-on-five runs going. That’s Willis for you.”
When it comes to watching basketball, one player has Young’s attention.
“I like the Rockets’ Amen Thompson,” he said. “I try to pattern my game after his. He can do a little of everything, and he’s a tough rebounder. That’s what I pride myself on, too. If I’m playing someone way bigger than me, they’re going to have a fight on their hands. I’m a high-energy guy.”
Must be in the genes.
Wayne Shanks Jr. is that dude at Kinkaid
The running back position is back in the recruiting spotlight after taking a back seat the past few seasons.
The Kinkaid School’s Wayne Shanks Jr. is front and center after earning a VYPE Offensive Player of the Year nomination, leading the Falcons to an SPC Championship as a sophomore.
Shanks played for Cypress Woods his freshman year, earning the District 16-6A Newcomer of the Year title in 2023.
So, what’s next for the junior-to-be?
“I’m working on my stock and showcasing my talent to colleges across the country,” he said. “I’m figuring out which schools are most interested in me and what a good fit would be.
“My strength is my versatility. I’m not going to say I’m better at one thing than another... I’m good at multiple things. If we need a fourth-and-two, I’m going to get the first down. You can put me at receiver, and I can make someone miss and go score. I can also fill a hole and make a linebacker miss for a big play.”
With his already impressive resume, it’s no surprise that Shanks has pulled offers from the SEC, ACC, and Big 12, to name a few.
“I’ll be visiting Kansas, Houston, TCU, SMU, and Baylor starting next week,” he said. “I’m excited to see the campuses and meet the coaches. I’m continuing to build my relationships with Texas, Texas A&M, and LSU.”
Oklahoma and Florida State have also recently offered.
For now, he’s locked in on the purple and gold—the Kinkaid Falcons.
“The education here is great,” he said. “If I’m struggling with something, my teachers are here to help. It’s just more attention. The people are very caring and take care of you here at Kinkaid.
“From a football perspective, no one works harder than us—in the classroom, the weight room, or on the football field. The coaches push us and hold us to the gold standard.”
The school has an impressive football lineage, with LSU’s Josh Williams and Dillon Bell (Georgia) and Micah Bell (Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Georgia) recently walking the halls.
Shanks is just the “next big thing” to come out of the prestigious private school inside the loop in H-Town.
GOLF IS OFTEN CONSIDERED A ‘LIFELONG’ SPORT, BUT IT’S ALSO ONE OF THE HARDEST TO MASTER. FOR ALIEF TAYLOR’S OYINDAMOLA OROGUN, HOWEVER, IT QUICKLY CAPTURED HER INTEREST.
“I joined the team last year with my older brother, Funsho, to see what it was all about,” Orogun explained. “I’m not very athletic, and most of the other sports were already full, so I was glad to find something that didn’t require too much physicality. I just wish more people would appreciate it like I did.”
While Orogun grew fond of the game, she soon realized that it’s not for everyone.
“It’s definitely harder than it looks,” she said with a laugh. “Watching people play, whether in person or on TV, makes it seem easy. But actually doing it is a whole different experience. I went into it thinking I wouldn’t face too much physical strain, but I still get back pain from all the swinging. Still, I think that the challenge is worth it.”
Before joining Alief ISD, Orogun was part of the Fort Bend ISD district. After attending Albright Middle School, she ascended to Alief Taylor High and quickly felt at home.
“Of all the schools I’ve been to, I love Alief Taylor the most,” Orogun shared. “Maybe it’s because it’s high school, but there are so many more opportunities to get involved, and you meet a lot of different people. Luckily for me, I’m involved in several other clubs, so I’ve had the chance to experience everything this school has to offer.”
Among the clubs Orogun participates in are Alief Taylor’s NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) and TAFE (Texas Association of Future Educators). Orogun plans to continue her journey at the University of Houston, where she hopes to pursue a career in education.
“I want to become an educator,” she said. “I may play golf for fun, but my goal is to one day teach in an elementary school for Alief ISD. It’ll be a full-circle moment for me when I see that dream come true.”
Who needs ‘physicality’ when you have the determination to succeed?
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