GAMES
RANKINGS
Alief Hastings' Smith Orogbo
TARDY TO THE PARTY: Hastings' Orogbo a future star in the making
The 6-foot-4 outside linebacker looks like a natural in pads and is just learning the game. His future and upside are so bright that colleges across the country were vying for his commitment over the off-season.
“When talking about legacy, I want to be that guy,” he said. “I hope to set an all-time record in sacks or tackles for losses, which is abig thing to aspire to. Overall, I just want to leave it all out there during my last year, with no questions left to be asked.”
New coach Michael Carter’s eyes light up with he talks of his stud senior.
“Yeah, a few years from now, this guy is going to be playing on Sundays,” he said. “He just has ‘it’.”
The first-team, all-district selection in 2023 has expanded his game entering his senior year.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It’s a little hard to believe, but I’m just going into my fourth year of playing football, in general,” he said. “When I was going into high school, I wanted to play basketball. I saw my brother play football so I figured I might as well give it a shot. After I got my first hit in practice, I knew that this was the sport for me.
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunities that I’ve been given here, and now it’s my time to lead through my vocals and through my actions. I’m going to try to help pick my team up on the defensive side of the ball all season.”
Orogbo likes to model his game after professional players such as Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers), Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys)and Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders).
While he has NFL aspirations, first things first.
“Once I first get there (Texas), I’m going to be a sponge,” said Orogbo. “I’ll be trying to soak up all the information I can and keep up my work ethic as I look up to the guys in front of me. I’ll have to be patient for when my time comes. Until then, all I can do is continue to work on my craft and get better as a player.”
The way that the soon-to-be Longhorn composes himself on the field speaks for itself. So, what does he do when he’s not in pads?
“When I’m not hanging with the guys, you’ll probably see me watching some movies and shows,” Orogbo said. “I’m a big fan of The Boys, the Planet of the Apes trilogy and The Walking Dead. I really like Spider-Man,too. Something else people might know about me is that I like to listen to music by Nirvana.”
The stars of 2024-25 Alief Hastings FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
But, back to football.
Hastings will be moving over to District 20-6A this Fall, which brings new competition in the district– namely Fulshear, Foster, George Ranch and Strake Jesuit.
With Orogbo being the first one off the bus for Hastings, the Bears will be in the conversation for a district title and surely a playoff spot.
Are the Bears back in business?
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Justice Carlton of Seven Lakes Girls Basketball
THE FAMILY BUSINESS: Carlton Name a Basketball Brand
“It’s super humbling and a blessing,” said Carlton. “Girls walking around, little kids who I see are looking up to me, it’s just an experience that I never thought would be in my life.”
Considering her proficiency on the court, it might come as a surprise that basketball wasn’t always Carlton’s game.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Honestly, I didn’t always think I’d be playing the game,” she laughed. “I played soccer my whole life, and I didn’t start playing basketball until about sixth grade. When we moved here from Austin, I finally picked up a basketball and eventually I got pretty good at it, which kept pushing me to want more.”
However, it would seem that it was meant to be since hoops has been part of the family business.
Justice’s mother, Kacy Carlton, is the assistant basketball coach for her team at Seven Lakes. Mom also has some game, starring at Baylor, playing in the WNBA and in Europe. Additionally, Carlton’s younger sister Madison joins her on the court.
“Being with both of them is the best possible situation for me,” Carlton said. “It’s nice to have my Mom there, knowing the plays and I can always go to her when needed. The same goes for my sister. There’s already an established relationship with us, which makes this experience that much more awesome.”
The stars of 2023-24 Seven Lakes Girls Basketball Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Carlton will soon be moving back to Austin after the season, where she will play for the University of Texas. After her recent experience with injuries, the Seven Lakes senior already has a plan for her future there.
“I think I want to go into the Health Science field and minor in Business,” she said. “I want to do my own practice with physical therapy. It’s a lot of school but it’s what I’ve always wanted to do, especially after my ACL injury in July and going through rehab.”
Since she’s almost finished with the rehabilitation process, Carlton expects to return to the court in December, where she’ll headline a Seven Lakes team that has its eyes set on a State Championship.
“I’m really going to put it all out there this year,” said Carlton. “I’m excited to come back to play with my sister and the rest of the girls. I’ve grown up with all these girls – we were all on the same AAU team. We’re going to leave it all on the floor for our last run, and that’s crazy to think about."