Following Footsteps

Shadow Creek’s Victoria Wright is next in historic lineage of athletes

Victoria Wright & Larry Wright Vype

Williams Shakespeare once said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.”

Greatness may have been thrust upon Shadow Creek sophomore Victoria Wright, who has a lineage that includes an NBA Champion, two college football players and two Division I basketball players.

The Shadow Creek Shark may be ready to add her name to the long list of great Wright athletes.

“I’ve never felt pressured to compete in sports,” Wright said. “I’ve always felt the pressure of living up to the accomplishments, however.”

The beginning of the Wright legacy starts on a basketball court in Monroe, Louisiana, the hometown of Larry Wright – a two-time Parade All-American and grandfather to Victoria.

Wright, a star for Grambling State, was drafted 14th overall by the Washington Bullets in 1976 after his junior year of college. Wright’s basketball career in the NBA (1976-1981) saw him win the only NBA Title in Washington Wizards’ history. After a stint in Italy, his time as a professional player was over as his time as a father was just beginning.

His four children had success at the college level as well. Lance (a football player) and Ashana starred at Grambling. Ashana won four straight conference titles. Victoria’s father Larry Wright Jr. went to Notre Dame and Louisiana Tech, where he played football for both programs. Finally, Imani Wright currently stars for the No. 3 Florida State Seminoles, where she leads in minutes played and is second in points and assists.

With sports in her blood, many assume that Victoria was forced on this path. She says differently.

“I grew up around athletics all my life, so I never thought of not participating in sports,” Wright said.

Her path has only just begun, but the drive and support system is in place. The dual-sport athlete could re-write the record books in hoops and track at the relatively new school in Alvin ISD.

Playing at the varsity level since her freshmen year, Victoria was the second-leading scorer on the first-ever playoff basketball team for Shadow Creek in her sophomore campaign.

With nearly 10 points per game and leading the Sharks in steals, it seems like Victoria is just getting started in writing her chapter in the Wright athletics lineage.

This article appears in the March Issue of VYPE Magazine. Pick up your copy at any one of our locations today! 

 

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The Texans host the Steelers at NRG this Sunday. Composite Getty Image.

What: Texans vs. Steelers

When: 10/1 12pm CST kickoff

Where: Houston, TX NRG Stadium

TV/Radio: KHOU-TV, KILT-Radio

Betting Lines: Steelers -2.5 (-120), O/U 42 (-110) *As of this writing

The Watt Brother Bowl takes place on Sunday. I'm calling it that because the Texans are honoring their all-time great J.J. while they're playing his younger brother and current hell raising edge rusher for the Steelers T.J. The Steelers have won four of the last five matchups vs. the Texans by an average score of 28-17. The biggest difference is that the Steelers have a second year starter at quarterback in Kenny Pickett, and the Texans have a rookie in C.J. Stroud. When you look at the two quarterbacks, both organizations have full faith in each guy. Both teams have tried to build a defense to help their young signal callers. Both are still trying to surround their franchise guys with weapons.

When the Steelers have the ball: Here's a game where Will Anderson Jr can make headway as a proven EDGE. Stacking consistent performances together and helping your team win games by making winning plays. It helps that Pickett has tiny hands. This was a knock on him during draft season last year. Hand size for a quarterback impacts grip. That can not only impact accuracy, but it could make it easier to strip the ball from him.

While he doesn't have the weapons to torch this defense, Pickett does hand the ball off to Najee Harris who's more than capable. Averaging only 67 yards rushing as a team can't be taken lightly. Denzel Perryman is expected to miss the game Sunday, so hopefully that won't help jumpstart the Steelers' run game. The Texans defense will have to key in on the run, given that they average giving up 117 a game on the ground. Those aforementioned weapons may not be scary, but the injuries to the defensive backs has hurt. Tavierre Thomas is expected to miss the game recovering from hand surgery. Jimmie Ward coming back last week showed what happens when they have a top safety back there, especially when the pass rush is turning up. Hopefully, the Texans can capitalize again this week, with safety Jalen Pitre expected to return to action.

When the Texans have the ball: Good luck stopping Tank Dell and Stroud! These guys have already established themselves as a formidable duo three games into their careers. A great way to get that connection going is to pound the rock. The Steelers are giving up over 150 yards on the ground per game so far this season. That's also a good way to keep T.J. at bay while J.J. watches. With Laremy Tunsil and Josh Jones both expected to miss the game, here are the offensive line starters: Austin Deculus, Kendrick Green, Jarrett Patterson, Shaq Mason, and George Fant.

Making the younger Watt brother slow down a bit instead of going balls to the wall after Stroud because a run could be coming will help the pass game tremendously. Stroud will have to continue to make quick decisions, but even quicker this game. I wouldn't be surprised to see his first pick of his career here, given the pressure he's most likely to be under. Especially when your offensive line starters were mostly all backups to begin this season.

Outcome: I failed to place a money line bet on the Texans last week because the game started and the live bet wasn't as profitable. I wanted to take a chance on them given their recent record against the Jags. Looking at their last five vs. the Steelers, one would say why make that bet this week? It's because I believe in Stroud more than I believe in Pickett. While T.J. Watt is a different kind of monster, Will Anderson Jr is on his way to becoming something special. Texans win/cover, and hit the over, but barely: Texans 24, Steelers 20.

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