Senior power forward Phoenix Sneed is making headlines as one of the top players on Lamar High School’s girl’s basketball team.
Averaging an impressive double-double with 18.9 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, Sneed leads her team in almost every statistical category. For Sneed, basketball is more than a sport; it’s a family legacy and a personal passion.
“The influence of my parents’ backgrounds and careers initiated my own love and appreciation for the game of basketball,” Phoenix said. “Their basketball careers have shown me the joy, fulfillment, experiences, and connections that the sport can bring to your life. Seeing their passions and success inspired me to pursue the game myself.”
Sneed’s parents, Monica Okolo and Michael Sneed, played power forward at Texas Southern University. Her mother became a personal trainer, while her father went on to play professionally overseas in China and Colombia. His experiences brought home accolades and stories of cultural diversity and unique playing styles that inspired Phoenix to view basketball as a bridge to new opportunities.
“His journey showed me basketball’s ability to connect people from all walks of life, new customs and ways of living,” she said.
Phoenix was immersed in sports and fitness from a young age. She often accompanied her father to workouts and ran hills alongside him, developing the discipline and work ethic that defines her game today. Her mother also played a pivotal role in shaping her approach to training. Despite their influence, Monica and Michael encouraged Phoenix to chart her own path.
“They never pressured me to follow in their footsteps,” she said. “Instead, they encouraged me to explore my interests and find my own path, whether it was in basketball or something else. Their only expectation was that I give 100% effort in whatever I chose to do.”
Phoenix’s dominance at Lamar is undeniable. She leads her team in scoring (18.9 points), rebounding 13.3), assists (2.7) and steals (4.6), while senior shooting guard Madison Tran takes the three-point crown with 23 shots from beyond the arc this season.
“Phoenix is an amazing athlete and a selfless player,” said Lamar girls head basketball coach Bronson Beauchamp. “She has the ability to play on the perimeter and be an effective shooter and slasher but she is ready and willing to do a lot of the dirty work around the basket as well.”
To hone her skills, Phoenix studies elite players like LSU’s Aneesah Morrow and Flau’Jae Johnson, USC’s Judea “JuJu” Watkins, UCLA’s Janiah Barker, Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier, and Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson.
“I love all of their games,” she said. “They’re all solid and play with a lot of tenacity. Napheesa Collier and Aja Wilson, both have amazing footwork. When I watch them play I’m always looking at how they’re able to create even under pressure. All these women are super aggressive and threats on both sides of the floor. All those traits are aspects that I want to have as a basketball player.”
While Phoenix has yet to commit to a collegiate program, she’s focused on finding a school that aligns with her values of community, growth, and academic excellence. With aspirations to major in Psychology, she’s particularly interested in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) but remains open to all opportunities.
Growing up with parents who played at a Black college exposed me to the community within Black basketball culture,” Phoenix said. “My mom and dad have lifelong friendships with teammates and people they’ve met through basketball, and I’ve seen that my entire life.”
As Phoenix continues to make her mark at Lamar High School, she’s proving that her story is one of legacy, hard work, and boundless potential. With her parents’ guidance and determination, her future in basketball—and beyond—looks incredibly bright.
“From my parents’ experiences, I see basketball as an ever-growing journey, pathway, and reflection of your hard work,” Phoenix said.
Lamar’s Phoenix Sneed (20) attempts a free throw in a game against Wheatley. Credit Jimmie Aggison/Defender.
About Phoenix Sneed:
Class: 2025
IG: @phoenixsneed
Twitter: @PhoenixSneed
Position: Power forward
Height & weight: 5-feet-10, 152 pounds
Favorite artist: Veeze
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: English
Shout-outs: My parents, Coach Carey, Aunt Georgia Olumoko and Grandma Jacqueline Olumoko
