Episcopal star Me’Arah O’Neal found out this week she’d been selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game.
The 6-foot-4 forward has led the Knights to a 29-5 record and an SPC Championship in her senior year, before she heads to Florida to play college basketball.
“I was overwhelmed with joy,” said O’Neal on her McDonald’s All-America selection. “I actually took a victory lap, it was a really important moment for me because as a kid I dreamed of doing it.”
She’s also the KPRC 2 and UTMB Health Athlete of the Week.
Episcopal coach Chelsea Bass believes it’s not only O’Neal’s talent that makes her a standout, but her willingness to pass and helpfulness as a teammate.
“She definitely gets her teammates involved, which is the most important aspect of her game - and it’s underestimated as well,” said head coach Chelsea Bass.
O’Neal is the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, who was on hand for commitment day ceremony when she pledged to Florida. Me’Arah, though, says she patterns her game after her brother Shareef, a former UCLA and LSU player, and current NBA G-League player - but what about her, dad?
“Nah, that’s not my type of game,” said Me’Arah. “I like to be outside, shoot it. Me and my brother both can shoot, just watching him, I can get some of his game and a taste of my own.”