after playing for the south carolina amateur athletic union team in columbia, south carolina, steed attended george p. butler comprehensive high school, where he averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game in his sophomore season. his exceptional play continued on to his junior year at butler high school, averaging 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game by the end of the season. after already being named the team mvp as a sophomore, steed was considered one of the best high school athletes in georgia. he was named all-conference, all-regional, and eventually all-state, ultimately winning the award for georgia athletic coaches association (gaca) player of the year. this was his reward for averaging a stunning nineteen points, seven rebounds, and five assists during his final season.