WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — While most of his classmates are still sleeping, North Tampa Christian Academy sophomore Toni Bryant starts his day with some basketball.

What You Need To Know

  •  North Tampa Christian Academy is competing in the FHSAA for the first time this season

  •  The Titans are led by Toni Bryant, one of the top players in the Tampa Bay area

  •  The 6-foot, 9-inch sophomore leads the nation in blocked shots

Showing the kind of dedication that only happens when you really love something, he gets up every morning at 6 a.m. and begins his school day with a two-hour basketball practice.

“It’s just teaching me how to become a better man,” Bryant said.

It’s this work ethic that’s helped Bryant stand out. Of course, his 6-foot, 9-inch frame does that as well. But North Tampa Christian head coach Zach Reynolds said this forward’s natural attributes and skills on the court only begin to explain why he is as good as he is.

“Whatever it takes to win a ball game, he’s defense first, and he’s just a God-given talent offensively with all the things he can do,” Reynolds said.

Bryant said he got serious about basketball when he was 14 thanks to his older brother. He said tagging along to games opened his eyes to the benefits of the sport.

And once he got serious, Bryant said he started seeing results. This season, the Titans' first playing in the FHSAA, Bryant helped lead his team to contender status in Class 2A. And individually, he leads the nation in blocked shots and is among the leaders in rebounds.

“When I step on the court, all my thoughts go away," Bryant said. "So, it’s definitely like a reliever. It’s therapy to me. You know, the ball is life.”

And life is good for Bryant right now. His stats are impressive, but those around him say what stands out the most is his humble nature. He’s got the attention of big-time Division I programs, including offers from Florida State, the University of South Florida and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

That kind of adulation could give a teenager a really big head. But not this teenager, and that’s something Reynolds said you can’t coach.

“Toni’s best attribute is he’s just a great teammate,” Reynolds said. “If he’s not scoring, he’s the loudest person in the game cheering for the next guy. He’s really humble, selfless and really cares about his teammates.”