"Big Wing Game with Real Bite"

Ty Bryant

@2029BRYANT

6’6, 175lbs, Class of 2029

Oldham County HS, KY

Ty plays the game with a fearless edge that jumps off the floor, especially for someone his age. A long, rangy wing with real bounce and confidence, he stretches defenses with his shooting and then flips the switch by attacking downhill when defenders get tight with blow-by speed. He finishes through contact, elevates over traffic, and does not hesitate when the moment calls for him to be aggressive. What separates Ty is how comfortable he already looks against older competition. He plays loose but strong, attacks matchups without hesitation, and brings an edge that ignites the entire gym when he gets going. There is a competitive fire to how he moves, how he attacks, and how he responds when games get physical.

The production backs it up. In the first four games of the current season, Ty is averaging 24 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2 steals, and nearly 1 block per game, highlighted by a career-high 37-point explosion against Highlands. In those four games, he showed his full impact, scoring at all three levels, crashing the boards, protecting the rim, and making timely plays for teammates. Last season, as an eighth grader playing varsity, he averaged 12 points and 4 rebounds per game, hitting 46 threes, and shot 84 percent from the free throw line. The jump in confidence, strength, and overall presence has been obvious.

A major part of that growth has come from weight room and ball-handling work. Ty made it a priority to get stronger so he could finish through contact and rebound with more force, and that work is showing every night. His handle has tightened, his confidence against pressure has grown, and he is more willing to attack defenders instead of settling. Defensively, the focus is on continuing to improve lateral movement and becoming a stronger on-ball defender, especially with AAU play bringing quicker guards and tougher matchups.

Playing varsity as an eighth grader gave Ty a head start mentally. The speed, physicality, and pressure are no longer phases him, and as a freshman, he looks comfortable competing in packed gyms and rivalry games. North Oldham and South Oldham are circled every year, with bragging rights on the line and the crowd fully involved. Those environments bring out the best in him. He feeds off momentum plays, especially rim-rocking dunks that light up the student section and swing energy his team’s way.

Ty plays with a deep passion for his school and his teammates. Winning matters to him, and his mindset is built around doing whatever the team needs. That approach was shaped early by a lesson he still lives by today, INAM, "It's not about me". That belief shows in how he plays, how he celebrates others, and how he attacks adversity head-on instead of backing away from it.

His journey gives that mindset even more weight. Nearly three years ago, a baseball accident left him with a cracked skull and a brain injury that forced him out of sports and school for a full year. He had to relearn how to read, walk, speak clearly, and regain his vision through intense therapy. He battled daily headaches for nine straight months. By the grace of God, he made it back to the court doing what he loves. While school can still be challenging at times, he is surrounded by people who support him and continues to push forward with gratitude and determination.

Off the court, Ty enjoys playing golf and fishing with his grandpa, finding balance and peace outside the gym. Though he is only a freshman, he already has a dream of playing at Tennessee, a place close to his heart, while staying open to wherever God wants to lead him.

I assess that Ty brings size, scoring punch, and a competitive edge that can change games quickly. His ability to stretch the floor, attack closeouts, rebound his position, and play through contact makes him a matchup problem at the wing. He impacts games with energy plays, physical finishes, and confidence that spreads to teammates, giving a program a young piece that can grow into a featured weapon.

Moving forward, expect Ty to keep adding weapons to his game as his strength, defense, and handles continue to improve. His confidence is already ahead of his age, and his willingness to face adversity head-on points to real long-term growth. As experience stacks and his body continues to develop, his ceiling rises quickly, and his game is only scratching the surface of what it can become. Buckle up, y'all, this will be a ride to remember. Stay tuned.