BOYS BASKETBALL: BUSY SUMMER AWAITS FIFTY GAMES SHOULD HELP ROYAL IMPROVE.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

As Royal High boys' basketball coach Craig Griffin looks ahead to a busy summer for his young Highlanders, it's obvious to him a major growth spurt is taking place.

``You can definitely see progress being made,'' said Griffin, now in his third year at Royal. ``Guys are growing up, getting bigger, stronger and better. Things are looking up.''

It's been a tough road for Griffin and Royal over the past two seasons, both of which were rebuilding projects.

Before joining the Highlanders, Griffin spent three years as an assistant at crosstown rival Simi Valley, where success is the norm. Griffin knew it would take time for his style to take effect at Royal, which has struggled to keep up recently in the powerful Marmonte League.

But things are starting to looking up, which is why Griffin is so excited about the 50-game schedule the Highlanders will play this summer.

``It will be interesting to see how we stack up this summer, not just in terms of the other teams locally, but as we travel throughout California,'' Griffin said. ``You want to see everybody playing in game situations, and we're looking forward to getting a chance to take a good look at what we have.''

One thing is certain: Royal will have no shortage of players. In fact, Griffin expects to have 17 varsity-level players to work with, 12 of whom are seniors.

``It'll be interesting to see how everything fits together,'' Griffin said. ``We have a lot of players, and with the way we want to play - up tempo, full court - guys know they have to play hard all the time or it might be tough for them to get time.''

Two players in particular have stood out through the spring and summer. Returning guards Cory Hodges and Trevin Johnson are showing considerable improvement from last season, when the Highlanders finished 6-16 and seventh in the Marmonte League.

Hodges is entering just his second year of basketball at the high school level and after spending last season getting acclimated to a high level of play he appears ready to take a giant step forward.

``He's definitely made quite a bit of progress,'' Griffin said. ``I expect big things from him. We have a number of guys who fit that category.''

Royal is preparing for an ambitious summer in which it will play on Monday nights in the Oak Park league, on Wednesday nights in its own league and a handful of weekend tournaments. The will travel to San Diego and Santa Barbara, among other destinations.

``It should be a great summer, we're going to have fun and try to get better,'' Griffin said.

Vincent Bonsignore, [phone]

vincent.bonsignore(at)dailynews.com