ROYAL CITY - East or West, Royal High School could have the tallest boys basketball team in the South Central 1A Conference this year.

The question is whether that height will translate into an East Division title and post-season action. Granger and Zillah have been going to state regularly without such height.

"It's a doable goal," coach Pete Christensen said. "We'll have lots of height. We'll have lots of athletic ability. We've got lots of seniors now."

Christensen noted he has 45 boys, including a dozen freshmen, in the program. There is increased competition for starting roles and berths spots in the playing rotation. He means to take advantage of the numbers to improve each individual.

"If you don't follow the plan, you'll be on the bench," he said. "I may play two platoons in the early games to see who's going to play."

The goal will be to develop a squad that will shoot better from the field than last year's 25 percent.

The Knights will have a formidable front line starting with 6-6 senior Frank Leitz and ending with 6-2 junior Brady Dixon. In between the Knights will have 6-5 senior Neil Leitz, 6-3 junior Reed Lefler and 6-3 junior Kent Christensen.

Royal won't be tall only. It should have excellent guard play in 5-11 senior wing Danny Vermeer and 5-7 senior point guard Ricky Ramirez

Vermeer has lots of experience. He was forced into varsity action as a freshman when Royal had few quality players. Coach Christensen believes that experience paid off last year when Vermeer scored 12 points per game.

"Ricky handles the ball real well," Christensen said. "Ricky will get the ball to the right man."

Additional guard play will come from 5-11 senior Abel Castellon and 5-9 senior Uli Montoya. Montoya was a pinch-hitter last year, filling in as needed.

"Abel has worked on his game," Christensen said. "He has a good outside shot and can go inside."

Up front, Royal's fortunes may depend on whether the Leitz twins take control of the lane offensively and defensively. The Knights (10-10) won last year when they made their strongest contributions. Both are capable inside shooters and strong rebounders.

Sharing the load will be Kent Christensen, Lefler and Dixon. Coach Christensen will be looking for consistency from Kent, who averaged 12 points last year.

"When he's on, he's deadly," coach said.

"Reed is a fighter," coach added. "He'll give you everything he's got."

Dixon's value is greatest near the basket. Christensen hopes to keep him there.

"He's a very physical player," he said. "He'll go get the ball."

One more inside banger is 6-0 junior Carter Christensen. If he doesn't get a full-time job on varsity, he may split time with the junior varsity. Coach is going to want him in action somewhere.

The Knights will start their season at home on Dec. 3 against Moses Lake Christian. They will travel to Granger on Dec. 8 and host Zillah on Dec. 9.