The Woodbury boys’ basketball team might not be as athletic as last year’s state tournament squad, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t capable of returning. The players are resilient, they rally from behind and they don’t quit.

“I’d call us a bunch of grinders,” coach Scott Swansson said. “We just keep grinding it out. We find ways to win. I like our team because they work so well together. Everyone pretty much knows their role.”

The Royals are off to a strong start, but have experienced some growing pains en route to a 7-4 record to finish out 2013.

Woodbury lost to Osseo 77-71 in overtime in the Rotary Holiday Classic in Rochester on Dec. 27. The Royals had a chance to upset the Orioles in the final minute of regulation but instead were ousted in the extra session. The next game, the Royals were victimized by Lakeville South, which made a whopping 19 three-pointers — shooting 79 percent from behind the arc — to defeat the Royals 97-86 in another hard-fought contest between two solid metro programs.

“I don’t even think you can shoot that well with no one in the gym guarding you,” Swansson said. “It was unbelievable. They just lit it up.”

The Royals are looking to retool their defense. If they’re going to find success late in the season, that’s where adjustments need to be made.

But they do have a remarkable offensive weapon in Matt Ambriz, who is averaging close to 30 points per game. The senior is the lone returning starter from last year’s squad. He’s been to two consecutive state tournaments with the Royals and he wants to make a third appearance this spring.

“He’s probably one of the best shooters I’ve ever coached,” Swansson said. “He’s just a pure shooter. He can get it off quick and it hits the bottom of the net.”

Ambriz has much improved his ball-handling skills this year. This has caused defenders to back off and give him space, which allows him more opportunities to sink shots. Division-II schools are starting to look at Ambriz. Swansson said he believes Ambriz, who is 6-1, would be a valuable addition to any squad.

“If there’s a kid that can shoot like that, he’s certainly going to open up some lanes,” Swansson said. “Or he can sit there, catch it and shoot it. I’m not sure too many schools have guys that can shoot like him.”

Ben Rizzardi is averaging 10.4 points per game in the post. The 6-5 center is a strong rebounder and finisher around the basket. He can also block shots with the best of them.

Charlie Olson — a “lunch-pail guy,” Swansson said — is the team’s top defender. Isaiah Coddon is starting to get college attention. Coddon is scoring in double digits every night. He’s a slasher who can shoot but also drive to the basket and get offensive rebounds.

“He’s our dunker,” Swansson said. “He’s the guy that can run the court and be a tough matchup for other teams.”

Nick Yan can play the point or the two.

“He’s a little waterbug kid that plays good defense and is hard to defend because he’s so quick,” Swansson said.

Ben Meyer is the 6-3 sixth man who is a tough matchup for opposing defenses because he can shoot from three-point range. Reid Peters comes off the bench with a jolt of energy for the Royals.

While Woodbury is well built, the Suburban East Conference features lots of tough competition. At the end of December, there were three undefeated teams — Roseville, Cretin-Derham Hall and East Ridge — sitting above the 3-1 Royals. Throw in the gritty White Bear Lake and Mounds View squads and it will be a grind all season long.

That should fit Woodbury’s grinders quite nicely.

“We’re not afraid of anybody,” Swansson said.