ERICH SCHLEGEL/DMN

Highland Park's Cody Gribble will be part of a four-man team representing the United States at the World Junior Team Championship, June 18-21, in Japan.

Cody Gribble doesn't measure progress in his game in the number of birdies he makes.

A more telling statistic is the decreasing number of scores higher than bogey.

When the Highland Park junior won the Class 4A individual title at the Jimmy Clay Course in Austin earlier this month, he had no scores higher than bogey. He made only two bogeys in 36 holes.

"I've matured a lot," said Gribble, a repeat SportsDay Player of the Year. "I really don't think I'm hitting the ball any better than last year, but I'm playing smarter. I know my game better."

Gribble, a left-hander, is circling several other amateur tournaments on his calendar this summer. He'd like to qualify for the U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Amateur.

He will be part of a four-man team representing the United States at the World Junior Team Championship, June 18-21, in Japan.

In the meantime, the top priority is his short game.

"I need to work on making more putts and hitting wedges better," Gribble said. "I want to make it so getting up and down from 115 yards and closer is routine."

Notable: Shot 4-under-par 140 to win Class 4A state individual title and led his team to the championship.

About Gribble: Orally committed to Texas, was SportsDay's Player of the Year last year and Newcomer of the Year as a freshman.

Did you know? Whether it's deer, dove or quail, he loves to hunt.

Notable: Led Class 5A Plano West boys to school's first team state championship.

About Hardison: Started the program when the school opened eight years ago and has taken the boys team to state five times (never finishing lower than fourth) and the girls team twice.

Did you know? An avid outdoorsman, he meets with family every fall to hunt deer.

Notable: Shot 149, tied for 13th at 5A state; won Region I tourney.

About Spieth: Ranked No. 1 nationally by AJGA in Class of 2011.

Did you know? He gave up select baseball (pitcher/outfield) and school basketball (guard) for golf.

Notable: Birdied the second playoff hole to finish as 5A state runner-up with a score of 145.

About Dagerman: Will continue his golf career at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.

Did you know? Is a volunteer at Scottish Rite Hospital. Among his duties is teaching golf in its beginner program.

Notable: Shot 146 to finish third at 4A state.

About Darden: Mississippi State signee is ranked among the top 100 juniors nationally.

Did you know? If he wasn't playing golf, he says he'd be playing hockey.

Notable: Shot 146, tied for fourth at 5A state.

About McCartan: Boston College signee averaged 72.67 in 2008 postseason.

Did you know? He is a four-year honor roll student who graduated summa cum laude and was in the top 10 percent of his class.

Notable: Shot 147, tied for seventh at 5A state.

About Spencer: Orally committed to Texas as a sophomore.

Did you know? If he could be a professional in any sport, it would be skiing.