Patterson, St. Frances boys hoop teams headed to Milwaukee

Patterson boys basketball coach Harry Martin received a text message from one of his players Friday morning with a simple request: toothpaste.  The No. 1 Clippers and No. 6 St. Frances are flying to Milwaukee to compete in Saturday's Under Armour Brandon Jennings Invitational -- a 10-team showcase of some of the nation's finest teams.  St. Frances will open the schedule when it meets Tennessee-based Melrose at 12:30 p.m. at Marquette University High School.  Junior point guard Aquille Carr and Patterson will take on Price from Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m. in the invitational nightcap.

"For the kids to have an opportunity to play in such a great event is an honor," Martin said. "Some of the guys haven't had this kind of an experience -- traveling by air and staying at a hotel -- it will be something they'll always remember."

Martin added the big-lights experience will benefit the team down the road along with individual players gaining valuable exposure.

"It's an opportunity for them to perform in front of college coaches and takes our team to another market where new people will get a chance to see us play," he said.

In addition to the competition, players will participate in off-court activities, including a motivational speech from former Maryland men's basketball coach Gary Williams.  

Patterson's game will be broadcast regionally on tape delay by Fox Sports Net on Monday, January 16.  Keep up to date on the latest UA basketball news at facebook.com/uabasketball for more information.