Maryland congressman Frank Kratovil has played basketball since he was a boy. But he's never had a chance to play on the highest court in the land. Until today.

The Democrat from the Eastern Shore is among a bipartisan group of congressmen that has been invited to scrimmage with President Barack Obama at the White House this evening. The list of expected players makes it look like the president and members of his cabinet will be taking on the boys from the Hill. The court is outdoors, on the White House grounds, a short stroll from the Oval Office.

There isn't supposed to be any press coverage, but you can be sure that pictures and accounts of the game will be available afterward. Look for them here at Maryland Politics.

Since coming to Congress this year, Kratovil has been playing basketball in the mornings and has competed in charity tournaments against some Georgetown law professors and lobbyists. He's been a ballplayer all his life, both in amateur competition, junior olympics and as an undergrad at Western Maryland (now McDaniel) College.

The point guard from Queen Anne's County will be up against some rather tall talent on the Obama team, including Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who played professional basketball (overseas) after college and is said to have scrimmaged with Michael Jordan.

Here's a list of those invited, courtesy of the White House. Heath Shuler, as sports fans know, is a former pro quarterback.