The recently annointed No. 1 John Carroll boys basketball team is hoping to make some noise at the 51st annual Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament set to begin Thursday and run through Saturday at Frostburg State University in Cumberland.

The eight-team field, which also includes No. 5 St. Frances, is loaded with talent as the Patriots (31-2) open against St. Benedict's (N.J.) Prep at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. St. Frances (19-7) will meet Washington's Gonzaga in Thursday's opening round at 9:15.

In sweeping the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference and Baltimore Catholic League crowns, the Patriots have leaned on their strong senior guard tandem of Malcolm McMillan and Ronald Scott. That won't change at the Alhambra, but coach Tony Martin knows others will have to pull their weight as well, particularly inside.

"It's a great opportunity, and the kids are excited," Martin said. "There's a lot of big teams, so we're going to have to rebound the basketball. If we can handle ourselves on the boards, then maybe our senior guard play can take over."