Reprinted with permission from www.pattersonbasketball.com

Patterson’s returning players unveiled the state championship banner from last year before Thursday’s season opener. Then it was time to start on the road back to the Comcast Center.

The Clippers picked up where they left off, using a balanced scoring attack and aggressive defense to beat Glenelg, 77-53.

Four players scored in double figures, led by junior Dawan Bass’ 20 points on 10 of 14 from the field. Sophomore Dereck Oliver (18 points), junior Kwynten Brooks (15 points) and sophomore Tyquan Pointer (13 points) helped Patterson build a comfortable lead after a close first quarter.

On the other end, the Clippers forced Glenelg from Howard County into 38 turnovers. Oliver had six steals while Bass and Brooks had five steals each.

Bass also added eight rebounds, and freshman center Desmond Brown had six points and eight rebounds (six offensive) in his high school debut. Oliver directed the offense, dishing out seven of the team’s 14 assists.

Patterson is back in action in the Baltimore/D.C. Challenge against Woodrow Wilson from D.C. on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Coolidge High School in the District.