ANOUNCING THE 67TH ANNUAL GRIDLEY INVITATIONAL
December- 9th-10th and 11th . 2021 Covid guide lines will be followed.
Here is some history of the GIBT.
In 1953 John Valentino, teacher and coach at Gridley High school, put into action his idea of school activity. It would involve many people from differing social, geographical and economical segments of Northern California. He organized and directed the first Gridley Invitational Basketball tournament.
From the onset, the 3- day GIBT has had the reputation as a tournament that extends invitations to top California basketball teams.
Valentino’s plan was an annual event that brought people together --- visiting players living with Gridley families, allowing social barriers to dissolve as people of different races, religions and lifestyles became directly associated with one another on a daily basis. Remember: This was 1953!
This pattern for cooperative behavior continues to work in the absence of Valentino who passed away early in 1984.
From 1953 through 1977 , the GIBT was a post – season tournament. It was a popular alternative to the Tournament of Champions ( TOC ) , which was held each year at the end of the basketball season.
In fact the GIBT was so popular, that some teams that had earned the privilege of participating in the TOC , chose to play in the GIBT instead.
This caused the CIF officials to make the decision to have only one post season tournament to determine the ultimate champion. This change occurred in 1978, the only year there was not a GIBT.
Gridley High School resumed the GIBT as a pre-season tournament in 1979, and it has continued to be one of the most prestigious varsity basketball tournaments for high school boys in Northern California.
Throughout the history of the GIBT , local families have opened their homes each year to house the visiting teams. The friendships that have developed through these arrangements have been many, and long-lasting.
This year’s field is a strong one.
4:00- Dublin vs Sacramento
5: 30- Archbishop Riordan vs Salesian
7:00 - Campolindo - Gridley
8:30 - De La Salle vs Sheldon
You can go to the web site at Gridleyinvitational.org for up dates.
Dublin High School will be airing the games on their school channel.
Also Norcal Sports TV will be streaming.
What else can I say. Good folks, good vibes, great hoops
December- 9th-10th and 11th . 2021 Covid guide lines will be followed.
Here is some history of the GIBT.
In 1953 John Valentino, teacher and coach at Gridley High school, put into action his idea of school activity. It would involve many people from differing social, geographical and economical segments of Northern California. He organized and directed the first Gridley Invitational Basketball tournament.
From the onset, the 3- day GIBT has had the reputation as a tournament that extends invitations to top California basketball teams.
Valentino’s plan was an annual event that brought people together --- visiting players living with Gridley families, allowing social barriers to dissolve as people of different races, religions and lifestyles became directly associated with one another on a daily basis. Remember: This was 1953!
This pattern for cooperative behavior continues to work in the absence of Valentino who passed away early in 1984.
From 1953 through 1977 , the GIBT was a post – season tournament. It was a popular alternative to the Tournament of Champions ( TOC ) , which was held each year at the end of the basketball season.
In fact the GIBT was so popular, that some teams that had earned the privilege of participating in the TOC , chose to play in the GIBT instead.
This caused the CIF officials to make the decision to have only one post season tournament to determine the ultimate champion. This change occurred in 1978, the only year there was not a GIBT.
Gridley High School resumed the GIBT as a pre-season tournament in 1979, and it has continued to be one of the most prestigious varsity basketball tournaments for high school boys in Northern California.
Throughout the history of the GIBT , local families have opened their homes each year to house the visiting teams. The friendships that have developed through these arrangements have been many, and long-lasting.
This year’s field is a strong one.
4:00- Dublin vs Sacramento
5: 30- Archbishop Riordan vs Salesian
7:00 - Campolindo - Gridley
8:30 - De La Salle vs Sheldon
You can go to the web site at Gridleyinvitational.org for up dates.
Dublin High School will be airing the games on their school channel.
Also Norcal Sports TV will be streaming.
What else can I say. Good folks, good vibes, great hoops
