We Want To Invite You To The 71st Annual Gridley Invitational

[Marcskit]

We are thrilled to invite you to the 71st Annual Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament (GIBT) – an event that has brought together basketball teams and communities from all corners of Northern California for over seven decades.

A Legacy of Unity & Excellence​

In 1953, John Valentino, a teacher and coach at Gridley High School, had a vision: a tournament that would not only showcase top-tier high school basketball but also foster unity among people from diverse backgrounds. His idea was simple but profound: bring together individuals from different races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds to build lasting relationships through the game of basketball. His vision became a reality with the first Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament, and his legacy continues to this day.

GIBT Through the Years​

The GIBT has evolved over time, maintaining its reputation as a prestigious and welcoming tournament. From 1953 to 1977, it was a post-season event, gaining such popularity that some teams chose it over the Tournament of Champions (TOC). In 1978, when the CIF decided to consolidate to a single post-season tournament, the GIBT took a brief hiatus. However, in 1979, it returned as a pre-season tournament, continuing to draw top-tier talent from across the region.

The heart of the tournament has always been about more than just basketball. Local families host visiting teams, creating a sense of community and camaraderie that transcends the game itself. Many lasting friendships have been formed over the years, thanks to the spirit of togetherness that Valentino envisioned.

This Year's Teams​

We're excited to welcome the following teams to the 71st Annual Gridley Invitational

• Branson - Modesto Christian - St. Mary's - Gridley
• Saleisian - Clovis North - Dublin - Folsom

Dates - Dec - 11 th - 12th - 13th
Brackets: Will be finalized by the end of November.

• Location: Gridley High School

Good Folks, Good Vibes, Great Hoops​

Here’s to another great year of Good Folks, Good Vibes, and Great Hoops!

Best wishes for a successful season,

Here’s wishing you great hoops

 

[CAPTAIN MORGAN]

Which St Mary's, Stockton or Berkeley?

 

[observer22]

Excellent field once again! No Riordan this year?

 

[ArmchairGOAT]

Excellent field once again! No Riordan this year?

Was curious too? Were SRV and Riordan invited back this year? Did they decline?

 

[Y Cap]

Great line-up. St Mary’s Berkeley had a good team this year so hoping it is them. SRV had so many seniors they need a year to rebuild their team. Modesto and Folsom are good additions. Glad to see Dublin back.

 

[ayalar09]

Was curious too? Were SRV and Riordan invited back this year? Did they decline?

The Gridley is an awesome tournament. And again I’m not trying to disrespect anyone. But I believe Riordan will be playing in some national tournaments with the roster they have constructed. They have two choices, cut the Crusader Classic and go to Gridley, or play the Crusader and not go to Gridley. Not 100% sure if that’s the case but I’m guessing that is why no Riordan next year.

I could also see Riordan taking the Salesian route and potentially playing some games on the Grind Session next year. Salesian played in Kentucky, I could see Riordan doing that too and then both get invited back to a potential Crush In the Valley

The teams are awesome in Gridley and it still will be a tough tournament but Salesian will most likely wipe the floor with that competition.

 

[Marcskit]

Excellent field once again! No Riordan this year?

Riordan chose not to Come back.
It is St. Mary's of Berkeley, who we Welcome back after many years.

Here's wishing you great hoops

 

[ayalar09]

Riordan chose not to Come back.
It is St. Mary's of Berkeley, who we Welcome back after many years.

Here's wishing you great hoops

St Mary’s of Berkeley might or might not have a certain superstar on that team….IF he doesn’t go to college or Europe.

 

[jordan24]

Riordan chose not to Come back.
It is St. Mary's of Berkeley, who we Welcome back after many years.

Here's wishing you great hoops

So nice to see one of the Gridley host families travel down to Golden 1 to root for the Crusaders last month. Gridley and the community always puts on a class event!

 

[kiddman32]

One thing about St. Mary's Berkeley, though... If that unnamed superstar does transfer, I'd think he'd be ineligible 'til the end of December and therefore unable to play at Gridley. Unless they change the rules, of course... Ya never know...

I saw St. Mary's last season, looked like a solid young team. Couldn't deal with Salesian, but otherwise they looked strong.

 

[M.C. fan]

Excellent strong field, with us returning back to Gridley. Beautiful rivers and farms in the Sacramento Valley.