We Want To Welcome You To The 70th Annual Gridley Invitational

[Marcskit]

We want to welcome you to the 70th annual Gridley Invitational basketball tournament.

Here is the 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 that 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 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.

What else can I say. Good folks, good vibes, great hoops


Thursday Brackets. December 12th - 13th - 14th

4:00 – pm. Clovis North – Clayton Valley

5:30 - Archbishop Riordan - Branson

7:00 - Gridley - Salesian

8:30- San Ramone – Destiny Christian

Here’s wishing you great hoops

 

[Cheeto]

Marcskit ... I was really hoping to attend this year but unfortunately won't be able to. Thank you for helping to put on such an amazing tournament. I'll try again next year.

Cheeto

 

[Marcskit]

Marcskit ... I was really hoping to attend this year but unfortunately won't be able to. Thank you for helping to put on such an amazing tournament. I'll try again next year.

Cheeto

I had you down for the Guest list. Try to make it if you can.

Here's wishing you great hoops

 

[LBJ6]

We want to welcome you to the 70th annual Gridley Invitational basketball tournament.

Here is the 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 that 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 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.

What else can I say. Good folks, good vibes, great hoops


Thursday Brackets. December 12th - 13th - 14th

4:00 – pm. Clovis North – Clayton Valley

5:30 - Archbishop Riordan - Branson

7:00 - Gridley - Salesian

8:30- San Ramone – Destiny Christian

Here’s wishing you great hoops

Who is Destiny Christian?

 

[Y Cap]

Who is Destiny Christian?

It was Capital Christian before.

 

[ArmchairGOAT]

Who is Destiny Christian?

The school formerly known as Capital Christian

 

[LBJ6]

Are there vegas futures odds on the winner of this tournament? Great lineup.

 

[ayalar09]

How good would that Riordan/Branson game be if Carr didn’t transfer

I think unless something crazy happens we’re going to get a Salesian vs Riordan final

 

[H.E.A.T.]

easy first round wins for Salesian San Ramon , Riordan, Clovis north

 

[Smallveteran]

Are there vegas futures odds on the winner of this tournament? Great lineup.

Riordan took a good while to get their engine going last year. If so Salesian takes it all !

 

[jduffy321]

For the last 10 years, this event has been the Salesian Tournament hosted By Gridley. Every year there is a new little additive to promote Salesian. Salesian gets a first round bye (respectfully) Gridley gets the brunt of this. But when you can play your bench guys for 3 qtrs and rest your starters, it’s definitely an advantage on night 2 and 3. When other teams are going into Overtime on Thursday night with starters fouling out. I love watching this event, But it’s become more of the Salesian Tournament. Still a good event. Also, the Gridley rally is taken over by the pride, it’s like what happened to the pride of this great town of Gridley??

 

[Marcskit]

For the last 10 years, this event has been the Salesian Tournament hosted By Gridley. Every year there is a new little additive to promote Salesian. Salesian gets a first round bye (respectfully) Gridley gets the brunt of this. But when you can play your bench guys for 3 qtrs and rest your starters, it’s definitely an advantage on night 2 and 3. When other teams are going into Overtime on Thursday night with starters fouling out. I love watching this event, But it’s become more of the Salesian Tournament. Still a good event. Also, the Gridley rally is taken over by the pride, it’s like what happened to the pride of this great town of Gridley??

In the Last 12 years, Salesian Has won the Tournament 4 times. They Play Great Basketball.
It is true they play Gridley most years, but they earn that right.

Here's wishing you great hoops

 

[ayalar09]

For the last 10 years, this event has been the Salesian Tournament hosted By Gridley. Every year there is a new little additive to promote Salesian. Salesian gets a first round bye (respectfully) Gridley gets the brunt of this. But when you can play your bench guys for 3 qtrs and rest your starters, it’s definitely an advantage on night 2 and 3. When other teams are going into Overtime on Thursday night with starters fouling out. I love watching this event, But it’s become more of the Salesian Tournament. Still a good event. Also, the Gridley rally is taken over by the pride, it’s like what happened to the pride of this great town of Gridley??

Salesian isn’t exactly padding their schedule before Gridley. They play Modesto Christian Saturday, turn around and play a league game against Pinole Valley Tuesday, then play Gridley….even though they will sit guys for Gridley due to score, I think San Ramon is going to give Salesian a fight. If they win the tournament that would be 5 wins in 8 days with a win most likely against Riordan to end the 5 in 8….an impressive feat regardless.

 

[jduffy321]

In the Last 12 years, Salesian Has won the Tournament 4 times. They Play Great Basketball.
It is true they play Gridley most years, but they earn that right.

Here's wishing you great hoops

Everybody at that tournament plays great basketball. What if someone else wins and comes back the next year. Why don’t they get the 1 seed? It’s Salesians event. Just in a different city.

 

[jduffy321]

Salesian isn’t exactly padding their schedule before Gridley. They play Modesto Christian Saturday, turn around and play a league game against Pinole Valley Tuesday, then play Gridley….even though they will sit guys for Gridley due to score, I think San Ramon is going to give Salesian a fight. If they win the tournament that would be 5 wins in 8 days with a win most likely against Riordan to end the 5 in 8….an impressive feat regardless.

I don’t down Salesian schedule at all. I know who they play. But if you haven’t been to Gridley in a few years, you couldn’t get it. The players in the event notice the strange favoritism. All the tv’s play Salesians advertisements and the rally was more for Salesian then Gridley. It’s was all very strange.

 

[kiddman32]

the games are next week.

 

[Smallveteran]

Thank you Kiddman

 

[viper221980]

I don’t down Salesian schedule at all. I know who they play. But if you haven’t been to Gridley in a few years, you couldn’t get it. The players in the event notice the strange favoritism. All the tv’s play Salesians advertisements and the rally was more for Salesian then Gridley. It’s was all very strange.

Maybe the local fans like the Salesian team a little more since the Salesian team stays with the families in the community instead of staying in hotels like most, if not all, of the other teams.

 

[jduffy321]

Maybe the local fans like the Salesian team a little more since the Salesian team stays with the families in the community instead of staying in hotels like most, if not all, of the other teams.

Maybe. But I feel like you are agreeing with me. It’s a bit catered to Salesian. Gridley is 70 years strong!! There is enough history in that gym. Make that event Gridleys again. If it’s your event why don’t you put Gridley as the one seed?!? Instead it’s the Prides every year, regardless of what they did the year before. Imagine any HS coach having a tournament and putting themselves as the 8th seed. Let’s play devils advocate. If Gridley is the one seed, then Salesian is the 8th seed as defending tournament champion. If I played for Gridley, I would ask my coach if he wants us to make it to the second round. Cause it doesn’t look like he does. Smh

 

[ArmchairGOAT]

Maybe the local fans like the Salesian team a little more since the Salesian team stays with the families in the community instead of staying in hotels like most, if not all, of the other teams.

Not all of the teams stay in hotels.

 

[viper221980]

Maybe. But I feel like you are agreeing with me. It’s a bit catered to Salesian. Gridley is 70 years strong!! There is enough history in that gym. Make that event Gridleys again. If it’s your event why don’t you put Gridley as the one seed?!? Instead it’s the Prides every year, regardless of what they did the year before. Imagine any HS coach having a tournament and putting themselves as the 8th seed. Let’s play devils advocate. If Gridley is the one seed, then Salesian is the 8th seed as defending tournament champion. If I played for Gridley, I would ask my coach if he wants us to make it to the second round. Cause it doesn’t look like he does. Smh

I have gone to the tournament multiple times and I love it! Period! The people are friendly; the environment is relaxing; and, the the competition is first-rate. The teams earn their seeding based on play, rankings, and criteria determined by the committee. If I'm not mistaken, I thought DLS won it a few years ago, I think Riordan has won it recently, and Salesian is the two time defending champion. The tournament has the best competition of any tournament in Northern California. Now if you want to make Gridley the number 1 seed, then you don't invite seven of the best teams in Northern California to participate. What you do is like many other early season tournaments, you make the home team the 1 seed, and only invite one other good team to ensure the home team gets to the finals against the other team.

 

[jduffy321]

I have gone to the tournament multiple times and I love it! Period! The people are friendly; the environment is relaxing; and, the the competition is first-rate. The teams earn their seeding based on play, rankings, and criteria determined by the committee. If I'm not mistaken, I thought DLS won it a few years ago, I think Riordan has won it recently, and Salesian is the two time defending champion. The tournament has the best competition of any tournament in Northern California. Now if you want to make Gridley the number 1 seed, then you don't invite seven of the best teams in Northern California to participate. What you do is like many other early season tournaments, you make the home team the 1 seed, and only invite one other good team to ensure the home team gets to the finals against the other team.

Nobody is saying it’s not a great tournament. What I’m saying and the majority of players I talked with at the event, said this feels like Salesian is Hosting the tournament. Salesian is the one seed, regardless of rankings, cause if you went by rankings and play there’s been a few times the defending NorCal open champ was not the one seed. It’s Strange the committee “selects” Salesian as the best ranked team in NorCal every year. Salesian has to win one game to make it to the finals at Gridley. Everybody else has 2 dog fights before they get there. Catered

 

[viper221980]

Nobody is saying it’s not a great tournament. What I’m saying and the majority of players I talked with at the event, said this feels like Salesian is Hosting the tournament. Salesian is the one seed, regardless of rankings, cause if you went by rankings and play there’s been a few times the defending NorCal open champ was not the one seed. It’s Strange the committee “selects” Salesian as the best ranked team in NorCal every year. Salesian has to win one game to make it to the finals at Gridley. Everybody else has 2 dog fights before they get there. Catered

I don't think Salesian has been seeded #1 every year. I haven't seen a poll of players, so I don't know the scuttlebud or opinion within the ranks, but it sounds like sour grapes. Salesian is preseason ranked #1 in Northern California in every poll I have seen (i.e. CalHiSports, SF Chronicle, etc.).

 

[observer22]

It really doesn’t matter who is considered the #1 seed in this tourney. You’re going to be challenged big time in the semis and finals regardless of who you play in round 1.

 

[Y Cap]

I’ve been going for a few years and didn’t notice a Salesian slant but then I’m old.

The Riordan Gridley family is loud and proud. Sat near them last year and it was great to see and hear.

Last year’s Salesian shot from near half court was an incredible finish to a great game.

San Ramon last year didn’t win but I feel it set them up for the rest of the year and what a great year it was for them.

With the current landscape of transfers I think it is going to be tougher to know which schools to invite.

Looking forward to next week.

 

[Marcskit]

Everybody at that tournament plays great basketball. What if someone else wins and comes back the next year. Why don’t they get the 1 seed? It’s Salesians event. Just in a different city.

I know you would like the event, to be just how you would like it.
So many things go into how the event is structured.
Gridley doesn't feel slighted in the least. It is an experience to have a chance to play any , and all , the teams Gridley faces.
We are so very happy to put on this event every year.

We hope you will be happy with us, and what we do.

Here's wishing you great hoops

 

[cityfan]

Maybe the local fans like the Salesian team a little more since the Salesian team stays with the families in the community instead of staying in hotels like most, if not all, of the other teams.

Riordan's Gridley family[URL unfurl="true" media="twitter:1734984864074801458"]https://x.com/ARHSBasketball/status/1734984864074801458[/URL]

 

[Marcskit]

Riordan's Gridley family[URL unfurl="true" media="twitter:1734984864074801458"]https://x.com/ARHSBasketball/status/1734984864074801458[/URL]

Yes, we have only three teams staying with us this year.
Riordan, Clovis North, and Salesian AND of course Gridley.

The reason why.
it is a rule that the other teams won't let them be housed because of District Rules .
We Always want teams to stay with us. But the rules take president

Here's wishing you great hoops

 

[ArmchairGOAT]

NorCal SportsTV YouTube channel will be covering the Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament

NorCal SportsTV

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

youtube.com

 

[Marcskit]

Nobody is saying it’s not a great tournament. What I’m saying and the majority of players I talked with at the event, said this feels like Salesian is Hosting the tournament. Salesian is the one seed, regardless of rankings, cause if you went by rankings and play there’s been a few times the defending NorCal open champ was not the one seed. It’s Strange the committee “selects” Salesian as the best ranked team in NorCal every year. Salesian has to win one game to make it to the finals at Gridley. Everybody else has 2 dog fights before they get there. Catered

I see your a Rookie with us. And you haven't been to Gridley before. I hope you enjoy your time with us.
It is a fun tournament. We have the kids doing so many extra activities that most people are not aware of.
It is so much more than Basketball. Relax and enjoy yourself.

Here's wishing you great hoops

 

[kiddman32]

jduffy: It's Gridley's tournament. They get to play, period.

There is no good way to have the host team NOT play #1 seed in the first round. Most years, that's Salesian...

Based on what I've seen so far (online only thus far), there is some argument for Riordan being the #1 seed this year... They look more like a TEAM than a bunch of stars to me this time around... They took San Ramon apart last week.

Edit: Boy, did I word the comment on Riordan poorly, or what?

What I meant was: This early in the season, Riordan usually looks more like a stable of stars that haven't figured out how to work together. This year, they seem to play real team ball, sharing the rock, ball not sticking... And they look much more locked-in on the defensive side.

As an aside, San Ramon seems to have something missing despite having nearly all their stars back. I think that missing element is one Seamus Deely and they haven't been able to find a "glue guy" like that thus far. btw, Deely is now playing rugby at Cal.