WELCOME TO THE 66TH ANNUAL GRIDLEY INVITATIONAL - BRACKET INFO HERE
The dates are December 12th- 13th- 14th. 2019
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 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
Teams participating are:
Archbishop Riordan: They bring back a strong backcourt with lots of size, and should be ready to make a statement this year.
St. Patrick-St. Vincent: We welcome St. Pats in their first visit to Gridley. With a solid JV team and size in the post, look for them to have a good showing.
Salesian: This is their 12th year in a row for Salesian. They have found a system that shows no slowing down.
Weston Ranch: Coming off a 31-2 year, they return 4 starters and are a well rounded team that shows several looks.
Capital Christian: We welcome back C.C. after a 1 year hiatus.
They are a young, up and coming team, with several pieces to play with.
Campolindo: We welcome State Champion Campolindo to Gridley. They are young, but play with a maturity beyond their age.
Dublin: This is the fourth year in a row for Dublin, bringing lots of talent with them.
Gridley: The Host Bulldogs, of course will have their hands full as usual.
Thursday’s lineup:
4:00-- Dublin -- St. Patrick St.Vincent
5:30 -- Archbishop Riordan – Capital Christian
7:00-- Gridley – Salesian
8:30-- Campolindo – Weston Ranch
All the teams will get a special treat at Friday’s team breakfast.
Jerod Haase, Stanford’s head Coach, will be this year’s guest speaker. Haase has a special place at the GIBT. He was the two time ' Most Valuable Player ' of the Gridley Invitational, in 90” 91”
Friday nights highlight will be the announcing of the GIBT tournament Queen. As always, a back to the future moment.
The games will be streamed. The students from Dublin H.S. put on this project for their Media Class.
The cost of a 3 day pass is $12.00 or $5.00 per day
I’ll be sitting in the cheap seats.
You can always go to Gridleyinvitational.org for updates and past tournament info.
Here’s wishing you great hoops
The dates are December 12th- 13th- 14th. 2019
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 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
Teams participating are:
Archbishop Riordan: They bring back a strong backcourt with lots of size, and should be ready to make a statement this year.
St. Patrick-St. Vincent: We welcome St. Pats in their first visit to Gridley. With a solid JV team and size in the post, look for them to have a good showing.
Salesian: This is their 12th year in a row for Salesian. They have found a system that shows no slowing down.
Weston Ranch: Coming off a 31-2 year, they return 4 starters and are a well rounded team that shows several looks.
Capital Christian: We welcome back C.C. after a 1 year hiatus.
They are a young, up and coming team, with several pieces to play with.
Campolindo: We welcome State Champion Campolindo to Gridley. They are young, but play with a maturity beyond their age.
Dublin: This is the fourth year in a row for Dublin, bringing lots of talent with them.
Gridley: The Host Bulldogs, of course will have their hands full as usual.
Thursday’s lineup:
4:00-- Dublin -- St. Patrick St.Vincent
5:30 -- Archbishop Riordan – Capital Christian
7:00-- Gridley – Salesian
8:30-- Campolindo – Weston Ranch
All the teams will get a special treat at Friday’s team breakfast.
Jerod Haase, Stanford’s head Coach, will be this year’s guest speaker. Haase has a special place at the GIBT. He was the two time ' Most Valuable Player ' of the Gridley Invitational, in 90” 91”
Friday nights highlight will be the announcing of the GIBT tournament Queen. As always, a back to the future moment.
The games will be streamed. The students from Dublin H.S. put on this project for their Media Class.
The cost of a 3 day pass is $12.00 or $5.00 per day
I’ll be sitting in the cheap seats.
You can always go to Gridleyinvitational.org for updates and past tournament info.
Here’s wishing you great hoops
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