GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Although Gridley’s basketball team didn’t fare well against their fierce competition, the history of the tournament shows that isn’t the point of the Gridley Boys Invitational Basketball Tournament (GIBT).

GIBT got its start in 1953, partly due to the fact Gridley High School’s basketball team didn’t have a tournament to play in. Teacher and basketball coach, John Valentino was inspired to invite bay area teams and larger schools to our small town with the idea of exposing his team to out-of-the area talent, higher levels of competition, and allow them to gain a deeper understanding of sport, the people, and the world outside of Gridley. Visiting teams also got to experience what rural life was all about.

Since its inception, GIBT has grown to be a prestigious tournament in the north state and community favorite, something that GHS students and staff are proud to look forward to each Basketball season. 

Teams arrived Thursday, December 8th to begin play, housed by local families during the 3-day tournament. Many that open their homes to these athletes have been doing so for years and as a result, have developed their own GIBT traditions with the players. Ultimately, it becomes much more than just a tournament.

On Friday, December 9th, a joint team breakfast is held where teams mingle. Guest speaker Coach Steve Coccimiglio addressed the teams after the Gridley Lions Club whipped up a solid morning meal before the GIBT rally was held. GHS students were introduced to this year’s competing teams and students got fired up for the event.

Later, teams got to work, leaving their blood, sweat and tears on the court, vying for the title of tournament champion. During a break between games on Friday, the GIBT royalty was announced and the GIBT 2022 Queen crowned.

Candidates for Queen were GHS Seniors, Monse Torres, Gracie Gonzalez, Breanna Johnson, Sophia Campos and Jasmin Moran. Torres would be crowned as Queen, joining fellow royalty Junior Princess Isabella Bowling, Sophomore Princess Nubia Montoro Diaz, and Freshman Princess Alina Jackson.

For detailed coverage and tournament results, please see the following articles in this edition: “Bulldogs Drop First Game in GIBT,” and “Saleasian Runs Off with 68th GIBT” by Steven Bryla.