Bulldogs Get Swept in GIBT, Take Adversity into Learning
Dec 19, 2023 05:19PM ● By Steven Bryla
Gridley senior forward Aaron Kullar (23) puts the ball up toward the basket in the 69th Annual GIBT on Friday, December 8. Photo by Steven Bryla
GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Bulldogs boys’ basketball team suffered their first three losses of the season in the 69th installment of the Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament.
Although Gridley hasn’t won a game in the GIBT since the 2015-16 season, they played hard and were just beaten by better competition.
Bulldogs senior forwards Aaron Kullar and Shmaas Khan expressed to the Herald that they were going to use these defeats from the tournament to better themselves throughout the season.
Kullar told the Herald the losses were good for them to see the other side and see how it felt, as prior to the GIBT Gridley was a perfect 5-0.
Kullar and Khan both expressed to the Herald that this is one of the most talented teams they have had, but everyone needs to continue putting in the work.
For the early season success, Khan added that everyone on the team knows their role and different job on the team.
“As long as we stick to that, I think we’ll be okay,” Khan said.
Both Khan and Kullar told the Herald they all push one another in practices to get the best out of every individual on the team.
The Bulldogs got a tough draw in the GIBT field, as they started with the 2022 defending GIBT champions in the Salesian Pride.
Gridley sophomore
forward Bikram Kullar (10) shoots a three pointer for the Bulldogs against
Sheldon in the 69th Annual GIBT on Friday, December 8. Photo by Steven Bryla Salesian went all the way to the NorCal Regional title game in Division I last season, and brought a heavy presence from last season’s roster.
The Bulldogs lost 80-30 in game one, on Friday, December 8, they faced a NorCal power in the Sheldon Huskies out of Sacramento that have had multiple deep playoff runs in the state championship tournaments.
Gridley senior guard Travus Boyd (4) drives to the basket on
Friday, December 8, against Sheldon in the 69th Annual GIBT. Photo by Steven Bryla Gridley had been able to get some good-look shooting opportunities on the floor, but they were just not falling. In the tournament finale last Saturday, the Bulldogs were beaten by San Ramon Valley 77-25.
Gridley had the opportunity to get back in the win column this past Tuesday night as they went on the road to Live Oak and began the Colusa tournament against Yreka.
