Gridley Invitational: Team Notes & Analysis
The 65th Annual 2018 GIBT took place in Gridley California. A small rural farming community, located 50 miles north of Sacramento. The GIBT has a reputation of inviting the top Northern California basketball teams. GIBT might be the longest running…
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Continue ReadingThe 65th Annual 2018 GIBT took place in Gridley California. A small rural farming community, located 50 miles north of Sacramento. The GIBT has a reputation of inviting the top Northern California basketball teams. GIBT might be the longest running tournament of it’s kind in Northern California. Here’s my take on some of the teams and players that participated at this event.
Congratulations to Salesian Prep for winning back to back championships and defeating Northern California’s #1ranked team Sheldon of Sacramento 75-59. Salesian got off to a good start and never trailed in this game. The twins, Jovon and Jaden McClanahan 5’11 senior guards made a strong case as to who is the top back court in Nor Cal. Jovon was named MVP of the tournament and Jaden was selected to the all tournament team. Their aggressive style of play on the defensive end sets the tone for the rest of the team. Together they cause a lot of turnovers and make it difficult for opposing teams to get into any kind of rhythm on offense. In the two games I was in attendance, Jovon contributed 37pts, 8rebs, and 9 assists. Jaden had 29pts, 7rebs, and 6stls.
Branson High School From Ross
Viktor Rajkovic is an under-rated player. After his performance at this tournament his stock should rise. He was the overall leader in points scored in three games played. In the two games I watched. The small division 4 team took on #1 Sheldon in a semifinal contest and a rising Riordan High team from the tough WCAL in another game. Viktor a 6’5 senior forward averaged 20pts, 10rebs. He’s an exceptional shooter with good form, and will knock down the 3pt shot if open. He can come off screens and spot up, he’s a good driver and finishes well. He’s got a solid body and will get rebounds.
Archbishop Riordan High School. San Francisco Ca.
Bryce Monroe a 5’10 junior point guard transferred into Riordan this season to pair up with his Oakland Soldiers EYBL U16 back court mate Je’Lani Clark a 6’3 junior guard who earned an all tourney spot and averaged 16pts, 7rebs in two games. Together this pair can make a case as to who’s the best back court in Nor Cal, but not yet it’s early in the season and Bryce is learning how to play with his new team-mates. There’s no doubt this team will be tough to play later in the season. He has that scorers mentality, at 5’10 Bryce knocked down several shots while being closely guarded with a hand in his face. He can create his own shot, has a nice mid-range shot and he knocked down open 3’s. He averaged 17pts in two games.
Sheldon High School Sacramento Ca.
Sheldon losing a game in the early season to a good Salesian Prep team in the championship game doesn’t change my opinion about this team. If anything it’s a wake-up call. Sheldon has Josh Morgan 6’11 senior center (Long Beach State) and Kaito Williams (Cal State East Bay) a 6’2 senior guard and Justin Nguyen 5’9 senior point guard. Justin bring balance to this team, he gets them into their half-court sets, he’s a pass first guard, shifty in the paint, good in transition and throws a good lob pass to the dunkers. Add a talented group of juniors you get Marcus Bagley III. A strong bodied 6’8 sg/sf. He’s a good catch and shoot from deep, an effective rebounder and has the handles to start the break and make a good pass. He averaged 19pts and 10rebs in two games. He was selected to the all tournament team and is an top Nor Cal prospect. Xavion Brown a 6’1 junior guard and a DI prospect is still adjusting to his role of coming off the bench for this team. He’s an athletic player with some quickness and vertical explosion to go with long arms. He’s a good defender, blocks 2 or 3 shots a game, and deflects some passes. He has good handles on the drive and might dunk on you if you leave the lane open.
The GIBT is an eight team tournament that started playing in 1953 in a small, rural farming community at the fairgrounds. Throughout the history of the tournament local families have opened up their homes to house the visiting players each year developing lasting friendships. Without the support of the Gridley community this tournament couldn’t survive. Thanks to Gridley for your hospitality.