The 67th Bergen Jamboree and 13th BIT will both start on Jan. 25, allowing eight teams to participate in both tournaments to increase competition. In a significant format change, the eight first-round losers from the Jamboree will receive byes into the second round of the BIT instead of being eliminated. This change benefits small-school teams, providing them with more opportunities to compete and play additional games, especially those from the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference. The overlapping of the Jamboree and BIT was mandated by the Bergen County Coaches Association to prevent teams from prioritizing one tournament over the other.

Why It Matters

The format change is crucial for providing increased opportunities for small-school teams and preventing teams from choosing one tournament over the other, ultimately benefiting the overall landscape of Bergen County boys' basketball.

By the Numbers
  • The Jamboree will involve 24 teams, with the eight first-round losers receiving byes into the second round of the BIT.
  • The BIT will feature 16 teams and guarantee at least two games for participating teams.
State of Play
  • 67th Bergen Jamboree and 13th BIT will commence on Jan. 25 with overlapping schedules.
  • Quarterfinals and semifinals for both tournaments are scheduled throughout February at various locations.
What's Next

The new format is expected to enhance the competitive opportunities for participating teams and could potentially lead to increased interest in the tournaments in the future.

Bottom Line

The Bergen Jamboree and BIT's revised format aims to increase competition and offer more opportunities for small-school teams, ultimately benefitting the overall basketball landscape in Bergen County.