When the KHSAA realigned basketball, baseball and softball districts for the 2005–06 season, most fans understood the move on paper but didn’t fully grasp what it would mean long-term for schools like Williamsburg.
Before realignment, the old 50th District was a unique blend — one Class 4A school, two Class 3A schools, and three Class A schools all thrown together. Barbourville, Corbin, Knox Central, Lynn Camp, Whitley County and Williamsburg formed a district that was competitive, but at least comparable in terms of enrollment spread. Softball was the lone outlier, with Williamsburg competing in the 49th District instead but with most of the same schools that made up the 50th District in the other sports.
But everything changed in 2005-06.
Williamsburg stayed in the 50th District as the only Class A school, now grouped with a Class 5A school, a Class 4A school and a Class 3A school.
Meanwhile, Barbourville and Lynn Camp — two former district companions — shifted to a more natural alignment in the 51st District with Pineville and Knox Central.
For 20 years, the debate has simmered: Should Williamsburg move into a district with fellow Class A schools?
For a long time, many argued against it.
Heck, even myself.
Williamsburg traditionally prides itself on competing up, fighting bigger schools, and refusing to shy away from challenges.
But after two decades of data, one thing is undeniable:
The numbers don’t lie.
Williamsburg isn’t just competing uphill — the Yellow Jackets are pushing a boulder up a mountain.
THE POST-REALIGNMENT ERA: A 20-YEAR STRUGGLE
Across boys’ and girls’ basketball, baseball and softball, Williamsburg teams have combined to go:
Combined District Record (All Sports Since Realignment): 58-497 (.104)
Combined District Tournament Record: 4-77 (.049)
Only four district tournament wins in 20 years across four programs — and one district championship (boys basketball 2014–15).
Only three regional tournament appearances have come since realignment:
• Boys Basketball (2013–14)
• Boys Basketball (2014–15 — region champions)
• Softball (2016)
That’s the full list.
Let’s break it down by sport.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL (REALIGNMENT ERA)
District Record: 24-117 (.170)
District Tournament Record: 3-19 (.136)
There were two bright spots — 2013–14 and 2014–15 — including the unforgettable 2015 regional championship run.
But one strong season doesn’t erase nearly two decades of fighting uphill against larger schools.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL (REALIGNMENT ERA)
District Record: 10-132 (.070)
District Tournament Record: 0-20 (.000)
Zero district tournament wins in 20 years.
Not a single one.
BASEBALL (REALIGNMENT ERA)
District Record: 12-124 (.088)
District Tournament Record: 0-19 (.000)
Every year has ended the same — a first-round district tournament exit against significantly larger schools.
SOFTBALL (REALIGNMENT ERA)
District Record: 12-124 (.088)
District Tournament Record: 1-19 (.050)
One district tournament win in two decades.
BEFORE REALIGNMENT: A VERY DIFFERENT STORY
Here’s what Williamsburg athletics looked like before the change:
Combined District Record (All Sports Before Realignment): 97-105 (.480)
District Tournament Record: 17-23 (.425)
Nearly .500 in district play across all sports — not dominant, but competitive.
Respectable.
Capable.
And the accomplishments were far more frequent:
• Boys’ basketball: district champs in 1997–98
• Softball: district champs in 2003 and 2005
• Baseball: winning 69% of district games from 2002–05
• Boys & girls basketball: competitive every year, winning district tournament games regularly
Williamsburg wasn’t a powerhouse, but it belonged.
It fit.
And it won.
SO WHAT CHANGED?
Realignment forced Williamsburg into a district where:
• Every opponent is significantly larger in enrollment
• Every opponent has deeper roster depth
• Every opponent dominates most Class A schools across the state
And Williamsburg has been asked to fight that battle in every sport, every year, for twenty straight seasons.
The result is clear in the numbers:
A drop from .480 district winning percentage to .104.
A drop from .425 tournament winning percentage to .049.
That is a huge shift — and no amount of pride or tradition changes what the data shows.
THE TIME HAS COME
For years, many felt Williamsburg should stay put — compete against bigger programs, embrace the challenge, continue the underdog mentality that defines Yellow Jacket athletics.
But after two decades of evidence, the conclusion becomes unavoidable:
Williamsburg deserves a district of comparable size.
Williamsburg deserves fairness.
Williamsburg deserves the chance to compete on equal footing again.
This isn’t about running from competition.
It’s about restoring competitive balance.
It’s about giving Williamsburg athletes what every athlete in Kentucky deserves — a realistic path to success.
When the numbers swing this dramatically for this long, something has to give.
Two decades later, the truth is clearer than ever:
Realignment needs to be discussed again, and this time, Williamsburg needs a new district home — one that reflects who they are, not who they’re forced to play.
