Anthony Hibbard introduced as new Williamsburg basketball coach

The Williamsburg community was formally introduced to new Jackets Basketball Coach Anthony Hibbard Thursday morning.

Hibbard, who is coming to Williamsburg from Oneida Baptist Institute, lead the Mountaineers to a 16-14 record in 2021-22 that included a 66-62 win over Williamsburg on Feb. 5 and a 52-41 win over Middlesboro on Dec. 10.

Prior to taking over at OBI last season, Hibbard served as an assistant at Clay County.

He began his coaching career in 2014 as an assistant with the North Laurel Lady Jaguars, going on to be an assistant for two season with the boys’ team.

“We really believe that Jacket Pride is real,” Hibbard told a crowd gathered in the gym. “We want to try to promote this program and elevate this program to the highest level.”

“We want to do more than that,” Hibbard said. “We want it to be a community and a family.”

Hibbard is taking over from Eric Swords who resigned to take the head coaching position at Whitley County.

The Jackets went 16-14 in 2021-22, losing in the first round of the 50^th District Tournament to South Laurel.

Barring any transfers or players who elect not to play, Hibbard will lose one player from the squad in senior Evan Steely.

Returning players include Martin Shannon, Bryson Potter and Connor Lay.