Williamsburg HS e-sports team celebrates success at the end of fall season

The Williamsburg Yellow Jacket e-sports fall season is coming to a close. This year the Yellow Jacket squad saw tremendous success. Their teams now have over 30 players, playing in League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Madden ‘23, NBA 2K23, Splatoon 3, and Mario Kart.

Some of the highlights from the season include Noble Mattingly being rated first in the state for Gold Per Minute and ranked third in overall KDA in League of Legends. Right on his heels is Trent Cox, who is ranked 4th in KDA in League of Legends. Coach Bill Conn said that, considering how young the League of Legends teams are, he anticipates a bright spring season, and beyond.

Other highlights include having two Madden ‘23 teams make the top 16, placing 12th and 13th respectively. Going into the final week of the regular season League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, and Mario Kart all were in the running to make the Sweet 16. Also, the numbers for the overall program continue to grow and the coaching staff is working on a feeder program for students in 6th through 8th grade.

Coach Conn said at the end of the week, “I am proud of the players as they represented the school well. It is a disappointment that we did not reach our team goals for the fall season but we have learned so much in a short period of time that the spring season looks extremely promising.”

Conn also commented, “I am so grateful to my assistant coach, Brandon King. As I was working with the console games, he was working with our players on all PC games. I am also thankful for the partnerships within the community. First Baptist Church has been a great host to us, and we could not have participated without them. Also, with the partnership with University of the Cumberlands, they have been a great resource for our players to refine their skill set. I am also very thankful for our three seniors this fall season. They each have led and made sure everyone knows our expectations in practices, playing in matches, in the classroom, and in our community. With that being said we will take off for Thanksgiving, and have open practices between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Then we will get back at it returning from Christmas break.”

The final fall rankings for the teams are as follows. Note: NBA2K23 and Splatoon 3 are played regionally, meaning that the entire southeast United States. Everything else is played at the state level…

League of Legends – Ranked 17th

Madden 23 – Ranked 12th and 13th

Mario Kart – Ranked 18th

NBA 2K23 – Ranked 107th (tied)

Rocket League – Ranked 24th and 64th

Super Smash Bros – Ranked 23rd and 42nd

Splatoon 3 – Ranked 133rd