THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 8, 1995 TAG: 9501060197
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE MICHAUX, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
Four years ago when the decision was made to combine four Suffolk schools into two larger ones - one of the best athletic rivalries in the area was created.
It doesn't matter what the sport is, Nansemond River and Lakeland are always battling for bragging rights.
Tuesday night the debate continues when Lakeland and Nansemond River meet on the basketball court at Nansemond River at 7:30.
``That stuff doesn't bother me,'' Nansemond River coach Spencer Mayfield said.
Lakeland coach John Fuller prefers to think of Nansemond River as just the next team on his schedule.
``What rivalry?'' Fuller laughed.
The Warriors have dominated the rivalry in football and field hockey and cross country. They have controlled the Bay Rivers district in basketball with three district titles and one state championship to their credit.
``We can't worry about our won-loss record against a team we are playing,'' Mayfield said. ``That's history, and I can't change that.''
Mayfield's players try to make light of the rivalry, as well, knowing that the teams get at least two guaranteed meetings during the regular season.
The Lakeland Christmas tournament invites Nansemond River and two other schools in hopes of the city schools meeting for the championship. This year it didn't work out that way.
``I was sorry we couldn't play them,'' Warrior James Parker said. ``But we already know we are better.''
Lakeland's Sebastian Yates has likened playing Nansemond River to playing a AAA school.
``They always have something over there,'' Yates said. ``Everywhere you go you see somebody from Nansemond River. We want to win that game.''
Tuesday night there may be more than bragging rights on the line.
Should everything go according to plan during the weekend, the Warriors and Cavaliers will go into the game sharing the district lead.
``Every year we want to win,'' Lakeland's Brian Baker said. ``This year, I think we want it more. We could be playing for the district lead.
``If we play team ball and make less mistakes than they do, we can beat them.''
Whether the coaches want the players to be thinking about Tuesday's game more than any other or not, a fierce rivalry does breed a lot of benefits.
None of the players can talk about the other team without quickening their speech and breaking into a smile.
``It gets us a lot more hyped for the game than some of the other teams,'' Baker said. ``Everybody comes out and wants to see us play.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Nansemond River's Antoine Willie keeps an eye on the ball as
Wilson's Andy Ballard passes in the opening game of the tournament
at Lakeland.
by CNB