THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 15, 1996 TAG: 9603150609
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMES C. BLACK, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
Derrick Bryant streaks down the floor of Birdsong Recreation Center looking for the pass. With a teammate and defender keeping pace, Bryant awaits his chance to explode. And then, with the ball thrown off the backboard, Bryant slams a thunderous dunk.
The Nansemond River alumnus is not alone in entertaining the Suffolk Invitational Tournament crowd. Nor is he the only former Suffolk high school star in the house. Players such as Michael ``Bird'' Britt, Tony Lundy helped Suffolk high school basketball gain state-wide recognition.
``Some towns are football towns. Some towns are baseball towns. Suffolk's a basketball city,'' said Lakeland coach John Fuller, whose Cavaliers (18-9) play today in the state Group AA semifinals. ``The kids play on the outdoor courts all the time and they play at Birdsong in the rec center program.''
To date, Suffolk high schools have claimed eight state basketball championships: five combined for Suffolk, JFK and Forest Glen - which, along with John Yeates, were closed and consolidated into two schools in 1990 - and two by Nansemond River. The eighth championship was won by Charles Christian's all-black Booker T. Washington team of the Virginia Interscholastic Association in 1958.
The number could increase to nine by Saturday. Defending Group AA champ Nansemond River (24-2) accompanies Lakeland to the semis.
Pinpointing the huge success of Suffolk basketball is easy for athletes and coaches. For most, it began at Birdsong.
``In this community, it (Birdsong) has allowed a lot of young guys to get started at an early age playing this game,'' Bryant said.
An All-CIAA forward at Norfolk State this year, Bryant was a member of Nansemond River's 1992 state championship squad. Two weeks ago, he helped Norfolk State to the CIAA tournament title.
``I'm pretty sure a lot of us would not be where we are without Birdsong,'' Bryant said.
Nor would a lot of athletes have excelled without the push of coach Spencer Mayfield. Since becoming a head coach in 1970, the Suffolk native and Elizabeth City State graduate has produced winners.
Mayfield won a pair of Group AA titles with JFK and has earned two more with Nansemond River. And he has achieved them with discipline and confidence.
``I never underestimate my opponent because I believe the coach I am going up against is just as smart or smarter than me,'' Mayfield said. ``Everything has to be proven on the court. You don't win a game with words.''
Group A Suffolk High School won the state title in 1987 and reached the semifinals the next two years.
Next year, Lakeland and Nansemond River will move up to the Group AAA Southeastern District. That give the Suffolk schools more exposure, and the chance to prove themselves on a regular basis. by CNB