
DATE: Wednesday, May 21, 1997               TAG: 9705210726

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JAMES C. BLACK, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: SUFFOLK                           LENGTH:   41 lines

N. RIVER'S MAYFIELD RETIRES WITH 411 VICTORIES

Spencer Mayfield, South Hampton Roads' winningest boys basketball coach, has stepped down after 411 victories and four state championships.

Mayfield began his coaching career at John F. Kennedy High School in 1969, winning state titles in 1974 and 1983. When Kennedy consolidated with other schools to form Nansemond River High in 1990, Mayfield moved into the head coaching spot. He led the Warriors to Group AA titles in 1992 and 1995.

``Right now, I feel real good about my decision,'' Mayfield said. ``I have no remorse, no regrets.''

Mayfield's last season produced a 14-6 record, and a controversy.

Antoine Willie - the Warriors' leading scorer and two-time Group AA player of the year - missed two games late in the season when he was dismissed from the squad by Mayfield. He was later reinstated.

Mayfield emphasized that his decision was made well before the Willie situation, a decision that took some by surprise.

``I was real upset that I couldn't play my senior year for him,'' said guard Clarence Lewis, who learned of the news on Monday, ``but he said he'll be there if I needed his help.''

Mayfield, a 1965 graduate of Elizabeth City State University is a wood shop instructor at the school and said he will continue in that position.

Nansemond River principal Sam Jones said the coaching job will be officially posted next week. He expects applications from within the school. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic with photo of Mayfield

South Hampton Roads Public school boys basketball career coaching

victories

Spencer Mayfield, Nansemond River 411

Leo Anthony, P. Anne/F. Colonial 407

*Jack Baker, Maury 397

Charles Christian, Booker T. 344

*Bill Cochrane, Salem 315

Bob Smith, Norcom 311

* Denotes active coach