Lakeland High School set aside time prior to one of its games earlier this week to honor the late, great coach Spencer Mayfield Jr.

The Warriors and Cavs were set to face off at Lakeland on Tuesday night. Before the game, the Lakeland community along with the Old School Classic Committee and Zion Community Church recognized Mayfield with Dr. Carolyn Mayfield, the widow of the late coach, in attendance. Mayfield died Dec. 10, 2016.

Over 25 years coaching at Nansemond River High School and John F. Kennedy High School, Mayfield compiled a 411-170 win-loss record. He coached John F. Kennedy to state titles in 1974 and 1983 and Nansemond River to state wins in 1992 and 1995.

Mayfield also impacted his players far beyond basketball. Players he coached in the past have become good citizens in the Suffolk community. Current King’s Fork High School girls’ basketball coach Maurice Fofana and Lakeland Athletic Director Gregory Rountree are just a couple of people whom Mayfield influenced.

His strict coaching style received a lot of scrutiny, but he believed that was going to best suit his athletes not just on the court but in life as well. Some of the players he has coached have gone on to become administrators, coaches and pastors, among other things.

“Few have left an impact within the city of Suffolk as profound as Coach Spencer Mayfield Jr.,” Cavs coach Clint Wright said.

Lakeland High School boys’ basketball appreciated what Zion Community Church does for them and the community.