By Judah Goldemberg
On Friday February 2nd, the White Plains Varsity Basketball team traveled to Chappaqua for an important league matchup with Horace Greeley. The Tigers took care of business, blowing out Greeley 66-44. With the win, White Plains moved to 8-0 in the league, and 17-1 overall. But there was more to celebrate that night than just a league victory.
In his 31st season with White Plains, legendary coach Spencer Mayfield won his 500th game, the most for any coach in the White Plains Basketball program. Additionally, Coach Mayfield is one of only five coaches in Section One Boys Basketball history to achieve this milestone. He adds this win to his already accomplished résumé. In 2016, Coach Mayfield was inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame. He also achieved much success working as a scout in the NBA for the Utah Jazz.
On Tuesday February 6th before another league matchup, this time with Fox Lane, the Tigers, along with the entire White Plains community honored Coach Mayfield. The team presented him with a banner along with a basketball, signed by the entire squad. In the game with Fox Lane, the team once again showed their dominance, winning by 16, and most importantly clinching a league championship.
When addressing the Tigers, Coach Mayfield thanked them, remarking that “this would not be possible without all of you guys.” A true display of selflessness.
Coach Spencer Mayfield is as smart as they get in terms of basketball. Off the court, he is kind-hearted and is often heard cracking jokes.
The Tigers would have more to celebrate, though. That Thursday, they honored nine seniors before the final game of the regular season against Port Chester. White Plains blew out Port Chester, winning by 30. Senior forward Logan McCormick led the team scoring 30 points and grabbing six rebounds. Victory against Port Chester would put them at 19-1 on the regular season and 10-0 in the league.
The focus shifts now to the playoffs. The team had a fantastic regular season, but has their goals set higher.
Starting point guard, sophomore Nick Triolo, said the “job isn’t finished. We still have a lot more to accomplish.”
The Tigers earned the No. 1 seed, granting them a bye in the first round. On February 23rd, White Plains will host the winner of Ketcham vs. John Jay East-Fishkill in the Section Quarterfinals.