J.L. Mann High Hires New Girls Basketball Coach

Darren Mazyck replaces Lamont Wakefield as head coach of the Patriots' girls basketball team.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:29pm

A fragmented, abstract painting featuring sharp, angular shapes in navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the fast-paced action and tactical nuance of a high school basketball game.The geometric, cubist style of this illustration captures the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of high school basketball.Manning Today

J.L. Mann High School in Greenville, South Carolina has hired Darren Mazyck as the new head coach of the girls basketball team, replacing Lamont Wakefield. Mazyck brings over a decade of coaching experience, including 10 region championships at Manning High School and a recent stint at Ashley Ridge.

Why it matters

High school sports coaching changes are closely watched by local communities, as the head coach plays a crucial role in developing young athletes both on and off the court. Mazyck's impressive track record suggests he can continue the Patriots' success and build on the program's strong tradition.

The details

Darren Mazyck began his coaching career at C.E. Murray High School before taking over the girls basketball program at Manning High School in 2014. During his 7-year tenure, he led the Monarchs to 10 region championships. In 2021, Mazyck accepted the head coaching position at Ashley Ridge High School.

  • Mazyck was announced as the new J.L. Mann girls basketball coach on April 10, 2026.
  • He previously served as the head coach at Manning High School from 2014 to 2021.

The players

Darren Mazyck

The new head coach of the J.L. Mann High School girls basketball team, bringing over a decade of coaching experience including 10 region championships at Manning High School.

Lamont Wakefield

The former head coach of the J.L. Mann High School girls basketball team, who Mazyck is replacing.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to welcome Coach Mazyck to the J.L. Mann family. His proven track record of success and player development make him the ideal choice to lead our girls basketball program.”

— Dr. Samantha Wilkins, J.L. Mann High School Principal

What’s next

Mazyck will begin his tenure as the new J.L. Mann girls basketball coach immediately, leading the team through the offseason and into the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Darren Mazyck's hiring represents an opportunity for the J.L. Mann girls basketball program to build on its strong foundation and compete for regional and state championships under a coach with a proven record of success.