Contributed

Kevin "Ken" Spencer, a Moore County native and former Pinecrest High School basketball standout, accepted a position as an assistant basketball coach at Winston-Salem State University in late November.

In his new position, Spencer has been reunited with Bobby Collins, a former high school teammate and the head coach at Winston-Salem.

Spencer joined the Rams' basketball program after being at the helm of the varsity boys' basketball program at Marlboro County High School in Bennettsville, S.C., for the last eight seasons.

"This was probably the hardest decision I have had to make in my basketball career," Spencer said, "but I was presented with an opportunity to become a college basketball coach. I am always looking for my next challenge as a coach."

Spencer brings quite the track record to his new position.

While serving as the Marlboro County coach, he posted a record of 173-51. He led the Bulldogs to four lower state final appearances and six consecutive region championships. He directed the team to three state title appearances, including winning a state championship in 2001. He was named the South Carolina Coach of the Year twice.

He leaves as the winningest basketball coach in the school's history.

During his eight-year stint at Marlboro he developed many Division I players, including several that went to schools such as Georgia Tech and Florida State.

Spencer, the son of Levon and Josephine Spencer of Eagle Springs, resides in Moore County with his wife, Ellen, and 14-year-old daughter, Karmen. Spencer also has an adult son, Kevin Spencer Jr., who lives in Eagle Springs.