Don’t look now, but there’s a dynasty that’s been built in North Carolina you may not be aware of.

Nestled in the town of Taylorsville, which Head Coach Monte Sherrill describes as being “like the sister city of Mayberry, the town from the Andy Griffith Show (1960’s huge TV show for those too young to remember!), the softball program at Alexander Central High is on fire.

So successful was the year—for a variety of reasons—I pegged the 35-0 season for Alexander Central High as the No. 5 story of 2014.

Coach Sherrill, who surpassed the 700 win mark last season, is loaded again and though he lost one daughter, Bailey to graduation, his younger daughter Vada returns after an All-American season as a junior.

But she’s not the only standout coming back—the team is loaded once again and looks more than capable of winning its fifth state title in seven years and expanding on a 66-game win streak.

Central was the No. 1 ranked team by USA Today last year—we had them No. 3—and they will start off the season highly ranked again.

Here’s a look at Coach Sherrill’s team in his own words with all comments being his…

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This 2015 season brings a team with a lot of potential and promise. Many may linger on our squad losing six players that are currently playing in college, but I love the returning team and know that they are prepared and willing to prove once again that we are among the very best.

We are extremely proud of our 11 players that have moved on and are playing in college. They are still part of the softball family that we speak about each day.

In order to win four out of the last six state 4A titles in North Carolina is something that is beyond special, especially considering in the two years that fell out of that pattern, we were ranked in the National Top 5 Poll.

I would have to say that’s a huge credit to both our players and parents for their continuous dedication to the sport, our program, and their own personal development. It’s surely not a program that everyone can play in. The players who join this team have to be mentally tough, internally driven, skilled in the game itself, as well as being highly dedicated.

My mentality and the system that I strive to instill within the players is pulled directly from the ever-constant blue-collar values that represent Alexander County and its signature craftsmanship.

And this new season gives us the opportunity to redefine our commitment to these principles. Simply put, if we work hard and carry out what’s to be considered the norm, we will come out on top. Our program has produced first class individuals and it always gives us great pride to take time and reflect on their successes.

Last year for example, we had a dynamic duo at the top of the order with Vada Sherrill and Bailey Rhoney (who graduated early to play at UNCC this spring.) This season we are just as lethal with a combination of Vada and Tianna Batts, who will make up the state’s best 1-2 punch at the top of our order.

Between the two in 2014, the two accounted for over 100 hits, 100 runs, right at 90 stolen bases, and hit .550. With these two running in 2.63-2.65 range from contact at the plate to first, pressure is immense on the opponent’s infielders and catcher when they steal second base. And it’s not an if they steal; it’s which pitch they will be stealing.

The middle of the hitting order will consist of Makenzie Pennell, Kiana Millsaps, Taylor Payne and Makayla Shore. They all have great power and hand-eye coordination. This middle of the order will have to produce big for our team to put the numbers we put on the board last season.

I look for all four of these hitters to tattoo the ball with authority.  There are several old hats and freshmen who will round out the starters, so it’s hard to say at this time who will be where in those 7 and 8 hitting slots. Chelsea Krider will be in the 9 slot because of her great speed and the quality hitter she is to set the table for Vada in the leadoff position. She is just like having another leadoff hitter!

Meanwhile on defense, we are looking great at most of the spots. Going around the Horn, we will start Makenzie Pennell at third and catch occasionally, Vada will play shortstop. Taylor Payne is rock solid at first base and could play some outfield. Second base is still wide open for the most part with several players competing. Junior Chelsea Krider and freshman Julie Gast are slightly ahead of the other possibilities.

In the outfield, Tianna Batts is a lock in center. At this point I really don’t know who will win the spots, but Mimi Venegas and Caroline Maltba are looking solid. The battery for this year is going to be a mixture of senior Kiana Millsaps, freshman Jackie Little and senior MaKayla Shore on the rubber with a dynamic of Makenzie Pennell and Makayla Shore catching.

Freshman Alexis Walter has a possibility to see time on the varsity as a catcher, but we will see how she develops.

I am blessed to have an unbelievable group of assistant coaches along with Manager Justin Watson.

Come out and enjoy a game this spring. I think you will find an aggressive team that is fun to watch play! Every year in our program we have the same goal: bring home the next State Championship Trophy to T-Ville.

WE ARE AC!

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… and finally, here’s a player-by-player scouting report with analysis from Coach Sherrill:

— OF Tianna Batts (2016, Tennessee)
What an exceptional athlete Tianna has developed into since high school started. The Univ. of Tennessee loves her speed and we do too! “TT” ended up with 40 plus stolen bases last year hitting in the nine spot, so I am sure hitting in the 2 hole she will be in the 50-60 range this year. Tianna has grown from the kid who just bunted into a player you cannot predict her strategy. She has really improved her game with the power slap and hitting away. In last year’s state finals, her line drive to right with base loaded really broke the back of Cape Fear High. Like I said before, very few outfielders have the instincts and speed to be a two-gap player but we have one in center. She is one of the nation’s best overall outfielders.”

— C/1B Alexis Walter (2018)
“This kid has it going on, if she blossoms like she should, she will develop into a big-time D1 player. Alexis has all the tools to be great. Her size, athleticism, arm strength, intelligence, drive, attitude and family support allows her to reach the top level of play. Alexis just looks like a D1 catcher already and I am so excited about her future.”

— MIF/OF Caroline Maltba (2017)
“Caroline is just a well-rounded athlete and she has a very high intellect. Caroline was a catcher in middle school, but has transitioned to middle infield and outfielder. Her speed is a huge asset and she has very good hand eye coordination. As a coach, you want to see your players excel, but Caroline is a step above that. You pull hard for her due to her service toward the betterment of your team and how much of a first class young lady she is. She is definitely in the mix as a starter on the varsity and I look forward to her as she gains more strength to add pop in her swing.”

—OF/2B Chelsea Krider (2016)
“Chelsea comes from a line of great ballplayers, with her sister Christina just graduating last spring and Stephanie leaving our program for the Carolina Tarheels three years ago. Chelsea is very skilled at the plate and can really handle the bat bunting, slapping or hitting away and her foot speed always shines through. Whether she’s running the bases or laying out for a ball, Chelsea displays her speed as well as determination to be the best player she can be. This season we will be looking for Chelsea to play second base or start in right field.”

— P/1B Jackie Little (2018)
“Jackie has developed into a very mature pitcher at such an early age. Her dad has really been instrumental in the process, taking her to Rick Pauly, who along with Robbie Wilkinson, I consider to be the best pitching coach in the Southeast. Jackie throws with above average velocity but really throws a punch with her spin rate and integrity. Her curve ball is signature and she can paint both sides of the plate with it. Jackie is definitely a big-time D1 recruit. I would really like to use her and Kiana in the same way we used Bailey Rhoney/Kiana last season. Each one of them is a contrast of styles which proved effective in 2014.”

— 2B Julie Gast (2018)
“Julie has really been a pleasant surprise to me. I have always watched her play and I knew she was solid, but watching her in fall workouts has shown me she’s an even greater player. Julie is a great example of not underestimating a kid due to their size. Over the years, I have learned that it’s not the size of the dog in the fight as much as it is the size of the fight in the dog. Julie could very well start at second base this season if she is consistent and plays with energy with the glove. She knows our system like the back of her hand, which is amazing as a ninth grader. She seems to be one of those players who is always at the right place at the right time.”

— P/DH Kiana Millsaps (2015)
“You can’t argue with a 43-0 record in high school! Her throwing velocity is better than average, but Kiana’s greatest asset is her movement. Rarely does a player really hit the ball in the screws against her. On the offensive side, this kid’s presence at the plate is something special. The ghost of Kiana’s legendary great grandfather Efird Gwaltney showed up in last year’s playoff game against JM Robinson. That homerun bomb was like the shot heard ’round the world. Until the day that I die I will remember the one-of-a-kind look in Kiana’s eyes in the brief conversation just before that homerun–something that remains in your mind forever. We brought up the verse in the book of Esther, “For you were made for such a time as this” and that is how I would describe Kiana’s readiness for this season. Kiana is a special kid and I have loved watching her play every second she’s been out on the field.”

— C/3B Makenzie Pennell (2017)
“Now here is a player who’s a joy to coach! It’s refreshing to see the sparkle in a kid’s eye knowing she plays the game to individually excel but more so in the betterment of the team. In a day and age where kids and even parents question anything and everything for their daughter’s personal game, this kid is the epitome of team. Mackenzie has a rifle for an arm with soft hands in the glove. She may play catcher or third depending on the situation. She will hit in the 3 or 4 spot in the order and packs a punch to be her size. People around AC her know now, but the state will know her by year’s end. This kid is going to have a fantastic year!”

— C/P McKayla Shore (2015)
“What a special young lady McKayla is, she is another throwback to the 1950’s. She’s a “Yes sir, no sir,” type who hustles her tail off, is always dirty when she leaves, plays every key spot on the field well and is always the first to jump to the head of the line to work. She is an accomplished pitcher with the rise, curse and drop curve, but when we needed a solid player behind the plate with a great arm, she has stepped her game up and taken over at catcher. She is who we are. I can’t say enough great things about Shore.”

— OF Myrella Venegas (2018)
“Mimi is quite the athlete and she is competing for a starting spot in the varsity outfield. She has really committed herself to be the best player she can be by taking lessons and speed training. Mimi talks about being good and then has spent three hours a day since August working toward that goal. She is solid in the outfield, but we need her to polish her skill set. With the bat, Myrella is strong and will hit 4-6 home runs this year if she hits like her skill set shows. She can be a special player by staying aggressive.”

— 1B/OF Taylor Payne (2016)
“Taylor came in several times last season pinch hitting and has impeccable bat speed. This season we can’t wait to see even more killer cuts from this seasoned junior. She is a player who can play almost any position on the field but her soft hands and footwork around the bag at first have set her a part from her peers. We need “TP” to produce at the plate for our season to be another state title. She has a quiet confidence about her and I know she can play in the clutch. Taylor will hit 5-8 home runs this season for us in the middle of the order.”

— Vada Sherrill (2015)
“Vada will hit in the leadoff spot to set the tone for our games. Last season, she became the first player in the state’s history to reach at least 60 hits and 60 runs scored in a single season. Vada is an exceptional hitter and it seems she has the ability to play her best against the best. Her defense in the state finals was nothing short of amazing and the double play backhand flip broke Cape Fear’s back. Vada joined Chelsea Wilkinson as the only AC player ever to win the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year Award. She will be moving to shortstop this year and people will be amazed at her range and arm strength. I could go on and on about her skill set at short, but she reminds me of a combo of the best shortstops to play at AC with Tamera McClain’s arm, Kirstin Morris’ soft hands and Meg Chapman’s arm. I am sure Vada will have another unbelievable year and may set all the offensive records in AC’s rich history. She is a rare five-tool player.”

Check out this amazing play by Vada Sherrill in last year’s championship game: