Once Post 11 finds identity, it hits stride on baseball diamond

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on August 11, 2014 7:51 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

DUDLEY -- On one hand, Wayne County Post 11 knew it had to depend on numerous unproven first-year players this summer.

On the other, the roster was littered with athleticism and speed, which -- at times -- covered up the team's imperfections.

Most of all, Post 11 needed to break a frustrating string of consecutive season-ending losses to nemesis Pitt County 39.

"Going into the year with as many new guys that we had, we didn't know what we were going to get out of them," third-year WC head coach Jason Sherrer said. "It took us a while to figure out who they were. About midseason and after playing -- and winning -- some close games, the guys figured out who they are.

"When they came together as a team, we started to rattle off a few wins in a row."

Wayne County claimed its first Area I East Division crown since 2011 with a 4-2 conquest of Post 39 in the regular-season finale for both teams. Post 11 kept its momentum, beat Pitt County in the division championship series and clinched a berth in the N.C. Senior American Legion state tournament.

Sherrer's club reached the final four.

"Obviously, making it to states is pretty satisfying," said Sherrer, whose team won eight straight games after a mid-season loss at Wilson Post 13.

"Nobody is going to be happy once you leave the state tournament without the championship. We played hard and played some very good teams. Wayne County is a well-seasoned, historical program. I try to pride myself on continuing that tradition and they did a great job."

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Post 11 started the season 1-2.

There was no need to hit the panic button ... yet.

A talent-rich team, Wayne County scratched out nine wins, two losses and one tie during a 12-game stretch. Sherrer developed a pitching rotation with Greg Johnson, a rising sophomore at Methodist; Southeastern CC signee Jackson Hayes and spot starts from Logan Miller, Ben Rouse and Kevin Williams.

Johnson emerged as the team leader with five wins in eight total decisions. A southpaw, Johnson and the hard-throwing Hayes combined to throw 107 of the team's 224 innings. Johnson posted a 3.10 earned run average, while Hayes finished with a 3.67 ERA.

Eight different pitchers recorded at least one victory for Wayne County. Ryan Faucette led the bullpen with three saves -- the most by a Post 11 hurler since Bryant Stafford had three stops in 2012.

Wayne County finished with a 3.82 team ERA.

"I think I probably could have thrown another starter in the rotation early on just to get Greg and Jackson some time off as far as throwing as many innings as they did," Sherrer said. "Every game we went into, it was my job to put the best nine or 10 guys out there who could play based on what's best for the team.

"I thought everything played out and everybody had their chance."

Five hitters -- Garrett Joyner, Kevin Williams, Faucette, Zack Smith and Chad Spurgeon -- held down the first five spots in the lineup. Sherrer alternated the final four slots and found a productive quartet during the postseason.

Rouse stepped into starting role in the Garner series and hit .368 -- third-best on the team behind Faucette and Williams -- the remainder of the postseason. Faucette earned the team's unofficial triple crown -- batting average (.438), home runs (six) and RBI (32). The University of Mount Olive signee also led the team in total hits (49), extra-base knocks (15) and ended up second in stolen bases (14).

Joyner swiped a team-best 15 bases.

Overall, Wayne County utilized its speed to steal 61 bags -- its highest regular-season total since taking 51 bags in 2011.

"I was pleased that the guys figured out who they were and what they needed to do," Sherrer said. "They put themselves in position to succeed, not necessarily getting a hit, but to help the team as the season went on. That was a big improvement from the first weekend of the season."

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While Post 11 discovered its identity, it also handled adversity.

Two players departed which depleted the bullpen and also took away an infielder/designated hitter. Tim Naughton suffered a broken right foot against Kinston and didn't officially return until Wayne County reached the state tournament.

Williams was thrust into the catching role full-time. The Southeastern CC signee collected 140-plus putouts and gave Sherrer some stability behind the plate. Offensively, Williams set the table for Faucette to drive in a few runs, and wasn't afraid to either bunt or execute during a hit-and-run situation.

"Kevin didn't miss a beat," Sherrer said. "He had the attitude of doing whatever was necessary to help out the team. His quiet leadership with the entire club was huge."

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Sherrer boosted his career record to 50-26-1.

He attributed his success to the players' full commitment, competitiveness and loyalty to the program.

Behind the scenes, athletic officers Keith Hayes and Roger Smith compiled the paperwork to make sure the players were eligible to play. Rob Craig slid into an assistant coaching role, worked well with the players and handled day-to-day duties.

Sherrer offered his biggest kudos to the parents, who traveled well with the team and raised money to help cover expenses for the state tournament.

"Our fans are very committed," Sherrer said. "I had really good time coaching. I thoroughly enjoyed it."