Jones slings and swings Highland to a conference championship

POCATELLO — The Highland Rams are once again district champions, after sweeping Madison and Thunder Ridge during last week’s 6A District 4-5-6 tournament.

Highland took both games of a home doubleheader against the Bobcats, winning 7-6 then 11-0. The Rams followed that up with another home doubleheader sweep, beating the Titans 4-2 and 8-5.

No single player figured into all four outcomes as much as junior Kai Jones.

He did it with the bat, going 5-for-11 (.455) during the tournament, with a double, four RBIs and two runs scored. He also drew a walk and was hit by a pitch, for a .538 on-base percentage.

He is currently third on the team in hits (33) and batting average (.379), and tied for second in RBIs (31).

Jones also did it from the mound, tossing a pair of complete-game wins.

He held Madison scoreless on two hits while striking out eight in an 11-0 5-inning mercy-rule victory on Monday. Then he came back four days later and tossed 7 complete, holding Thunder Ridge to four hits and two runs while striking out five.

Combined, Jones pitched 12 innings while holding opponents to six hits and four walks (for a 0.833 WHIP) and two runs scored. He struck out 13.

Jones is fourth on the team in ERA (3.90) among pitchers who have compiled 10 or more innings pitched (41-1/3) and second on the team in wins (4). His 49 strikeouts are second only to senior Nash Randall (52).

Behind the junior two-way star, Highland earned the right to host a state regional tournament, beginning Friday.

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Bonneville, South Fremont, Marsh Valley, Salmon and Malad will each host their own regional tournaments.

Regional tournaments will decide state qualifiers. The state tournaments will be held May 14-16 at sites across the state.

The 5A teams will play locally, at Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls, while 4A teams will be at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. All other tournaments will be played in the Boise area.