Being a freshman, Bentonville’s Cash Jones knew he might be at a disadvantage physically against older high school wrestlers.
“At the beginning of the season I knew I had to get stronger wrestling against guys four years older,” Jones said. “I had to focus on my technique and just get better at wrestling.”
He did just that.
Jones dominated in-state opponents at both 113 and 106 pounds. He won three tournaments at 113, then finished the season winning the Big West Conference and the Class 6A-7A state title at 106.
He finished the season 52-4 and for those accomplishments was honored as the All-NWADG Newcomer of the Year.
Jones had no problem pointing out his low point of the season. He lost twice and finished ninth at the 47th annual Kinloch Classic in Springfield, Mo., on Jan. 1-2. From that point, he was a near-perfect 30-1 and avenged one of those earlier losses. Dropping in weight class late in the season was strictly to help his team since the Tigers didn’t have a 106-pounder, Jones said. “I was planning to stay at 113, but it would help them out if I went down,” Jones said. “It’s a team sport. I naturally walk around at around 120. It was a pretty big cut, but once I got down it was easier to stay down there.” He acknowledged the season had ups and downs, but the 15-year-old was pleased overall. “I feel like I lost some matches I shouldn’t have lost, but I won some I shouldn’t have won,” Jones said. “I’d say take out that weekend in Springfield and I had an outstanding season. I just have to constantly work on my craft and get better.”
— Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB