A push by some schools for a shot clock in basketball will not be entertained by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association following action at last month’s board of control meeting.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) voted in 2022-23 to allow states to implement a shot clock at their discretion.
It’s created arguments for and against since that ruling. Purists don’t want a shot clock, saying it takes strategy out of the game through the use of set offensive plays. Those who want the clock say it creates a faster tempo with more shots and more points.
Another factor to consider is the cost to install the clocks and to have someone knowledgeable to operate the shot clock. Also, unlike the pro and college game, there is no replay available to determine when and to what point a shot clock should be reset which could lead to game delays.
The KHSAA surveyed its schools this past year. 137 of 237 schools (58%) did not want a shot clock for boys’ basketball. 141 of 232 (61%) did not want a shot clock for girls’ basketball.
A team that shoots every 35 seconds would have 55 field goal attempts in a regulation high school game. A team that shoots every 25 seconds would take 77 shots a game.
Lyon County’s boys in 2022-23 took 64 field goal attempts a game. However, they attempted 91 shots – field goals and free throws combined – every game. That’s two possessions a minute that end with a shot.
They voted against a shot clock in the survey as did nine other schools. Other Second Region schools that also voted against the shot clock were Caldwell County, Dawson Springs, Henderson County, Hopkins County Central, Livingston Central, Trigg County, Union County, Webster County, and University Heights Academy
Region schools that voted for a shot clock were Christian County, Crittenden County, Heritage Christian Academy, Hopkinsville, Madisonville,
Fort Campbell did not respond to the survey.
One Response
Just another reason our kids are not fully prepared for the college game. Some coaches don’t teach aggressive play and this hurts players from developing.
Secondly, high school basketball can be boring when teams pass the ball for lengths of time. Attendance drops.
This is a setback for Ky schools.