This past week, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Board of Control approved the use of a 35-second shot clock in both boys and girls varsity basketball. The decision was made after a 13-5 vote by the Board of Control, however the shot clock will not go into effect until the 2027-2028 season. Furthermore, it will not be implemented in postseason play until 2028.
The shot clock was experimented with throughout several tournaments last season, most notably the Louisville Invitational Tournament.
“We played a couple of games with a shot clock and it didn’t affect us much. We typically get shots off much quicker than 35 seconds. I don’t see it being a huge deal for us. It adds more strategy into end of quarter and end of game situations, in my opinion,” shared Lady Colonels Head Coach Stephen Haile.
According to the release by KHSAA, 32 states around the country currently use some form of the shot clock. The two-year delay will allow member schools to adapt their budgets for new equipment and training. According to most estimates from states that have already implemented a shot clock, costs can range anywhere from $3000-$6000. It could be more or less depending on existing equipment and wiring.
Boys Head Coach Tyler Smithhart added, “I’m very excited. It’s good for the game and good for our program. I’m happy to see us progressing as a state.”
