By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Many of the fundamentals for basketball remain the same for the game that was created more than 100 years ago. The shot clock has been around at different levels of the game since the 1950s, but it has never entered the high school scene in Kansas, until now.
The Kansas State High School Activities Association last week announced a trial basis for the 2024-2025 basketball season for a 35-second shot clock. All high schools will have the option to use the shot clock.
Great Bend High School Activities Director Matt Westerhaus said nothing is official but GBHS is highly considering the option.
"I think it's part of the evolution of the game," said Westerhaus. "I think it's a positive step. I know there are concerns about time taken away from the game, checking, clarifying and getting things right. Obviously, in the educational world that we live in, training and making sure you put the right people in the right place to run those things will be crucial."
Westerhaus said representatives from the Western Athletic Conference schools (Hays, Garden City, Dodge City, Liberal, Great Bend) will meet in February to discuss a joint decision to make use of the shot clock across the league.
In Ellinwood, USD 355 Superintendent Ben Jacobs mentioned Ellinwood High School is inclined to participate in the trial period.
"We will use the trial adoption as an opportunity to gather data to evaluate and determine if that is something we wish to continue permanently," said Jacobs.
The shot clock will not be used in the postseason next year, and Central Plains High School Activities Director Pat Stiles said he would be against it, at the moment, if the shot clock is not used in the playoffs.
Roni Ettleman, Larned High School Athletic Director, mentioned at this time USD 495 in Larned is not in favor of the shot clock because of many issues, especially for a small school.
"The biggest issue that I see is finding a worker who is both qualified and willing to do the job," said Ettleman. "The expense of adding the clocks, which we do not currently have is a concern. I would have to add them in both my middle school gym and high school gym as we host an early season tournament and we have varsity games in both gyms."
Hoisington High School Activities Director Faron Kraft said USD 431 in Hoisington has not discussed the matter yet.
In a press release from KSHSAA, officials said their Executive Board did not want the trial period only for a couple of classes, which led to a trial plan for all classes. Schools opting in will be required to fill out a survey after each game to collect data on the experience including score, number of violations and number of officials conferences to discuss shot clock issues.
Westerhaus estimated the cost to fully install shot clocks at Great Bend High School would be $5,000.
"I try to look at things positively," said Westerhaus. "This is an opportunity to see what it's like. We have to learn how to make it work if I'm an opposing coach. At least there is enough time for people to start thinking and preparing for it."
Schools opting to participate in the trial must notify KSHSAA by Oct. 1, 2024, but Westerhaus expected the WAC to make a joint decision much sooner than that
date.
"Many school officials have come to the realization over the past few years that the shot clock is coming," said Westerhaus. "Embrace it. Let's figure out how to make this positive step for the game. Some of the smaller schools are a little bit hesitant still. I think after this trial year, you'll see the shot clock put in play in the next couple of years for the bigger classifications, maybe not the lower classifications."
KSHSAA stated they will collect data and observations throughout the season before deciding about a permanent implementation following the 2024-2025 season.