News Summary

A significant number of high schools in Kentucky are resisting the adoption of a shot clock for basketball. Nearly 60% of the 252 schools surveyed have voiced their opposition, highlighting concerns over costs and the need for a national mandate. The Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s board plans to further discuss the matter before making a decision. As most states embrace the shot clock, Kentucky’s resistance raises questions about the community’s openness to change.

Kentucky High Schools Speak Out Against Shot Clock in Basketball

In the Bluegrass state, a lively debate is occurring about the future of basketball at the high school level! It seems that nearly 60% of high schools in Kentucky are not on board with adopting a shot clock for boys’ and girls’ basketball games. This discussion recently heated up as the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) Board of Control gathered for its first meeting of the 2025-26 school year.

The Numbers Are In

Out of 252 participating schools in the KHSAA, a significant number—specifically 150 schools—have voiced their opposition to the shot clock proposal. Most of these schools have stated that they would only consider such a change if it was mandated at the national level by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

What’s Next on the Agenda?

The KHSAA board is taking its time with this decision. Board president-elect Damon Kelley, also the athletic director at Paul Laurence Dunbar, has decided to table the vote on the shot clock proposal until September 18. He believes that the subject deserves a more in-depth discussion, especially considering the various opinions on the matter.

Survey Says

A survey conducted by the KHSAA earlier this summer revealed the strong sentiment against the shot clock. With almost 60% of schools leaning towards keeping things as they are, it raises questions about how open the community is to change. This opposition is interesting, especially when taking into account the fact that many states across the country have already embraced the shot clock.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

Interestingly, the trend seems to be moving towards the adoption of a shot clock for high school basketball. The majority of states in the U.S. already implement a shot clock at some level, making Kentucky somewhat of an outlier. Just this past April, Oklahoma joined the ranks of states implementing a 35-second shot clock set to start in the 2026-27 season. Meanwhile, the NFHS has announced that over 30 states, including Washington, D.C., will have some form of a shot clock in place by the same deadline.

The Pros and Cons

Supporters of the shot clock argue that it can speed up the game, encourage creative offensive play, and put a stop to those frustrating stalling tactics. It’s believed that the shot clock could ensure that games remain exciting and engaging. However, there are also valid concerns raised by opponents who highlight significant costs associated with equipment and the potential need to hire someone to operate the shot clock during games. This could be a heavy financial lift for certain schools that may already be struggling with budgets.

What Does This All Mean?

With the growing trend of adopting a shot clock in other states, Kentucky’s resistance may come under more scrutiny. For now, the KHSAA will continue its discussions, seeking a balance between tradition and innovation in the game that many love. Only time will tell if basketball in Kentucky will make the leap ahead to join the majority or stay with its current practices. Until then, fans and players alike will keep a close eye on the developments as the date for the vote approaches!

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