The high school basketball game in Wisconsin between Appleton North and Kaukauna proves it is time for every state to implement a shot clock. Teams should not be allowed to stand completely still for more than two minutes.
Games should not be decided by stalling.
Only 24 of 50 states currently use a shot clock for high school basketball. That number needs to be 50.
High school basketball does not use a universal shot clock.
More than 50% of the country does not require its teams to shoot within a defined period of time. The offense is allowed to hold the ball for as long as it wants.
The primary explanations for the lack of shot clock are as follow:
- Bad teams are forced to take even more bad shots with a shot clock.
- Scores will get even more out of hand.
- Some coaches don’t believe a shot clock would increase the level of play.
- The cost of installing and operating shot clocks can be prohibitive for smaller schools.
- Installing adequate shot clock systems can cost thousands of dollars.
- An extra official would need to be hired for every game to watch the clock.
I completely understand the complications. To implement a shot clock is not as easy as it sounds.
However, the lack of official count leads to a poor product. Less-talented teams are able to pull major upsets by refusing to shoot the basketball. That is not how the game should be played.
Appleton North beat Kaukauna.
This latest example of shot clock exploitation is not the most egregious. There have been far worse.
That does not make it any less frustrating.
Appleton North and Kaukauna are two of the top-ranked high school basketball team in the state of Wisconsin, which does not use a shot clock. They played each other on Friday night. The Lightning defeated the Galloping Ghosts by 11 points.
Appleton North extended its lead to eight with a three-pointer right before halftime. Kaukauna could not do anything on defense while its opponent stood just beyond the arc and did not move or dribble for more than two minutes. The Lightning took the ball up the court and stalled. The crowd booed.
Appleton would’ve been forced to shoot if there was a shot clock. Kaukauna would’ve had enough time for another offensive possession before halftime to keep the game within two possessions.
Maybe it wouldn’t’ve mattered in the grand scheme of things. That’s fine. It is time to implement a shot clock in all 50 states to avoid a situation where an offense can completely shut down.