The Indiana high school basketball playoff game between Hanover Central and Lowell proves it is time for every state to implement a shot clock. They played to the second-lowest combined score of any sectional game in the class era.
The Wildcats scored only 18 total points to defeat the Red Devils by five.
To make matters worse, this was not a situation where either team held the ball near half court for an extended period of time without any pressure. Both high school basketball teams played defense.
Indiana high school basketball does not use a universal shot clock.
More than half of the United States does not require its teams to shoot within a defined period of time. The offense is allowed to hold the ball for however long it wants.
The primary explanations I have received for the lack of universal shot clock are as follow:
- An extra official would need to be hired for every game to watch the clock.
- The cost of installing and operating shot clocks can be prohibitive for smaller schools.
- Installing adequate shot clock systems can cost thousands of dollars.
- 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.
Although I understand the complications, the lack of official count often results in a poor product. Especially during the playoffs. Nobody wants to watch a game where neither team tries to shoot. The athletes do not enjoy playing a basketball game that might as well be described as glorified keep-away.
The lack of shot clock also leads to lopsided results where the less-talented teams are able to pull major upsets by standing completely still and refusing to shoot. That is not parity. It is not basketball.
Hanover Central beat Lowell in the playoffs.
Hanover Central High School is located in Cedar Lake, Indiana. It enrolls approximately 815 students in Grades 9-12. Lowell High School is located in Lowell, Indiana. It enrolls approximately 990 students in Grades 9-12. They are separated by only 11 miles.
Both Indiana high school basketball programs compete on the Class 3A level of competition. The Wildcats met the Red Devils in the Section 17 final on Saturday. This was the scene during warmups:
Championship Saturday. Class 3A Sectional 17 title on the line tonight between Lowell (7-17) and host Hanover Central (11-14).
— Mason Williams (@mvsonwilliams) March 8, 2026
Red Devils looking for their first sectional crown in 33 years. Wildcats seeking to defend their title from last season.
Winner to regionals. #nwipreps pic.twitter.com/WoM1jKVnOw
Hanover Central sought to defend its title from last season at 11-14. Lowell was looking for their first sectional crown in 33 years at 7-17. The winner would advance to regionals.
The defending champions ultimately prevailed as the victors by a final score of 18-13. Seriously. It was the second-lowest combined score in a sectional game in the class era of Indiana high school basketball with a total of 31 points.
Both teams were content to pass around a zone defense. The lack of shot clock did not force them to shoot. They swung the ball around the three-point line until they found the right scoring opportunity.
The Wildcats held a 10-9 lead over the Red Devils at halftime. They scored a combined 12 points during the entire second half.
Here is just one example of a successful offensive possession during the fourth quarter:
— – (@Spicoli_____) March 8, 2026
You can watch the full game broadcast here. It proves the need for a shot clock in high school basketball.