High school basketball in Minnesota will see a significant change, beginning with the 2023-24 season.
After several years of debate, the Minnesota State High School League will adopt use of a 35-second shot clock for all varsity girls and boys basketball games, beginning with the 2023-24 season — giving school districts nearly two years to prepare. The measure was approved at Thursday’s MSHSL Board of Directors meeting.
The shot clock means teams must attempt a shot that hits the rim within 35 seconds. Possessions that do not have a shot in that time end in a turnover. The clock resets if a shot attempt hits the rim. It also resets with every change of possession.
Addition of a shot clock has been debated by the MSHSL for the past couple of years, with a large majority of coaches in favor of the change. However, administrators and activities directors, especially in rural areas, have opposed the move because of additional equipment costs and the expense of having an additional person operating a shot clock during games.
Schools have been allowed to use the shot clock for non-conference and holiday tournament games for the past two years.
In the county, no schools are currently equipped with shot clocks. Currently, Worthington and Marshall are equipped with shot clocks.
Much more on this story, including reaction from local coaches and ADs, will appear in the Dec. 8 print edition of the Citizen.
