On Wednesday, the KHSAA Board of Control held its second meeting of the 2025-26 academic year, culminating in a 13-5 vote to add a 35-second shot clock for the boys’ and girls’ varsity seasons starting in 2027-28.
KHSAA member schools can begin becoming accustomed to the new shot clock this season, but not during district or regional play. Testing for the new shot clock has already begun, dating back to last year’s Louisville Invitational Tournament, with the Louisville reps stating there weren’t any problems.
The topic of the shot clock has been an area of debate throughout the state for years, with some believing it will advance the game. There was a proposal to implement the shot clock for the 2026-27 season, but the vote did not pass.
“Other items discussed on Wednesday were expanding opportunities for regional tournaments and bracketing in several sports,” KHSAA wrote in an official release. “The 15th region basketball tournament uses a ‘super regional’ format due to a variety of logistical reasons. Several topics were brought to the table for discussion concerning the growing transfer situation, the possibility of returning the KHSAA baseball state tournament to Legends Field, and certain sports moving to classes.”
Some of the local Owensboro area coaches were pleased with the ruling and provided their opinion.
Ryne Tinsley, Apollo boys: I think it is great for our game. I have been pushing for this since I became a head coach. The next way we can modernize our game is by creating a super regional tournament like the SEC tournament. The 15th region is doing this now. Let’s keep doing what’s best for our kids.
Natalie Payne, Daviess County girls: I think it’s a good decision. I’m not sure it affects much of how anyone plays now, as basketball has moved to a higher-paced game. It does take away the rare times of “stalling” that some teams have done in the past, and that will ultimately frustrate some coaches, but overall, it’s a step in the right direction.
Neil Hayden, Daviess County boys: I am in favor of the rule. I believe it allows there to be special situations all throughout the game. Kids are going to have to make decisions every possession because of the shot clock. This allows kids to play modern basketball and allows them to prepare for the levels ahead of them for those who are able to go on and play. Ultimately, I like the fact that it forces kids to make quick decisions and to play the game of basketball as it’s meant to be played.
Michael Robertson, Owensboro Catholic girls: I like it. There are pros and cons to it, but the reality is that most people have a shot off by 35 seconds anyway. I know it won’t change the way we play. We will have to make some decisions sometimes and be a little bit quicker, but that will help. I don’t know if it will make the game smoother, but it will make people play the entire game. They can’t just let the clock run out and it will be interesting.
Emily Hernandez, Trinity (Whitesville) girls: We’re still two years away from having to install the shot clocks, and I don’t think it will impact the way we play at all. There are still some financial concerns because of the uncertainty of installation costs, and schools will also have to make sure they have someone to operate them. I think there will be a learning curve for players, coaches, officials, and game organizers, but it was time.
