New rule coming in 2019

By Erik Buchinger

The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association Board of Control voted to introduce a shot clock to high school basketball games in the future.

The shot clock will be 35 seconds long and will be implemented for boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball games. This rule change was approved by vote on Thursday, June 22.

All six area high school basketball coaches responded to emails for their thoughts on the rule change, which will take place in the 2019-’20 season.

“I personally am a fan of the shot clock because I think it brings in a lot more strategy to the games. As a coach, I think there are some changes that will need to be made, but we tend to look for the quickest shot possible within our offensive system. I do think it will put in emphasis on scoring the basketball because there will be a lot more shots taken throughout the game. So if a team struggles to score a basket, it will definitely change how they will have to play. Although I feel it won’t affect all the games played, we have been in games where a shot clock would’ve been a nice dynamic.”

-New London girls’ basketball head coach Troy Krause

“I like the rule change. I think it’s going to force players to become more skilled and help the rhythm of the game. I believe the kids will adjust just like anything else, and it will help take our game to another level. Having a take on player that can create space and make a play will be vital when playing great defensive teams.”

-Hortonville girls’ basketball head coach Celeste Ratka

“I think it would be good for the game. A faster game is a more fun game to watch.”

-Clintonville girls’ basketball head coach Nick Yaeger

“I have mixed feelings. For teams that like to maximize possessions, they are going to love it. Teams who like to minimize possessions probably won’t like it as much. Coaching strategies will have to adjust a bit considering your approach to when the shot clock is getting close to expiring and end of game situations. You have seen scores in the past (or heard stories) where teams were considered the underdog, held the ball and have really low scoring games (to give them a better chance to compete with teams better/more athletic etc.). This will prevent that. If you are fan who likes the underdog, or as a team considered one, this may take away from those upsets.”

-Clintonville boys’ basketball head coach Shawn Howe

“Personally, I’m excited about the addition of the 35-second shot clock in high school basketball. I believe that this will translate into more exciting basketball for fans and players. There will be different strategies needed on both ends, and it will most definitely affect the ends of a lot of close games.”

-New London boys’ basketball head coach Kurt Schommer

“I’m OK with the rule. I didn’t think it was absolutely necessary, but it doesn’t bother me that it will now happen. Coaches and players will have to make the adjustments now that come with the shot clock, but they have given plenty of time to start implementing some of those strategies. Fans I think will enjoy it more because they know it won’t be a 14-11 type of game where the ball is being held at half-court.”

-Hortonville boys’ basketball head coach Matt Hintz