Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

BLOOMINGTON — The IHSA Board of Directors has approved a recommendation to start the experimental use of a shot clock in boys and girls basketball this season. A shot clock can be used in regular-season tournaments and shootouts with approval from the IHSA. Information about the approval process will be sent to schools next month.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson says implementation of a shot clock statewide is not imminent.

“The IHSA’s survey of administrators and coaches last year made it very clear that our membership wasn’t ready to implement the shot clock in basketball at this juncture,” Anderson said in a release. “Our priority now shifts to gathering feedback and data on the impact that the shot clock creates on game play, game management, and school finances. We look forward to working with our schools to pilot usage of the shot clock in some tournaments and shootouts this winter.”

No details about the length of time of the shot clock in the test settings was released. That will also be available in September.

The Board also approved a recommendation to put an end to the Three-Point Showdown that was part of the Girls and Boys Basketball State Series. Anderson said that the change in the State Tournament format to holding all four classes the same weekend created challenges getting the Showdown completed. Now the focus will be on the State games.