WIAA approves optional use of shot clocks in high school basketball
GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In high school gyms across Wisconsin this winter, a number of teams will have to pick up the pace. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) voted Tuesday to implement a 35-second shot clock during a limited number of games next season.
The new policy allows for the use of shot clocks in varsity, nonconference games, as long as both teams agree to have the clock in place. The WIAA is considering full implementation of the shot clock statewide for the 2028-29 season; that is set to come up for a vote at the association's annual meeting next April.
At Whitnall High School Wednesday, Girls Varsity Head Coach Anthoni Parr put a camp of elementary age students through dribbling drills at the school's summer camp.
Parr said he welcomes the shot clock coming to Wisconsin.
"I love the idea," Parr said. "I think it's gonna be great for high school sports in general. I think it'll pick up the game, the tempo, the space. Make it more exciting and fun for all the players."
Parr added he's familiar with the arguments against implementing a shot clock, one of which being the cost.
"I know the big one is money," he said. "Having it installed in their schools."
Parr said other coaches have also expressed competitive concerns. A shot clock could force teams to play at a faster pace than they otherwise would.
"It's, hey, this is what they feel gives them a very good chance to win and make it difficult for the other team," Parr said. "Allow players and coaches to do what they need to do instead of gameplans, scheme things being dictated by the shot clock."
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), 32 states had a shot clock in some form or fashion during the 2025-26 year.
Luke Francois, the superintendent at Waterford Union High School, said he's long supported a shot clock. He maintained it better prepares kids to play at higher levels that have a shot clock, such as college and junior college, and he added it shields young players from controversy.
"I remember a state final where, unfortunately, two girls basketball teams were being booed because one team was holding the ball and not advancing it," Francois said.
Something similar happened in March. Milwaukee Juneau sat on the ball for 90 seconds while leading in the fourth quarter of a boys state title game.
"It's certainly legal within the sport," Francois said. "But it's just not viewer friendly to sit and watch teams hold the ball for two to four minutes."
As for the cost, Francois said he didn't believe it would be too prohibitive for schools. He said a recent quote for two wireless shot clocks came in at about $3,500, not including some electrical work that would also be needed.
"Spread over a decade of basketball, it's really a small annual cost per season," he said.
Francois added he believed local businesses and civic groups would help schools in smaller communities pay for shot clocks if school leaders made the case for how it provided a better experience for kids.
Francois added that during his tenure as athletic director in Middleton and Mineral Point, outside of Madison, players overwhelmingly voiced support for the shot clock.
Parr said he also finds the shot clock to be a hit with young players, who prefer a faster paced game.
"This is kind of the name of modern basketball," he said. "Up and down, we're playing, having fun, always on the move."