A New Era for Illinois High School Basketball
The Illinois High School Association announced that a 35‑second shot clock will be mandatory for all varsity boys and girls basketball games beginning this season, marking a significant shift in how the sport is played across the state.
Coaches have been preparing for the change for several years, with some already experimenting in holiday tournaments and summer leagues, while others are still adjusting their strategies to accommodate the new tempo.
Jeremy Crouch, the Pekin boys basketball coach, has been using a shot clock in his team's holiday tournament for four or five years, giving him a front‑row view of how the rule can affect game flow and excitement.
Brianna Morrow, who leads the IVC girls program, believes the shot clock will enhance the sport, noting that players have already adapted well to the faster pace during recent competitions.
Andrew McDowell, the coach of U‑High boys basketball, remains skeptical, questioning whether a universal clock is necessary and expressing a preference for the traditional style of play that emphasizes deliberate shot selection.
The IHSA board voted to implement full use of the shot clock starting with the 2026‑27 season after a period of limited trials that began in 2022, a decision driven by feedback from schools and player development considerations.
While some teams view the clock as a tool that will produce more thrilling finishes and higher scoring games, others worry that it could diminish the strategic depth that has long defined high school basketball.
As the new season approaches, players are spending extra time in practice drills to sharpen their decision‑making under the ticking clock, while coaches continue to fine‑tune playbooks to balance speed with shot quality.