Shot Clock Approved for Nonconference Play
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Board of Control voted last month to adopt a 35‑second shot clock for nonconference high school basketball games, allowing teams to use the device in varsity contests that fall outside conference play.
The measure, announced after a June 23 meeting, sets the stage for a full rollout in the 2028‑29 season, pending approval by the WIAA membership at its annual meeting in Stevens Point next April.
Coaches React
Dave Lepisto, the Kimberly girls basketball coach, said he is excited about the clock’s potential to influence strategy in the final minutes, especially in close games.
AC Clouthier, coach of the Hortonville girls team, recalled a tournament in Minnesota where the shot clock was in use and said the experience convinced him of its benefits for Wisconsin athletes.
Survey Insights
A poll by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association found that 57 % of respondents support the shot clock, with 82 % approval in Division 1 and 74 % in Division 2; Divisions 3 and 4 showed narrower margins, while Division 5 recorded 45 % opposition.
Matt Klarner of Xavier, Lee Rabas of Neenah, Chad Shimek of Brillion and David Wenzel of Fox Valley Lutheran echoed the sentiment, citing a faster pace and heightened defensive pressure as expected outcomes.
Not all reactions were uniformly positive; Jacob Van Roy of Little Chute noted the need for offensive teams to adapt, while Chad Shimek said he remains neutral but appreciates that the change stays limited to the varsity level.
Logistical challenges remain, including equipment procurement and operator training, but WIAA officials say they are working with schools to address these issues before the upcoming season.