SPRINGFIELD, IL – (Chambana Today) – The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors has taken a significant step forward in modernizing high school basketball. In a move that promises to enhance the pace and excitement of the game, the IHSA Basketball advisory committee’s recommendations have been approved.
Introducing the 35-Second Shot Clock
Starting with the 2026-27 school year, a 35-second shot clock will be mandatory for all varsity girls and boys basketball games. This change aims to inject a new level of strategy and urgency into the game, aligning high school basketball more closely with the collegiate and professional levels. For lower-level contests, such as freshman, sophomore, and junior varsity games, the use of the shot clock will be at the discretion of the conferences and through mutual agreement between competing teams in non-conference games.
“The IHSA has allowed the shot clock to be used in tournaments and shootouts over the past two seasons, and the overwhelming feedback from coaches is that it is time to embrace the shot clock in all varsity contests,” said the IHSA Executive Director. “We believe the two-season lead time will provide our schools with ample opportunity to install the shot clocks and get comfortable with them from both a coaching and game administration perspective.”
New State Final Time Schedule
In addition to the shot clock implementation, the committee has recommended a new state final time schedule. This schedule is designed to ensure a two-day experience for all participating teams, enhancing the overall experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
“It’s been fairly unanimous in the Illinois high school basketball community that moving the state tournament to a single-weekend format has been a success,” said Anderson. “Our coaches believe this new schedule will provide an even better experience for all the student-athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to seeing it play out when we celebrate America’s Original March Madness next winter.”
Why the Shot Clock Matters
The introduction of the shot clock is more than just a rule change; it’s a strategic evolution. By limiting the time a team has to take a shot, the game becomes faster and more dynamic. Teams can no longer rely on stalling tactics, which can lead to a more engaging and competitive environment. This change is expected to develop players’ skills in decision-making, quick thinking, and adaptability—qualities that are essential at higher levels of play.
Preparing for the Transition
The two-season lead time before the shot clock becomes mandatory is a thoughtful approach by the IHSA. It allows schools to install the necessary equipment and for coaches and players to adapt to the new pace of the game. This period will be crucial for training and adjusting strategies to make the most of the shot clock’s introduction.
Impact on Lower-Level Games
While the shot clock will be mandatory for varsity games, its use in lower-level contests will be more flexible. This approach respects the varying levels of development and competition across different age groups. Conferences and teams will have the autonomy to decide whether to implement the shot clock, allowing for a tailored approach that meets the needs of each specific group.
Enhancing the State Tournament Experience
The new state final time schedule is another forward-thinking move by the IHSA. By ensuring a two-day experience for all participating teams, the tournament becomes more than just a series of games; it becomes an event. This change is expected to enhance the overall experience, making it more memorable for everyone involved.
The IHSA’s approval of these recommendations marks a significant step in the evolution of high school basketball in Illinois. The introduction of the 35-second shot clock and the new state final time schedule are poised to make the game more exciting, competitive, and enjoyable for players, coaches, and fans alike.