Shot clock or not? Bringing it to OHSAA basketball isn't likely soon

Shot clock or not? Bringing it to OHSAA basketball isn't likely soon

Wyoming guard Kellen Wiley (1) lifts the OHSAA DIV State Championship trophy after Wyoming defeated Glenville at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, on March 20, 2026.

Princeton players celebrate after their OHSAA DI state championship win over Hilliard Bradley Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Summit Country Day's Max Joiner shoots the ball during their OHSAA DV regional final against Waynesville, Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Fairfield's Jakye Akbar (4) battles St. Xavier's Jack Ryan (31) for rebound position during their district championship game Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis (1) dribbles down the lane in the final game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Ryle on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Wyoming seniors, from left, Nick Wilhelm, Kellen Wiley, Carlyle Billingsley, Darren Gray, Devin Evans, Jackson Teras, with the state championship trophy, March 20, 2026.

Wyoming's Kellen Wiley reacts during their OHSAA DIV regional championship win over Northridge Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Wyoming's Carlyle Billingsley and Summit's Max Joiner contest the opening tip as Wyoming beat Summit Country Day 57-32 in the Ohio Valley Hoops Classic Nov. 29, 2025 at Mason Arena.

Princeton's Amire Gill reacts after their OHSAA DI state championship win over Hilliard Bradley Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Princeton players Rognny Santiago Lugo, Sebastian Jordan Ramos and Amire Gill celebrate after their OHSAA DI state championship win over Hilliard Bradley Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Princeton's Sebastian Jordan (10) pressures Oak Hills senior AJ Dean during the OHSAA boys basketball regional finals, March 14, 2026, at Xavier University's Cintas Center

Wyoming senior Carlyle Billingsley (44) guards the post as Wyoming defeated Kettering Alter 68-52 in an OHSAA Division IV boys basketball regional semifinal, March 12, 2026, at Xavier University's Cintas Center.

Lakota West junior Josh Tyson celebrates during a big run by the Firebirds as Lakota West defeated Fairfield, 58-41 in OHSAA boys basketball Jan. 9, 2026 at Lakota West.

Oak Hills sophomore Cordell Ball (11) and teammates (background) react after he threw down a dunk in the fourth quarter during the OHSAA Division I, Region 8 boys basketball semifinals March 11, 2026, at Xavier University's Cintas Center.

CovCath players celebrate the win as Covington Catholic defeated Ryle 82-51 in the KHSAA Ninth Region boys basketball championship game, March 10, 2026, at NKU's Truist Arena.

Conner's Finn Louden shoots over Highlands' Finn Bouldin (1) during the KHSAA Ninth Region boys basketball tournament March 7, 2026, at NKU's Truist Arena.

Oak Hills senior Brady Kornmann battles a bloody nose and Sycamore defenders as Sycamore defeated Oak Hills 48-36 in boys basketball Feb. 20,. 2026 at Sycamore High School.

Williamsburg players celebrate after the Wildcats won the SBAAC-National as Williamsburg defeated Bethel-Tate 72-40 in boys basketball Jan. 30, 2026 at Williamsburg.

Williamsburg senior Carson Tenhundfeld (14) cuts the net after the Wildcats won the SBAAC-National as Williamsburg defeated Bethel-Tate 72-40 in boys basketball Jan. 30, 2026 at Williamsburg.

Sycamore freshman Isaiah Hill (2) goes up for a shot against Oak Hills senior Wil Kraus (22) as Sycamore defeated Oak Hills 48-36 in boys basketball Feb. 20,. 2026 at Sycamore High School.

Mariemont senior Bo Deeter (2) battles for the ball with Harrison junior Tucker Ward (12) as Harrison defeated Mariemont 53-44 in boys basketball Dec. 29, 2025 at Mariemont High School.

Campbell County sophomore Austin Davie tries to shoot over Highlands junior Tayden Lorenzen (34) as Highlands defeated Campbell County 83-79 in overtime in boys basketball as part of the Carespring Community Classic Feb. 1, 2026 at NKU's Truist Arena.

Lakota West junior Bryce Curry (0) celebrates a basket as Lakota West defeated Fairfield, 58-41 in OHSAA boys basketball Jan. 9, 2026 at Lakota West.

Sycamore players celebrate with Isaiah Hill (2) after he stole the ball and raced upcourt for a layup at the first-quarter buzzer, as Sycamore defeated Oak Hills 48-36 in boys basketball Feb. 20,. 2026 at Sycamore High School.

NCC head coach Jake Luhn reacts during a run by his team as Newport Central Catholic defeated Newport 62-59 in KHSAA boys basketball Jan. 28, 2026, at Newport High School.

Campbell County sophomore Austin Davie (5) puts up a shot as Highlands defeated Campbell County 83-79 in overtime in boys basketball as part of the Carespring Community Classic Feb. 1, 2026 at NKU's Truist Arena.

Williamsburg senior Charlie Watts (40) puts up a shot as Williamsburg defeated Bethel-Tate 72-40 in boys basketball Jan. 30, 2026 at Williamsburg.

Highlands senior Vinny Listerman (3) tries to get to the paint as Highlands defeated Campbell County 83-79 in overtime in boys basketball as part of the Carespring Community Classic Feb. 1, 2026 at NKU's Truist Arena.

Mason senior Jacob Lupinski (23) and McNicholas junior Bobo Iliev (11) battle for the ball as Mason defeated McNicholas 41-31 in the Holiday Hardwood Classic Dec. 28, 2025 at Xavier's Cintas Center

Anderson senior Toby Strausbaugh (5) guards Milford senior Avery Pence (24) as Milford defeated Anderson 47-39 in boys basketball Jan. 23, 2026 at Milford High School.

Summit's L.J. Stocks (2) defends Waynesville's Zevin Sesslar (13) during their OHSAA DV regional final Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Chase Martin (1) of the Loveland Tigers goes up for a layup in the third quarter during a game between Loveland and Northmont in the OHSAA DII Boys District Finals, Friday, March 6, 2026, at Cintas Center.

Mason's Brycen Johnson (1) drives to the basket during the Comets' win over Kettering Fairmont at the Ohio Valley Hoops Classic Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Taft guard Herman Walker (4) drives to the basket against Aiken's Jayden McNeill (2) during their basketball game Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Aiken won 97-72.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Wyoming guard Kellen Wiley (1) lifts the OHSAA DIV State Championship trophy after Wyoming defeated Glenville at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, on March 20, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Wyoming guard Kellen Wiley (1) lifts the OHSAA DIV State Championship trophy after Wyoming defeated Glenville at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, on March 20, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Princeton players celebrate after their OHSAA DI state championship win over Hilliard Bradley Sunday, March 22, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Summit Country Day's Max Joiner shoots the ball during their OHSAA DV regional final against Waynesville, Saturday, March 14, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Fairfield's Jakye Akbar (4) battles St. Xavier's Jack Ryan (31) for rebound position during their district championship game Saturday, March 7, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Covington Catholic's Athens McGillis (1) dribbles down the lane in the final game of the Ninth Region Boys Basketball Tournament against Ryle on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Wyoming seniors, from left, Nick Wilhelm, Kellen Wiley, Carlyle Billingsley, Darren Gray, Devin Evans, Jackson Teras, with the state championship trophy, March 20, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Wyoming's Kellen Wiley reacts during their OHSAA DIV regional championship win over Northridge Saturday, March 14, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Wyoming's Carlyle Billingsley and Summit's Max Joiner contest the opening tip as Wyoming beat Summit Country Day 57-32 in the Ohio Valley Hoops Classic Nov. 29, 2025 at Mason Arena.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Princeton's Amire Gill reacts after their OHSAA DI state championship win over Hilliard Bradley Sunday, March 22, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Princeton players Rognny Santiago Lugo, Sebastian Jordan Ramos and Amire Gill celebrate after their OHSAA DI state championship win over Hilliard Bradley Sunday, March 22, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Princeton's Sebastian Jordan (10) pressures Oak Hills senior AJ Dean during the OHSAA boys basketball regional finals, March 14, 2026, at Xavier University's Cintas Center

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Wyoming senior Carlyle Billingsley (44) guards the post as Wyoming defeated Kettering Alter 68-52 in an OHSAA Division IV boys basketball regional semifinal, March 12, 2026, at Xavier University's Cintas Center.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Lakota West junior Josh Tyson celebrates during a big run by the Firebirds as Lakota West defeated Fairfield, 58-41 in OHSAA boys basketball Jan. 9, 2026 at Lakota West.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Oak Hills sophomore Cordell Ball (11) and teammates (background) react after he threw down a dunk in the fourth quarter during the OHSAA Division I, Region 8 boys basketball semifinals March 11, 2026, at Xavier University's Cintas Center.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

CovCath players celebrate the win as Covington Catholic defeated Ryle 82-51 in the KHSAA Ninth Region boys basketball championship game, March 10, 2026, at NKU's Truist Arena.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Conner's Finn Louden shoots over Highlands' Finn Bouldin (1) during the KHSAA Ninth Region boys basketball tournament March 7, 2026, at NKU's Truist Arena.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Oak Hills senior Brady Kornmann battles a bloody nose and Sycamore defenders as Sycamore defeated Oak Hills 48-36 in boys basketball Feb. 20,. 2026 at Sycamore High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Williamsburg players celebrate after the Wildcats won the SBAAC-National as Williamsburg defeated Bethel-Tate 72-40 in boys basketball Jan. 30, 2026 at Williamsburg.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Williamsburg senior Carson Tenhundfeld (14) cuts the net after the Wildcats won the SBAAC-National as Williamsburg defeated Bethel-Tate 72-40 in boys basketball Jan. 30, 2026 at Williamsburg.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Sycamore freshman Isaiah Hill (2) goes up for a shot against Oak Hills senior Wil Kraus (22) as Sycamore defeated Oak Hills 48-36 in boys basketball Feb. 20,. 2026 at Sycamore High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Mariemont senior Bo Deeter (2) battles for the ball with Harrison junior Tucker Ward (12) as Harrison defeated Mariemont 53-44 in boys basketball Dec. 29, 2025 at Mariemont High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Campbell County sophomore Austin Davie tries to shoot over Highlands junior Tayden Lorenzen (34) as Highlands defeated Campbell County 83-79 in overtime in boys basketball as part of the Carespring Community Classic Feb. 1, 2026 at NKU's Truist Arena.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Lakota West junior Bryce Curry (0) celebrates a basket as Lakota West defeated Fairfield, 58-41 in OHSAA boys basketball Jan. 9, 2026 at Lakota West.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Sycamore players celebrate with Isaiah Hill (2) after he stole the ball and raced upcourt for a layup at the first-quarter buzzer, as Sycamore defeated Oak Hills 48-36 in boys basketball Feb. 20,. 2026 at Sycamore High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

NCC head coach Jake Luhn reacts during a run by his team as Newport Central Catholic defeated Newport 62-59 in KHSAA boys basketball Jan. 28, 2026, at Newport High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Campbell County sophomore Austin Davie (5) puts up a shot as Highlands defeated Campbell County 83-79 in overtime in boys basketball as part of the Carespring Community Classic Feb. 1, 2026 at NKU's Truist Arena.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Williamsburg senior Charlie Watts (40) puts up a shot as Williamsburg defeated Bethel-Tate 72-40 in boys basketball Jan. 30, 2026 at Williamsburg.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Highlands senior Vinny Listerman (3) tries to get to the paint as Highlands defeated Campbell County 83-79 in overtime in boys basketball as part of the Carespring Community Classic Feb. 1, 2026 at NKU's Truist Arena.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Mason senior Jacob Lupinski (23) and McNicholas junior Bobo Iliev (11) battle for the ball as Mason defeated McNicholas 41-31 in the Holiday Hardwood Classic Dec. 28, 2025 at Xavier's Cintas Center

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Anderson senior Toby Strausbaugh (5) guards Milford senior Avery Pence (24) as Milford defeated Anderson 47-39 in boys basketball Jan. 23, 2026 at Milford High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Summit's L.J. Stocks (2) defends Waynesville's Zevin Sesslar (13) during their OHSAA DV regional final Saturday, March 14, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Chase Martin (1) of the Loveland Tigers goes up for a layup in the third quarter during a game between Loveland and Northmont in the OHSAA DII Boys District Finals, Friday, March 6, 2026, at Cintas Center.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school boys basketball | Photos

Mason's Brycen Johnson (1) drives to the basket during the Comets' win over Kettering Fairmont at the Ohio Valley Hoops Classic Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

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Taft guard Herman Walker (4) drives to the basket against Aiken's Jayden McNeill (2) during their basketball game Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Aiken won 97-72.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association isn’t ready to add a shot clock to high school basketball in the near future.

OHSAA executive director Doug Ute relayed this message to the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association members at their annual meeting May 5.

“I will be honest, I don’t think our board is ready for this, right now, in Ohio,” Ute said, according to the Mansfield News Journal. “We are watching some other states and the coaches association is talking with people around the country, and we aren’t finding it to be a major issue. If it were up for a vote today, you would see an article about Ohio voting it down. Our board is not ready to pass that.”

In March, the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association met with members of the OHSAA and submitted a proposal that recommends a 35-second shot clock for varsity boys and girls basketball with full implementation beginning with the 2028-29 season.

Currently, 31 states and the District of Columbia use a shot clock at the high school level, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. New Jersey approved a shot clock this week.

Princeton's Heaven Sneed (24) celebrates with teammate Kiara Harris after beating Wadsworth in the OHSAA girls basketball state semifinals Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Notre Dame Academy's Emma Holtzapfel is all smiles leaving the court in their win against Highlands in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Girls Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Lakota West's Katie Fox (1) drives to the basket against Springboro's McKenzie Jones (27) during their OHSAA tournament game Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Cooper's Haylee Noel (10) brings the ball up the court during a game at Notre Dame on Dec. 17, 2025.

Purcell Marian's Layla Claxton (14) reacts during their OHSAA state semifinal on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Milford's Gabby Chadwell (3) defends West Clermont's Kennedi Campbell (5) during their Eastern Cincinnati Conference championship game Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

Mount Notre Dame's Ava Simpson (24) and Mia Vieth (32) surround Big Walnut's Lexi Federer during their OHSAA DII state semifinal on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Ryle's Jaelyn Jones (14) drives along the baseline during a Ninth Region semifinal game against Holy Cross on March 3, 2026.

West Clermont's Layla Hale (3) and Seton's Lauren Bain (10) battle for a rebound during a game between the Wolves and Saints on Jan. 24, 2026.

West Clermont's Bella Swisshelm (0) drives to the basket against Milford's Ella Crompton (23) during their Eastern Cincinnati Conference championship game Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

West Clermont's Kennedi Campbell (5) reacts during their Eastern Cincinnati Conference championship game Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

Seton players celebrate their win as Seton defeated Winton Woods 52-51 in the girls basketball OHSAA Division II regional semifinals March 3, 2026, at Princeton High School.

Princeton forward Najah Love Muhammad (30) drives on Kettering Fairmont guard Kaylah Thornton (5) in the fourth quarter of the Division I OHSAA State Championship game at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio, on March 14, 2026.

Seton's Annie Busam tries to drive to the basket as MND's Reece Hackney defends Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at Mount Notre Dame High School.

Oak Hills' Ava Kammerer (12) makes a free throw to get to 1,000 points for her career during their basketball game against Mason on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. She had a game-leading 18 points on the night in a 49-41 loss.

Princeton's Erin Thomas celebrates with teammate Kiara Harris after beating Wadsworth in the OHSAA girls basketball state semifinals Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Notre Dame Academy coach George Stoll hands out assignments to his bench in the first round of the Clark's Pump-N-Shop Sweet 16 Girls' Basketball Tournament against Pikeville on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The Simon Kenton Pioneers are KHSAA girls basketball Eighth Region champions for the third time in four years after beating Anderson County 63-36 March 7, 2026.

Jai Johnson (1) and Riley Eberhard (11) of Holy Cross high-five after a big change in possession during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.

Highlands' Kaylee Mills dribbles past a Notre Dame Academy defender in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Girls Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Seton senior Aubri Korfhagen (15) guards Winton Woods senior Trenity Armstrong (5) as Seton defeated Winton Woods 52-51 in the girls basketball OHSAA Division II regional semifinals March 3, 2026, at Princeton High School.

MND junior Reece Hackney and Loveland junior Bella Rogers (4) battle for a rebound as Mount Notre Dame defeated Loveland in the OHSAA girls basketball Division II regional semifinals March 3, 2026 at Princeton High School.

Before Western Hills' game against Aiken on Jan. 21, 2026, Tonya Hunt, left, presented Western Hills freshman Keviya "Yaya" Parrish, right, with a commemorative basketball to celebrate Parrish breaking Hunt's single-game scoring record.

Lakota West girls basketball seniors were honored. Senior Firebirds are Katie Fox, Jayda Neilson, Sydney Williams, Caroline Bayliff, Katelyn Voss and Kennedy Griffin.

Campbell County senior Isabella Jayasuriya (23) dribbles against Highlands junior Maddy Lickert (14) as Campbell County defeated Highlands 38-31 in girls basketball in the Caresping Community Classic Feb. 1, 2026 at NKU's Truist Arena.

The Loveland girls basketball team lines up for the National Anthem ahead of a game between Loveland and West Clermont, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at West Clermont High School.

Walnut Hills guard Linde Harris reacts during the Eagles' district final against Princeton Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

Princeton's Najah Love Muhammad (30) battles Walnut Hills' Honesty Billups (1) for a rebound during the Vikings district final Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

Western Hills' Yaya Parrish (2) brings the ball up the court against Sycamore during their OHSAA tournament game Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

Anna Habra (31) of the Mason Comets shoots the ball in the fourth quarter during a game between Lakota West and Mason, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Lakota West High School.

Ursuline's Maria Garza drives to the basket against Loveland during their OHSAA tournament game Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

Campbell County's Izzy Jayasuriya (23) is introduced before a game against Holy Cross at the Camel Classic on Feb. 7, 2026.

Simon Kenton's Anna Kelch (23) is introduced before the Lady Pioneers' KHSAA state semifinal game against George Rogers Clark on March 14, 2026.

Simon Kenton's Brynli Pernell (0) turns the corner with the ball during a game at Cooper on Feb. 5, 2026.

Dixie Heights' Asia Carner lines up a three-pointer during a game against Franklin County at the Camel Classic on Feb. 7, 2026.

Purcell Marian's Samaya Wilkins (24) shoots a free throw during a game against Campbell County at the Camel Classic on Feb. 7, 2026.

HOly Cross' Alyssa Arlinghaus (3) drives into the lane during the All "A" state championship game against Owensboro Catholic on Feb. 1, 2026.

The Holy Cross Lady Indians pose with the 2026 All "A" championship trophy after beating Owensboro Catholic, 60-42, on Feb. 1, 2026.

Bishop Brossart's Kylie Smith (11) drives to the hoop during the Lady 'Stangs All "A" state semifinal game against Owensboro Catholic on Feb. 1, 2026.

The Princeton Lady Vikings and Winton Woods Warriors play in front of a sizeable crowd at the Day 2 of the 2025 Beacon Holiday Hardwood Classic in photos

Loveland's Bella Rogers (4) grabs a rebound against Ursuline during their OHSAA tournament game Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Princeton's Heaven Sneed (24) celebrates with teammate Kiara Harris after beating Wadsworth in the OHSAA girls basketball state semifinals Thursday, March 12, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Princeton's Heaven Sneed (24) celebrates with teammate Kiara Harris after beating Wadsworth in the OHSAA girls basketball state semifinals Thursday, March 12, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Notre Dame Academy's Emma Holtzapfel is all smiles leaving the court in their win against Highlands in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Girls Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Lakota West's Katie Fox (1) drives to the basket against Springboro's McKenzie Jones (27) during their OHSAA tournament game Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Cooper's Haylee Noel (10) brings the ball up the court during a game at Notre Dame on Dec. 17, 2025.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Purcell Marian's Layla Claxton (14) reacts during their OHSAA state semifinal on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Milford's Gabby Chadwell (3) defends West Clermont's Kennedi Campbell (5) during their Eastern Cincinnati Conference championship game Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

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Mount Notre Dame's Ava Simpson (24) and Mia Vieth (32) surround Big Walnut's Lexi Federer during their OHSAA DII state semifinal on Friday, March 13, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Ryle's Jaelyn Jones (14) drives along the baseline during a Ninth Region semifinal game against Holy Cross on March 3, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

West Clermont's Layla Hale (3) and Seton's Lauren Bain (10) battle for a rebound during a game between the Wolves and Saints on Jan. 24, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

West Clermont's Bella Swisshelm (0) drives to the basket against Milford's Ella Crompton (23) during their Eastern Cincinnati Conference championship game Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

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West Clermont's Kennedi Campbell (5) reacts during their Eastern Cincinnati Conference championship game Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Seton players celebrate their win as Seton defeated Winton Woods 52-51 in the girls basketball OHSAA Division II regional semifinals March 3, 2026, at Princeton High School.

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Princeton forward Najah Love Muhammad (30) drives on Kettering Fairmont guard Kaylah Thornton (5) in the fourth quarter of the Division I OHSAA State Championship game at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio, on March 14, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Seton's Annie Busam tries to drive to the basket as MND's Reece Hackney defends Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at Mount Notre Dame High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Oak Hills' Ava Kammerer (12) makes a free throw to get to 1,000 points for her career during their basketball game against Mason on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. She had a game-leading 18 points on the night in a 49-41 loss.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Princeton's Erin Thomas celebrates with teammate Kiara Harris after beating Wadsworth in the OHSAA girls basketball state semifinals Thursday, March 12, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Notre Dame Academy coach George Stoll hands out assignments to his bench in the first round of the Clark's Pump-N-Shop Sweet 16 Girls' Basketball Tournament against Pikeville on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

The Simon Kenton Pioneers are KHSAA girls basketball Eighth Region champions for the third time in four years after beating Anderson County 63-36 March 7, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Jai Johnson (1) and Riley Eberhard (11) of Holy Cross high-five after a big change in possession during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Highlands' Kaylee Mills dribbles past a Notre Dame Academy defender in the semifinal round of the Ninth Region Girls Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Seton senior Aubri Korfhagen (15) guards Winton Woods senior Trenity Armstrong (5) as Seton defeated Winton Woods 52-51 in the girls basketball OHSAA Division II regional semifinals March 3, 2026, at Princeton High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

MND junior Reece Hackney and Loveland junior Bella Rogers (4) battle for a rebound as Mount Notre Dame defeated Loveland in the OHSAA girls basketball Division II regional semifinals March 3, 2026 at Princeton High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Before Western Hills' game against Aiken on Jan. 21, 2026, Tonya Hunt, left, presented Western Hills freshman Keviya "Yaya" Parrish, right, with a commemorative basketball to celebrate Parrish breaking Hunt's single-game scoring record.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Lakota West girls basketball seniors were honored. Senior Firebirds are Katie Fox, Jayda Neilson, Sydney Williams, Caroline Bayliff, Katelyn Voss and Kennedy Griffin.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Campbell County senior Isabella Jayasuriya (23) dribbles against Highlands junior Maddy Lickert (14) as Campbell County defeated Highlands 38-31 in girls basketball in the Caresping Community Classic Feb. 1, 2026 at NKU's Truist Arena.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

The Loveland girls basketball team lines up for the National Anthem ahead of a game between Loveland and West Clermont, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at West Clermont High School.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Walnut Hills guard Linde Harris reacts during the Eagles' district final against Princeton Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

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Princeton's Najah Love Muhammad (30) battles Walnut Hills' Honesty Billups (1) for a rebound during the Vikings district final Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

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Western Hills' Yaya Parrish (2) brings the ball up the court against Sycamore during their OHSAA tournament game Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

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Anna Habra (31) of the Mason Comets shoots the ball in the fourth quarter during a game between Lakota West and Mason, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Lakota West High School.

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Ursuline's Maria Garza drives to the basket against Loveland during their OHSAA tournament game Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Campbell County's Izzy Jayasuriya (23) is introduced before a game against Holy Cross at the Camel Classic on Feb. 7, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Simon Kenton's Anna Kelch (23) is introduced before the Lady Pioneers' KHSAA state semifinal game against George Rogers Clark on March 14, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Simon Kenton's Brynli Pernell (0) turns the corner with the ball during a game at Cooper on Feb. 5, 2026.

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Dixie Heights' Asia Carner lines up a three-pointer during a game against Franklin County at the Camel Classic on Feb. 7, 2026.

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Purcell Marian's Samaya Wilkins (24) shoots a free throw during a game against Campbell County at the Camel Classic on Feb. 7, 2026.

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HOly Cross' Alyssa Arlinghaus (3) drives into the lane during the All "A" state championship game against Owensboro Catholic on Feb. 1, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

The Holy Cross Lady Indians pose with the 2026 All "A" championship trophy after beating Owensboro Catholic, 60-42, on Feb. 1, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Bishop Brossart's Kylie Smith (11) drives to the hoop during the Lady 'Stangs All "A" state semifinal game against Owensboro Catholic on Feb. 1, 2026.

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

The Princeton Lady Vikings and Winton Woods Warriors play in front of a sizeable crowd at the Day 2 of the 2025 Beacon Holiday Hardwood Classic in photos

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Top moments in 2026 Cincinnati high school girls basketball | Photos

Loveland's Bella Rogers (4) grabs a rebound against Ursuline during their OHSAA tournament game Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

The OHSAA does not have a board vote scheduled for the issue but may in the future. The shot clock has been addressed in nearby states in recent months.

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association Board of Control voted in September 2025 to adopt a 35-second shot clock for varsity boys and girls basketball teams starting in the 2027-28 season. The Indiana High School Athletic Association voted down a shot clock proposal earlier this week.

In 2025, the Ohio state coaches association conducted a survey to gather information. In all, 1,120 high school coaches responded, with 781 (69.7%) voting in favor of a shot clock and 339 (30.3%) opposing; 324 voted for varsity only, while 230 wanted varsity and junior varsity and 249 wanted varsity, JV and freshman.

According to IndyStar, the Indiana state coaches association conducted a similar survey, showing 68% of coaches in favor of a shot clock but only 24% of administrators.

The Louisville Courier-Journal reported that 40% of Kentucky schools were in favor of adding a shot clock before the KHSAA Board of Control voted 13-5 to adopt it last fall.

Why would Ohio high school basketball games need a shot clock?

The OHSAA and OHSBCA currently allow a shot clock in special multi-team events, but both organizations must first approve the events. It was also used in the Louisville Invitational tournament in Kentucky, which hosted several of Kentucky’s best teams.

A shot clock is used at higher levels, 30 seconds for NCAA basketball and 24 in the National Basketball Association.

Part of the reasoning behind a shot clock in high school is the perception that teams hold the ball too long on offense. Occasionally, videos of players just holding onto the ball at midcourt for several minutes go viral.

But more often than that, some feel coaches use offensive sets that are overly patient and time-consuming. Many Cincinnati schools, especially Division I, play low-scoring games. That strategy can be a product of not only high-quality defense, but passing a lot on offense and working for the best possible shot.

“I do believe a shot clock would elevate our game and create a more enjoyable experience for our fans,” said Indian Hill head boys basketball coach Ricardo Hill, the District 16 director in the state coaches association. “The overall flow would improve, and it would push our players to make quicker decisions, ultimately helping develop a higher basketball IQ. I think it would better prepare our student-athletes for the next level as well.”

Hill said the shot clock helps him be a better coach as well.

This past season, Lakota West boys basketball played in several showcase games that used shot clocks. Head coach Kelven Moss said he loved being a part of those games because the shot clock improved the game's flow, enough so that the school installed a shot clock in its gym to help develop its players. Lakota West expects to make another run at a state championship after reaching the regional finals this past season.

“I believe the shot clock will improve the development of high school players and the game itself,” said Summit Country Day head coach Kevin Johnson, who led his team to the Division V state semifinals. “A lot of players are not prepared to play at the next level due to pace and structure. This will force coaches to improve overall strategy for offense and defense.”

Johnson, who played for the University of Cincinnati, said the pace of games in some parts of Cincinnati can hurt player development.

“I have spoken with college coaches and it is hard for them to watch high school games because of the pace,” he said. “Without a shot clock, some teams, typically good teams, are playing defense for a minute, a minute and half every possession.”

The OHSAA said the cost of a shot clock is a key obstacle

Shot clock systems typically range from $2,800 to $5,800, with installation fees between $1,500 and $3,000. IHSAA commissioner Paul Neidig told IndyStar the overall cost would be around $10,000 per school.

Southwest Ohio has plenty of private schools and affluent public school districts with large budgets, but there are also numerous small schools in rural areas. Smaller school districts, or districts such as Cincinnati Public Schools with several gymnasiums, may find it harder to purchase the new equipment.

“That is a major issue,” Ute told the Mansfield paper. “We have schools laying off staff and cutting funding all over the school. The last thing I would want as a superintendent is to have someone come in my office and tell me I need to spend $7,000 for a shot clock when I am reducing my staff.

Shot clocks require more officials

Schools with football programs are used to doing this with play clocks on the field, but not every school has a shot clock apparatus, relying on the officials to keep the players informed.

Several states hire a junior varsity official to stick around and run the shot clock during the varsity basketball game, which eliminates trying to find someone on a game-by-game basis. Some local coaches noted that retired officials who no longer want to run the floor could come back to the game and run the shot clock.

Oak Hills head coach Mike Price, who has coached a lot of AAU teams, said the shot clock is used in AAU games but it's handled inconsistently. He said it would take high school teams a lot of practice to adjust to a shot clock; scoring wouldn't necessarily increase right away, he said.

He said there will be a lot of bad shots as players make rushed decisions and struggle to get the ball in the right player's hands. Defenses will make adjustments, too, as the clock winds down.

At this point, however, the cost seems to be the biggest obstacle to the OHSAA moving forward with it.

Said Ute, “Does the reason for doing this outweigh the other piece? Right now, I don’t think our board has been provided with that information enough to say yes.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio High School Athletic Association basketball shot clock debate