Great Bend and the Western Athletic Conference have approved a 35-second shot clock for the 2024-25 basketball season. 

Kansas schools are allowed to adopt the shot clock, on a trial basis. The experimental shot clock will not be used in postseason play. 

The WAC administrators moved quickly for approval to allow for purchase of new equipment, acclimation during the summer months for their programs, and the need to communicate the rule change with other schools that will be competing against WAC schools – including tournaments.

According to the KSHSAA website, “member high schools in all classifications have the option to utilize the shot clock for all home boys and girls basketball games at the varsity level. If a school chooses to use the shot clock, they will do so for all regular season varsity games. This includes any regular season varsity tournament games hosted by the school. 

If schools opt into the trial, the shot clock must be used by both girls and boys varsity games. 

Garden City and Hays are already equipped with shot-clocks and LED-lit score boards. The remaining schools will have to purchase shot-clocks for their main gyms. For schools hosting varsity tournaments, all facilities must have shot clocks installed. 

WAC President Jay Gifford of Dodge City, the decision was easy since coaches were on-board with the shot clock. Gifford believes research indicates the rule change has the ability to improve the quality of games and align Kansas with neighboring states.

Following the 2024-25 season, the KSHSAA executive board will consider adoption of the shot clock for regular and postseason basketball games.