CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. — A shot clock is coming to Tennessee high school basketball, and while many support the move, they are concerned about what it will cost smaller schools to get there.
The TSSAA Board of Control approved a four-year phased implementation of a 35-second shot clock Tuesday, June 9, with full incorporation set for the 2029-30 season.
The vote passed eight to four.
Beginning in the 2026-27 season, schools can use a shot clock during Hall of Champions games and holiday tournaments.
Russell Bush, the longtime voice of Huntingdon High School basketball and a sports writer covering the Mustangs and Fillies, said he supports the decision, albeit with reservations.
“I see the need for a shot clock and it will change how the game is played and I support it,” Bush said. “The new rule will reward great defensive teams.”
But he said it may burden smaller schools.
“Some schools will have trouble covering the costs of installing the clocks,” he said. “Secondly, schools will have to man the clock with a person qualified to do so. HHS has the scoreboard with players’ points and fouls and last year had trouble finding someone to man it.”
“Overall, although I think it’s time for a shot clock,” Bush added. “It’s not the right time as well.”
“I understand the reasoning behind the shot clock and appreciate the effort to improve the game, but I do have concerns from the perspective of small, rural schools,” said Christopher Finley, head basketball coach at Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central High School.
He pointed to both the financial and staffing challenges, and questioned whether the problem the shot clock is meant to solve is as widespread as assumed.
“Of all the high school basketball games played across Tennessee last season, what percentage actually involved excessive stalling or situations where a shot clock would have significantly changed the outcome?” he said. “My guess is that number is relatively small.”
David Wilkins, head coach of the 2025-2026 Class 2A State Champion Huntingdon Fillies, said a change was probably inevitable.
“I do believe adding a shot clock can be good for the game overall, as it does align better for those that are playing in college,” Wilkins said. “However, most high school possessions probably are not going to last 35 seconds anyways.”
“As far as our team specifically, we are trying to shoot it much quicker than 35 seconds anyway, as we love to play fast,” he added.
Wilkins, like the others, acknowledged the staffing concern but expressed confidence a solution would be found.
Tennessee is now the 33rd state to adopt a high school shot clock.
Of the 280 principals or athletic directors who responded to a TSSAA survey, 147 were in support and 101 opposed.