MAIZE, Kan. (KWCH) – For the first time Monday night, basketball fans saw a new addition to basketball gyms at Maize and Maize South high schools.

The AVCTL programs hosted jamborees and showcased the newest edition to 125 gyms across Kansas – a shot clock.

Following an NFHS suggestion, KSHSAA gave schools the option to implement a 35-second shot clock for the regular season. Only 37% of schools opted to adopt a shot clock this year, and KSHSAA will consider future use in the postseason and regular seasons following this year.

Of programs in 4A, 6A and 6A, 91 schools will use the shot clock as opposed to just 17 not participating. Abilene and Pratt are the lone area teams not using a shot clock.

Only 34 programs in 3A and below will use a shot clock, with 198 opting not to.

KSHSAA is leaning on AVCTL commissioner Keith Kinley and his league to help pave the way in Kansas.

“Being the first and taking the storm in controversial for the game of basketball and high school athletics – we want to make sure we’re prepared and get things right,” Kinley said.

The goal is to eliminate possible scenarios – especially in the postseason – where teams will begin stalling possessions and holding the ball for minutes on end while they’re leading, as well as preparing players to use shot clocks in college basketball.

“I think it’s kinda a long time coming. Hopefully we get girls constantly flowing into the collegiate basketball world and this prepares them for that,” Bishop Carroll girls basketball coach Taylor Dugan said. “Late game scenairos are where we’re really gonna see it. Now you just get to play and it’s a lot more fun. So now if you’re down, you get a chance, so I love that.”

The move has received an overwhelming amount of positive response from coaches, including Andover’s Martin Shetlar.

“I think it’s really good for high school. It’s how basketball’s supposed to be played,” Shetlar said. “It will make teams play and not hold the ball. It’s gonna be a good thing for basketball, a good thing for our kids.”

All programs in the AVCTL and GWAL will use it, along with other area programs including Wichita Collegiate, Scott City, Goodland and Colby.

They will first be put to use in the regular season with Week 1 beginning this Friday.

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