Ever been bored at a high school basketball game when a team holds the ball?

Sure it’s an offensive strategy ... but it’s boooring!!!

Most of us understand strategy. Coaches and their players want to win.

Without a shot clock many coaches will have their players pass the ball back and forth to sit on a lead.

For fans, it’s awful. For defenses, it’s frustrating.

A shot clock will end that.

What’s taking so long?

Many of us appreciate the strategies college and pro coaches must come up with to shot clock-beating shots. In Lexington County, high school players can take all the time they want to get the ball down court and to the rim.

The Georgia High School Association took a bold step and approved 53-10 the use of a 30-second shot clock, phasing it in over 3 years.

Georgia’s decision is bold because shot clocks aren’t cheap. Shot clock maker Daktronics estimated $5,000 to $10,000 per school to have the clocks installed.

Not only that, coaches will need a volunteer or a paid assistant to manage the clock during games.

Somebody has to reset the clock after a change in possession or a shot that touches the rim but doesn’t go in.

If the offense recovers the rebound, they have a fresh 30 seconds to score. That heightens the importance of rebounding for both teams.

Many coaches and fans agree the 30 second rule helps make games flow and are more exciting to watch.

For players going on to play in college, experience with tighter offensive times will make them better players than those who lacked this in high school.

What about costs?

For years those opposed to high school shot clocks based the argument on costs and manpower required. Georgia’s only the 9th

Georgia’s only the 9th state to approve a shot clock in high school.

Many SC coaches agree a shot clock would help the game but appreciate a $10,000 cost per school and clock management needed may put it out of the reach of small and rural schools.

SC Basketball Coaches Association board member Andrew Peckham considers himself a “yes” voter. He understands operating the clock can be difficult from his days at the Peach Jam.

Another reason some coaches are skeptical is the talent gap between schools.

Blowouts could be bigger if less talented teams can’t stall to keep the score down.

This is a scheduling problem. ADs and coaches should avoid scheduling cupcakes. Strength of schedule should determine tournament invitations.

Mrs. Grouch says she’s for anything that will speed up the games. If you can’t get the ball down court and at least headed for the basket in 30 seconds you ought to go in for turtle racing.

What’s your opinion of the 30-second shot clock?

Email me at ChronicleSpports@yahoo.com .