35 seconds or less: Shot clock a welcomed part of Classic in the Country action

The 2026 Classic in the Country XXIII welcomed a new addition to the slate of 22 games this year, and it wasn’t a team but rather the introduction of the 35-second shot clock to the games.

This trial run for Ohio High School Basketball Association possibly introducing this part of the game to high school hoops in the future was one of a few tournaments and showcases that was allowed to utilize the shot clock. The CitC served as the one girls showcase in the state that was given permission to use the clock this season.

The impact was felt from the game’s first possession when Wadsworth turned the ball over when the shot clock expired. Other than that, there were several infractions throughout the weekend, but for the most part, teams felt right at home with the shot clock involved.

From players and coaches to referees and timekeepers, it was a welcomed addition that seems to have the general blessing of everyone who participated in its use.

Grace Largent, a junior who plays for Olmstead Falls, said the shot clock will be more than good for the game.

“I like that it helps speed up the game,” Largent said. “It makes the game more entertaining for everyone. Everyone has to be more engaged on the floor and on the bench, and it keeps fans in the game.”

She said it doesn’t really change the way players approach the game; they simply need to be aware of its presence as time ticks down. She said teams who are well-prepared and understand their roles on the floor shouldn’t have any problem dealing with it.

Hiland senior point guard Macy Mullet said she likes it because it picks up the pace and forces teams to play faster. She said it didn’t change the way Hiland approached things, adding communication becomes paramount for teams.

Brady Schlabach, Hiland head coach, said, “It creates good games and shows off the skills of players, both on offense and defense. It creates a more exciting atmosphere for fans. In the end players still need to make plays.”

Bryce McKey, founder of She Hoops Ohio and coordinator of the basketball action at CitC, said the shot clock served its purpose in pushing the action.

“It’s gone really well,” McKey said. “Everything went smoothly, and I don’t think it’s had any major effect on the game other than keeping the action moving along. The feedback I’ve received has been really positive, and I think most coaches would welcome it.”

McKey said it was an honor to be tabbed as the lone girls event in the state to test out the new system.

McKey said the trial period will continue over the next two or three years as the OHSAA decides when and how to implement the shot clock.

“I think it’s inevitable,” McKey said. “Something like 36 of our 50 states already have it, so we’re a little behind, but I think it’s coming soon.”

Even the referees felt the idea worked well and had little problem adjusting to it.

Referee April Largent has worked college games with the clock and said the move to high school is inevitable.

“It just creates a faster, more exciting pace,” Largent said. “Teams just can’t sit back and waste time. I really like it and would love to see it in the high school games, but the only downfall is that some of your smaller schools don’t have the funds to make the initial purchase and get it set up and then to pay a shot clock operator. If we can fix that problem, then I’m in favor of it.”

Throughout the CitC, Hiland employed a trio of operators to run the shot clock. Following a short introduction of how to operate it and the rules involved, each had little problem blending right into the action and flow of the games.

Jason Mishler ran the clock, and having experienced it in college ball, he said it doesn’t take that much to adjust to it.

For kids playing with it for the first time, I can see how it becomes a bit of a challenge, but after a couple games, you get a mental clock going in your head and you get used to it,” Mishler said. “After two or three games, I think any team would be good to go.”

He said the toughest part of operating the clock is having to pay close attention to every single moment of action because the clock reset can come at a quick pace at times.

He said it will be a great addition to the high school game, noting that while there is strategy to holding the ball for the final shot of a quarter or at the end of the game, there is even more involved with the implementation of the shot clock.

Chad Bonifant was another operator, and he said it was a tad nerve-racking early on, but it didn’t take long to adjust and catch on.

“You have to pay attention and can’t get sidetracked,” Bonifant said. “I think the players got used to it quickly, although we did see several violations occur because they lose track of time and things got away from them. But I think it makes the game faster and more exciting, which is good for everyone.”