NJ Governing Body Approves High School Shot Clock By Tiny Margin

One of the biggest charges in New Jersey high school basketball history will take effect for the 2027-2028 season.

The NJSIAA, the governing body of high school sports in New Jersey has narrowly approved a 35-second shot clock for boys and girls high school basketball.

The Vote Was Razor Thin

170 to 166.

There are approximately 415 schools that play New Jersey high school basketball … but, only 336 schools bothered to cast a vote … despite this being a historic, game-changing new rule.

I Spoke With An Atlantic County High School Sports Legend — Who Doesn’t Like It

I asked, “Do you like the change to a 35-second shot clock”?

No....it will benefit the better teams and hurt the weaker ones....it will lead to more running clocks in the second half.

A moment later, he added:

It will lead to a lot more non-competitive games.

The source who I interviewed is a former high school head coach with more than 50 years of experience in multiple high school sports.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small

Mayor Small supports the rule change.

Small is both an Atlantic City High School and Stockton University Hall of Fame basketball player.

Small is the all-time rebound leader at Stockton University.

About the implementation of a high school 35-second shot clock, Mayor Small told me:

I think it's the right move because it will prepare High School Basketball Players for the next level. They have shot clocks in college and all levels of professional basketball, said Small.

Frank Campo Passed Away 2 Years Ago Today

I really wish that I could have called Frank today to get his view of this rule change.

Frank had such a level head and he would have had a great response to this NJSIAA action, I just know it.

My Own Experience

I was a certified New Jersey high school basketball official for more than 25 years and I loved it.

My initial impression is that this is not a good idea. It feels to me that the NJSIAA enacted a solution for a problem that did not exist.

In Other NJSIAA News … It’s A Tale of Two Shot Clocks

The same NJSIAA voted against enacting a shot clock for boys and girls lacrosse.

The vote was tight, 166-149 … along with 21 abstentions.

Had the NJSIAA approved this measure, it would have implemented an 80-second shot clock.

High School Showcase Event That Was Held At Stockton University

It’s the brain child of Dr. Mukesh Roy and it was a fantastic, elite showcase event.

Great High school boys and girls basketball teams from all over the country played. Here are some great photos.