There are new scoreboards, and a new sense of urgency to score, as high schools throughout Montana are implementing the shot clock.
But what does this really mean for the Jefferson County basketball teams?
According to Lady Panthers coach Sarah Layng, not much.
“My players and I are OK with this change,” she said. “We’re not really worried about it. I think the style we play shouldn’t affect us too much – if anything I think it will be an advantage sometimes on defense.”
Panther Boys coach Anthony Connole also doesn’t expect it to change the way his team plays. He prefers it, and is even a little envious, just as he is with his players’ four-day school week.
“The shot clock doesn’t affect us much, considering how we play,” Connole said. “I really like it, and I wish I had it when I played for the Panthers [2005-2009]. We wanted to score and liked to run but played many opponents who would take two minutes off the clock in a possession.”
Similarly, Connole said the shot clock will help the team defensively, and he saw this firsthand during the summer league.
Stay tuned for more thoughts from coaches and players on the addition of the shot clock as the season progresses.
