OHSBCA to sponsor shot clock shootout in Canton

History will be made as the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association (OHSBCA) sponsors the first-ever high school event using the shot clock on Dec. 27-29. This event will take place at the Canton Memorial Field House, featuring 15 games over a three-day period. Former Ontario head coach and OHSBCA Executive Director, Joe Balogh said the games will all utilize the shot clock under the guidelines of the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS). "Data and information will be gathered from this event to continue discussions surrounding the future implementation of the shot clock in the state of Ohio," Balogh said. Over the past few months, the OHSBCA has worked with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) to get approval for the event. OHSAA Commissioner Doug Ute approved the request, and will have a watchful eye on how it unfolds. "We are excited about seeing how the shot clock works during this event with the possibility of expanding the event to various locations next year," Ute said. The games will be played at the historic Canton Memorial Field House. Joe Bogdan, Director of sports, athletic partnerships, facilities, and physical dducation for the Canton City School District said McKinley High School is excited to partner with the OHSBCA on this event. "The OHSBCA's commitment to running first class events and their willingness to help make this a fan friendly event on pricing really sets them apart from other large scale showcases," Bogdan said. "Canton Memorial Field House is the best high school basketball venue anywhere. "Having the shot clock shootout here is the perfect combination of basketball's past and future." On Friday, Dec. 27, action starts with Martins Ferry against Indian Valley at 12 p.m. At 1:45 p.m., the Streetsboro girls face Akron Ellet. Rounding out the day is Marysville-Carrollton (3:30 p.m.); Worthington Christian-Moon Area (5:15 p.m.) and South Point vs. Norton (7 p.m.). Action starts at noon on Saturday, Dec. 28 with New Lexington and Meadowbrook girls, followed by Berlin Hiland-Shaker Heights Laurel girls at 1:45 p.m. Rounding out the day is Olmsted Falls-Pepper Pike boys (3:30 p.m.); Elyria vs. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (5:15 p.m.); and Gates Mills Gilmour Academy and Canton McKinley (7 p.m.). The final day on Sunday, Dec. 29 starts with Moon Area and Streetsboro boys at noon, while longtime rivals Cleveland St. Ignatius and McKinley meet at 1:45 p.m. Richmond Heights faces Gilmour Academy (girls) at 3:30 p.m., and Olentangy takes on the Stow girls at 5:15 p.m. The last game of the showcase will feature Lakewood vs. Stow at 7 p.m. Tickets will go on sale on December 1. One ticket is good for all the games that day, but fans are unable to leave and return. Advance tickets for adults will cost $7, while advance student tickets are $5. All tickets bought at the event will cost $10 each. "This event is a pivotal moment in Ohio High School basketball, offering our student-athletes and coaches a unique opportunity to be a part of history," said Adam Hall, public relations director for the OHSBCA. "We're hopeful that this event will drive continued conversations about implementing the shot clock in high school basketball statewide," he added. "The anticipation for this event is incredible, and we can't wait to see the talent on display." For more information about the event, please contact Adam Hall at ohsbcapublicrelations@gmail.com or Joe Bogdan at bogdan_j@ccsdistrict.org.