Wisconsin to implement high school basketball shot clock — should Iowa follow?

It's been a polarizing debate in many states, including Iowa, for years. Does high school basketball need a shot clock?

Another of Iowa's neighboring states has decided the answer is yes.

Wisconsin will implement a 35-second shot clock for varsity games only, beginning with the 2019-20 season, according to a Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Control vote Thursday.

WIAA Board of Control voted to implement the use of a shot clock in basketball for varsity games only, beginning in 2019-20. #wiaabb #wiaagb

— WIAA (@wiaawi) June 22, 2017

Wisconsin is the ninth state to approve a shot clock, joining California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Washington.

Proponents of the shot clock cite a faster-paced game that would more closely align with the collegiate and professional levels. The uproar has been especially prevalent in Iowa after high-profile games that have involved stalling, such as a 2016 boys' Class 4A state semifinal in which West Des Moines Valley held the ball for all 4 minutes of double overtime, then scored at the buzzer to beat Pleasant Valley.

Opponents note that smaller schools will have difficulty coming up with funds to install shot clocks and could find it challenging to locate volunteers to run the shot clocks.

What do you think? Is it time for Iowa to follow Wisconsin's lead, or should things remain status quo?

/ The Gazette