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UIL approves shot clock pilot program for varsity basketball tournaments
By Shahji Adam at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
The UIL enacts a pilot program for the use of a 35 second shot clock that will be optional in all conferences for varsity tournaments.Watch the full story here: UIL approves shot clock pilot program for varsity basketball tournaments"For a while they've been talking about doing it and a lot of st...
Key takeaway I just think it's well overdue," he said.
Why this matters in The Waco
The introduction of a shot clock in varsity basketball tournaments could significantly impact the way local teams in Waco approach the game, particularly in close matches. Coaches like University's Ricardo Felix and La Vega's Marcus Willis Sr. have been advocating for this change, citing its ability to bring the high school level closer to the collegiate level. The pilot program's optional nature for all conferences means that teams in McLennan County will have the flexibility to adapt to this new rule. As local basketball teams prepare for the potential implementation of the shot clock, it will be interesting to see how they adjust their strategies, especially in clutch situations. The fact that some players are already familiar with the shot clock from playing year-round will likely give them an edge, but it may also create a learning curve for newer players, such as freshmen.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The UIL enacts a pilot program for the use of a 35 second shot clock that will be optional in all conferences for varsity tournaments.Watch the full story here: UIL approves shot clock pilot program for varsity basketball tournaments"For a while they've been talking about doing it and a lot of st...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Shahji Adam at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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