When WIAA member schools a few years ago voted to implement a shot clock in boys basketball, I applauded the move. A shot clock is used at every level of college basketball — from community college to NCAA Division I — so why not in high school?

From a professional standpoint, the “four corners” offense was fantastic. Portions of games flew by, ensuring no threat of ending close to my deadline. From every other standpoint, it’s awful and marginalizes the game. No one wants to watch a player hold the ball for minutes. When Federal Way went into a stall during overtime of the SPSL title game against Decatur in 2009, the teams were booed by fans of both teams.

The tactic didn’t break any rules, but goes against the spirit of the game. And that brings me to the point of this post.

On Saturday, Oregon’s Class 5A girls basketball finals ended with Springfield beating Willamette 16-7.
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