TSSAA Basketball Committee Makes Significant Changes

Playing Shot Clocks

One of the most significant changes is the possible introduction of a shot clock. The committee determined that if all teams in the area agree, shot clocks may be employed during area play. In the past, the shot clock could only be used in non-area games with the approval of both coaches. More significantly, the committee unanimously decided to allow shot clocks in the Final Four and regional games in 2026–2027. Shot timers were not used in the postseason games this season, which is a big change for tournaments in the future.

Change to District Play

The switch from area plays and tournaments to district play and district tournaments is another significant modification that is being considered. The goal of this change is to improve postseason matchups' competitive balance and structure. The AHSAA Championship Committee will now review the recommendations before they may be sent to the Central Board of Control for final approval. If approved, the modifications would be implemented in the upcoming school year of 2026–2027.

Coaches Offer Their Input

The Alabama Basketball Coaches Association President and head coach of Orange Beach, Chris Laatsch, was enthusiastic about the committee's choices.

"This is a significant day," Laatsch stated. The committee's unanimous agreement on these matters is a significant step, even though nothing is completed. There has never been complete agreement on the shot clock topic in previous discussions.

Laatsch, along with Patrick Davis of Vestavia Hills and Elijah Garrison of Homewood, has been a major proponent of these reforms. They have put a lot of effort into creating ideas that will enhance postseason competitiveness and guarantee that the top teams travel to Birmingham to compete for championships.

Reevaluating the Structure of the Playoffs

In this makeover, district play is anticipated to be crucial.

According to Laatsch, "I have been working on this for the past four or five years." Preventing teams from the same region from playing one another four times, including in the Elite Eight, was a major motivator. This proposal has been the subject of increasing discussion, and now there is actual momentum behind it.

The idea of introducing a rating system based on the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) to organize a complete playoff bracket for every classification was also proposed. Laatsch maintains his optimism over the advancements achieved on the shot clock and district play efforts, even though the topic is still being discussed.

An Upbeat Perspective

Although significant changes like this are uncommon, Laatsch thinks the Ansa’s leadership is more adaptable now than it has been in the past.

"There has been a greater readiness to listen with executive directors like Steve Savarese, Alvin Briggs, and now Heath Harmon," he stated. "The Championship Committee is likely to give some careful thought if the committee agrees on it, as it did today. Unless they find a serious problem, I am really hopeful.

Patrick Davis of Vestavia Hills, who was present at the meeting, reflected that opinion, describing the choices as a "wonderful day for basketball."

Although there are still things to do, Davis stated that this was a huge step in the right direction. Big improvements are typically the result of a sports committee's tremendous momentum. Today's conversations were forward-thinking, and I think these concepts will improve our game even further.

The proposed modifications might usher in a new era for Alabama high school basketball as the AHSAA continues its deliberations, improving playoff play structure and competitiveness.