Play of the Day 501 (2025-26)

The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.

Team B leads 55-54 with 2.2 seconds remaining.  Team A has the ball for a throw-in in the backcourt.  A-1 throws the ball to A-2 in the backcourt.  A-2 takes two quick dribbles and heaved up a try from beyond half-court.  The try went in.  

The clock did not start until after A-2 had let go of the try.

Handle the situation.

The officials on this game decided to have a “do-over.”  There is no such thing in high school basketball.  The officials on the game should have determined whether the shot was released before the horn would have gone off.

Both teams fairly competed while the clock was not running.  It is unfair to both teams to order a do-over.  If the shot had missed, would a do-over be appropriate?  Of course not.  It is easier to see that such actions are not right when looked at this way.  Because the shot went in, it now falls on the officials to determine if the shot was released in time.  This is a difficult decision but one that the officials must make.

Since there was less than ten seconds on the clock, there was no need to have a count.  However, at the late stages of a game, it is always a good idea to have a count in your head until you know that the clock has started properly.  This count can then be used to help make a determination about the legality of the last second try and/or foul that might occur or to adjust the time on the clock if an error is detected in the timing.

Let’s be reminded that if the officials are unable to make a clear determination, then, by rule, the goal should count.  In the end the burden of this decision rests with the referee on the game.

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