By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Streetsboro High School girls basketball team made state history on Friday, playing in Ohio’s first-ever game that included a shot clock.

The Rockets edged Ellet, 70-68, in the game played at the Canton Memorial Field House, with senior Naomi Benson hitting the game-winning shot with 18 seconds remaining.

Each possession during the game was run on a 35-second shot clock.

The idea for the game was initiated during the off-season, according to Streetsboro head coach Carl Singer.

“Adam Hall from the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association reached out to me about playing the event, saying they wanted to try to get the top teams in the area to play,” Singer said. “Since we already had a full schedule, I told him I would reach out to some of our non-conference opponents to see if any would be interested in playing in the event.”

The game was approved by the Ohio High School Athletic Association and was counted toward the Rockets’ regular-season schedule and final season record.

“From what I know, the coaches association and the OHSAA worked together on the event,” Singer said.

OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute was at Friday’s game, which was used to collect data and information to continue a discussion about the possible implementation of a shot clock in Ohio.

“It was exciting for us to be a part of history, playing in the first girls high school basketball game in Ohio with the shot clock,” Singer said. “For us, we are good with the shot clock because it didn’t really affect any of our possessions with how we play and the way this game went. It was a great back-and-forth game.”

On Sunday, the Streetsboro boys basketball team played in a Shot Clock Game, as well, losing to Moon Area (Pa.), 50-33, at the Canton Memorial Field House in a similar event again coordinated by the OHSBCA.