Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The case for a longer basketball season

The Kansas high school basketball season is a short one. It starts later, ends earlier and allows teams to play far fewer games than in nearby states.

Some of the state’s basketball coaches have pleaded unsuccessfully for a modest three-game increase in the number of allowable regular season games, currently 20.

Currently in Kansas, a large class team that makes the state championship game will play 25 games. In the smaller classes, some have played 28.

In Missouri, the regular season starts 11 days earlier than in Kansas and lasts a week longer. A state champion, regardless of class, will play 30 games, at least 22 in the regular season.

In Texas, state championships are decided the same day as in Kansas, but the first regular season games are 21 days earlier. Teams are allowed 21 regular season games PLUS three invitational tournaments. State champions in Texas typically end up playing 35 or 36 games.

Is it any wonder players from those states are better equipped to play college basketball?

What do you think? Should Kansas schools be allowed to play more regular season games?

Cast your vote in our poll at the bottom of any CatchItKansas.com page.

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