[drothamel]

In the NCAA, it makes more sense. There is much less of a chance for the lead to even have a chance to make such a count. NCAA players are usually good enough so that they don't get stuck down there; or the only reason the ball is in the lead's primary is for post play.

In HS, I have had to count on more than one occaision. Kid dribbles baseline, then gets trapped right in front of you. It isn't very frequent, but it definitely happens.

Proportionately, the lead would have very few opportunities to make a closely guarded count, as most of the lead's primary area is in the paint.