Revised rules in Definition of Terms (Was in 2.00 in prior editions of the rules)

A BUNT is a batted ball not swung at, but intentionally met with
the bat and tapped slowly within the infield.

NFHS 7.2.1B

B1 starts to swing at the pitch but attempts to hold back on it or it appears as though he attempts to bunt the ball. In either case, B1 misses the ball. How does umpire determine what to call the pitch?
RULING: A call of that nature is based entirely upon the umpire’s judgment. Therefore, the umpire must, in order to be consistent, have criteria to guide him in making the decision. The rule that most umpires follow is that if the bat is swung so it is in front of the batter’s body or ahead of it, it is a strike. In bunting, any movement of the bat toward the ball when the ball is over or near the plate area, is a strike. The mere holding of the bat in the strike zone is not an attempt to bunt. (10-1-4a)

He's not disagreeing that it's a batted ball (and thus, foul -- or fair in your quoted play). He's just disagreeing that it's a bunt (and, thus, a foul bunt with two strikes ==> out).

I am not umpiring this summer due to hip problems but both this play and the illegal player play were plays that have happened in baseball tournaments in which Mark, Jr., was umpiring. Neither play happened in his games but were the subject of lively discussions in the dressing room.

MTD, Sr.

Mark, Jr., and I are of the opinion that it is just a foul ball and not an out because of the Rule R2-S8-A1 and Casebook Play 7.2.1. Situation B.

MTD, Sr.

I remember watching an NCAA game where a batter squared to bunt and was hit by the pitch. As the batter trotted down to first base, the PU appealed to the BU, who signaled a strike. They then called the batter back to the plate. I don't think this was a third strike situation...

And if it was a third strike, the batter would be out. Has nothing to do with the OP where the ball hits the bat.

in hs baseball, does the batter have to draw the bat back in a bunt situation for it not to be called a bunt attempt?

I believe the judgement of the umpire to determine whether an attempt was made to bunt the ball is the determination of whether the pitched ball is a strike or not if the thrown pitch is out of the strike zone. If the bunt attempt is not bunted of course.

case book 7.2.1 B. The mere holding of the bat in the strike zone is not an attempt to bunt. (10.1.4a).

So... you've answered your own question.