And in all games as per NFHS case book play 4.19.3SitB.

The RULING of that case play says <i>"An intentional foul shall be charged when the contact is judged to be excessive, even though the opponent is playing the ball.</i>

This same play, as described by the OP, was called an intentional personal foul in the 2nd half of the Illinois/Minnesota game about a week ago. It was a great call.

Remember that it is also an intentional foul if the defense fouls to negate an opponent's obvious advantageous position such as when the player is on a breakaway and otherwise has an easy dunk or layup.

There was an intentional foul in the Boston U/Albany game last night with about 5 minutes left in the game. BU had a steal and easy drive to the basket with no defenders back. One Albany player caught up to him around the FT line and grabbed him from behind. Didn't pull him to the floor or anything excessive, but not playing the ball at all.

The C had a fist, but the Lead came right away with the X. Good call, I thought. Obviously a "clear-path-to-the-basket" play, to use NBA lingo.