Hard Foul

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Red_Killian

Going for the ball does not give a player the right to cause excessive contact. You can be playing the ball but cause excessive contact and be called for an intentional foul....at least in my games

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

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

[Nevadaref]

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.