Do what? Make the right call?

It's pretty clear that he was looking to make sure he had the ruling correct. It was also pretty clear that he wasn't concerned with the standard advice of "count the players blah blah blah" or "I wouldn't call this blah blah blah" because the game situation dictated this call if the ruling can support it.

<TABLE cellSpacing=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=nfhsMainFtMdBld vAlign=top noWrap>10.1.9 Situation:
</TD><TD class=nfhsMainFtMd vAlign=top align=left colSpan=4>Following a charged time-out Team B is still with their coach on the sideline when the official sounds the whistle to indicate play will resume. Four players of B return to the court just in time to play defense as A1 attempts an unsuccessful three-pointer. B1 rebounds and throws a long pass to B5 who enters the court just in time to catch the pass.
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nfhsMainFtMd vAlign=top align=right>Ruling:</TD><TD class=nfhsMainFtMd align=left colSpan=4>A technical foul is immediately charged to Team B for failing to have all players return to the court at approximately the same time following a time-out or intermission. While it is true the entire team may be off the court while the procedure is being used, once a team responds, all players must enter the court at approximately the same time.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=nfhsMainFtMd vAlign=top noWrap align=right>Comment:</TD><TD class=nfhsMainFtMd align=left colSpan=4>The resumption-of-play procedure is in effect to start the second half unless either team is not on the court. In that case regular delay provisions are in force.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Short version I'm not typing it but 10.3.3 B of the NFHS printed case book states a different situation but opposite no T. Player returns and just joins the team, no cherry picking layup or deception, so no T is given. So we do have some judgement and discretion.

hahaha. IMO, they arent extremely strict in D1, so I do believe that calling a
5th grade game the same as a D1 tourney would be extremely appropriate. :D not saying that they arent good officials, because they are, but they don't call ticky-tack stuff, and dont call everything.

It was the right call at the right time because the correct ruling was cited here by several. The game situation, with the coach trying to be the R on our two man crew, the drama and confusion of the fifth player entering the court required firm application of the rules and game management. For inquiring minds, it was a freshmen girls doubleheader A and B.

Offending team had won the previous game by over 30, yet pressed until the 4 qtr, which they are entitled to do, much like you posting your opinion when I asked for ruling only.

The rulings are different because the plays are different. In 10.1.9, there's a TO, so there's a T for "all not returning at the same time."

In 10.3.3B there's a substitution, so there's no T for having the 5th player return late (assuming no advantage / deception).

You have the same judgment and discretion on these rules as you do on any other. ;)