NFHS closely guarded rule

[truerookie]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

4-23-1
Guarding is the act of legally placing the body in the path of an offensive opponent.

If I'm chasing you from behind (trailing), I am NOT in your path, am I?

Ok, big timer..Bottom line. I cannot dispute the rule as written under 4-23-1...

4-23-3c states: The guard my move laterally or obliquely to maintain position, provided it is not toward the opponent when contact occurs.

So, I take it as as long as the defender is between the ball handler and the basket a count will be maintained.

The defender is within the 6' radius and moving laterally. Just because the ball handler is slightly past him/her in my judgement does not terminate the closely guard count if moving laterally and not attempting to score.