How many minutes is a regulation high school basketball game divided into?

In a regulation high school basketball game, the game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 8 minutes. This structure is established by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to create a standardized game duration that ensures both competitive balance and an appropriate length for high school athletes. Each quarter is played continuously, with stoppages only for specific situations like fouls, timeouts, or out-of-bounds plays, allowing for a dynamic flow of the game. The choice of 8-minute quarters helps to maintain a manageable game length while also providing athletes with enough time to demonstrate their skills on the court.