What happens if a tap by A1 is in flight toward A's basket when time expires?

When time expires in a basketball game and a tap by a player is in flight toward the team's basket, the correct interpretation according to NFHS rules is that the ball becomes dead immediately. This means that once the game clock sounds to indicate the end of the period, no further play may occur, and any shot, tap, or action that is in motion will not count.

If the tap does not reach the basket before the conclusion of the period, the score cannot be validated because the ball is considered dead the moment time runs out. This prevents any scoring that might occur after the end of regular play from being counted, keeping the integrity of the end of the game intact. Hence, the play stops immediately when time expires, reinforcing the rule about game time management and how it influences play outcomes.

The other options relate to various interpretations of the situation when time runs out, but they overlook the fundamental rule that the ball is dead immediately upon the expiration of time, thereby allowing for no scores or progression in play.