What is the minimum number of players that must be on the court for a team to continue play?

In basketball, the minimum number of players required on the court for a team to continue play is five. This is consistent with the common structure of the game, where each team is comprised of five active players during play. Having five players allows for a full basketball lineup, which includes positions such as guards, forwards, and a center, ensuring a balanced and competitive matchup.

If a team falls below five players on the court, they are considered unable to continue the game under the official rules. This is important for maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that all competitive aspects, such as offense and defense, can be executed properly. A team with fewer players would struggle with effective strategy and gameplay, significantly impacting the flow and competitiveness of the match.

The other options do not reflect the requirements set by the NFHS basketball rules, as teams are not permitted to compete with fewer than five players while still adhering to the structure of the game.