When does a jump ball officially end?

The correct choice indicates that a jump ball officially ends when the tapped ball touches the basket. This is aligned with NFHS rules, which state that the jump ball can only be considered complete once the ball is legally tapped by one of the jumpers, and for it to be considered in play, it must touch a player legally or the basket.

In this context, the emphasis is on the fact that once the ball makes contact with the basket, the initial jump ball situation is resolved and considered over. This ruling also helps clarify the transition from the jump ball scenario directly into active play, allowing the game to flow smoothly.

Other options do not accurately reflect the conditions under which a jump ball concludes according to NFHS regulations. For example, catching the ball by the referee or it being touched by a nonjumper does not inherently signal the end of the jump ball, but rather can lead to further play or reverts to another jump ball situation. Likewise, the timing of the game does not dictate the end of the jump ball itself, as other factors during play can occur independent of the game clock. Understanding these distinctions is key for players, officials, and fans alike.