The speedy senior guard from Central has been selected as an alternate for the Small School East squad at this summer's Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association (OGBCA) All-State Games.
However, Central coach Scott Lowe believes Haggard deserved a spot on the 10-player roster after a strong senior season and a pair of impressive all-state tryouts.
"I'm telling you now, she should have made it," said Lowe, who thought Haggard's chances were hurt by playing schools whose coaches didn't get to vote on the small school all-state teams, which are comprised of players from Classes A and B.
"Our conference is made up mostly of 2A schools and their coaches had to vote with the middle schools and not the small schools. Most of the people who were voting had never seen Blair play, so that hurt her chances," explained Lowe. "Even so, one coach who never saw her play during the season watched her work out and voted her the second best player there."
Haggard averaged 15.1 points per game as a senior and also led the Lady Tigers in steals and assists. Her efforts helped Central tie for the Big Eight Conference title, reach the area tournament and finish with a record of 20-6.
No player from Sequoyah County received All-State honors this year and Haggard was the only one to be picked as an alternate by the OGBCA. She's the second alternate for the Small East behind Caney's Jennifer Watson.
Lowe is hopeful that Haggard could still get an opportunity to play in the OGBCA All-State Games, which will be played June 4 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.
"There were 150 girls that tried out, so to be 12th is still a privilege and she still may make it," said Lowe. "There are some really good softball players on the team and they may choose to play in that all-state game instead. Four girls opted out of the small school game last year."
