A big help: 6'5" forward Pat Haggin has been a bright spot for a young Bobcats team. (Photo: A. Kruse/Banner)

Of the three sophomores on the Grand Blanc varsity roster last season, Pat Haggin wasn’t one of them.

While underclassmen Tony Jones, Bill Sams, and Mitchell Vallie were shining on the court at 7 pm, Haggin was as well, only during the junior varsity game at 5:30 pm.

“I didn’t mind playing JV, because I was able to get more playing time,” said Haggin. “I gained a lot of experience.”

Haggin finished last season as one of the JV’s best contributors. That, along with stellar performances during summer leagues and camps, solidified Haggin as a starter on the varsity team this year. Joining him in the starting line-up were his fellow classmates Jones, Sams, and Vallie, as well as junior Gabe Martin creating an all-junior starting line-up.

At 6’5”, Haggin joins Vallie as Grand Blanc’s tallest player. Opponents have already found out this year that he’s a greater shooter from long range. The deep ball threat along with his length allows Haggin to become a defensive nightmare for opponents.

Haggin is averaging 11.7 ppg., and on Feb. 3 he had a season-high 22 points, and shot 6-8 from three-point range in a win against Flushing.

“Coach Belcher draws up great plays, and my teammates just execute well and are able to get me the ball,” Haggin said.

Currently the Bobcats are 11-5 overall, and 5-3 in conference play, trailing only rival Powers who is 8-1 (as of February 20, 2009). In order to have success the rest of the regular season and in district play the Bobcats will no doubt need quality play from Pat Haggin.