By Thomas Grant Jr.
The return of senior swingman Reagan Haggard to the hardwood provided an immediate boost for the Chapin girls’ basketball team.
Having the team’s leading scorer and second-leading rebounder back from a sprained ankle proved critical in back-to-back victories. Against then–region leader Irmo, Haggard and Sami Stephenson each recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds in a 42–39 win.
The celebration was short-lived.
The following day, Chapin learned that Haggard had suffered a torn ACL, an injury that effectively ended the multi-sport athlete’s high school career.
“Tuesday’s big team win came with great personal loss,” Haggard posted on social media. “An ACL injury quickly ended my high school career. What an honor to represent CHS on the court for six years. I am sad, but God has a plan, and I trust it fully.”
Haggard was averaging 9.5 points and 4.7 rebounds through 14 games this season. Earlier this year, she reached two career milestones, surpassing 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.
“This is a special kid,” Chapin head coach Terence Jones wrote on social media. “High character, a leader on and off the court, respectful and someone you can always count on. I wish you nothing but the best as you recover and prepare for your next chapter at East Tennessee State University.
“@ReaganH2026 will forever be legendary at CHS.”
The Lady Eagles responded to the setback by winning their first game without Haggard, outscoring White Knoll 11–1 in the fourth quarter to rally for a 38–33 victory.
Chapin (12–7, 3–2) is tied with Irmo for third place in Region 4-5A and hosts region co-leader Dutch Fork on Friday.
The Chapin boys’ team is tied with White Knoll for fourth place following two consecutive losses.
S.C. BASKETBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A GIRLS POLL
(Division II)
1. North Myrtle Beach, 2. Goose Creek, 3. Greenwood, 4. Berkeley, 5. Gaffney, 6. Irmo, 7. Greenville, 8. Eastside, 9. St. James, 10. Chapin
