The confidence around Swainsboro keeps growing and over the last three games it has been backed up by production on the floor. The Swainsboro Lady Tigers did not just win against Toombs County Savannah Country Day and Appling County they controlled each game in different ways showing how much this group has matured during their current five game winning streak.
Against Toombs County Swainsboro set the tone defensively and never looked back in a 58–35 win. The Lady Tigers forced turnovers early and used that pressure to build separation. Kimiya Freeman led the scoring effort with 20 points and six steals consistently turning defense into offense. Inside Mckinley Walden provided a strong presence on the glass finishing with nine points and 11 rebounds while Swainsboro’s team defense kept Toombs from finding any sustained rhythm.
That same defensive edge carried over to the road matchup against Savannah Country Day where the Lady Tigers earned a 60–40 victory away from home. A’Acaylah Murphy delivered one of the most complete performances of the season posting a triple double with 14 points 11 rebounds and 10 steals. Freeman stayed hot offensively with 18 points and five steals and Millie Kingsbury added nine points helping Swainsboro pull away in the second half. The Lady Tigers’ ability to pressure the ball and capitalize in transition proved to be the difference.
Back in The Den, Swainsboro closed the stretch with an 85–71 win over Appling County pushing the winning streak to five games. Murphy followed up her road performance with a dominant night finishing with a career high 28 points and 14 rebounds attacking the basket and setting the tone offensively. Walden turned in an efficient all-around effort with 15 points seven rebounds and six assists keeping the offense balanced. Swainsboro also controlled the extra effort category pulling down 15 offensive rebounds which led to key second chance points down the stretch.
Throughout this run Head Coach Alexandria Walden has stressed discipline effort and playing connected basketball. That emphasis has shown up consistently in the numbers with strong rebounding totals high steal counts and multiple players contributing each night and more importantly in the win column.
Prior to this article going to print the Lady Tigers were scheduled to face Savannah Christian on Tuesday night. Coverage and full details from that matchup will be included in next week’s issue as Swainsboro continues to build momentum and push forward into the heart of the season.
