The Swainsboro Middle School (SMS) Lady Tigers opened their season with two hard-earned victories, defeating Dodge County and West Laurens in back-to-back games. For a young team still building chemistry, SMS showed poise, toughness, and steady improvement, traits their coach believes will define them this season.
The Lady Tigers began the year with a 29 to 21 win over Dodge, a game that demanded effort from start to finish. Genesis Reese led the team with 12 points, using her speed and aggression to fuel the offense. Trinitee Kennedy and Morgan Boynton each scored 6, while Sariah Huston added 3 and Candace Howard chipped in 2.
Coach reflected on the opener, noting, “That first game showed me our girls have heart. We did not play perfect basketball, but we played hard, and that is what got us through. Once they settled in, I could see their confidence start to grow.”
SMS carried that confidence into their second game, earning a 38 to 32 win over West Laurens. Reese once again led the scoring with 13 points, followed by Boynton with 8. Huston contributed 6, Howard added 4, and additional baskets from Lauren Kirkland, Kennedy, and Taylor Clark helped push SMS ahead when momentum shifted late.
Coach shared that the West Laurens win revealed another layer of potential within her team. “They are learning how to finish games,” she said. “In tight moments they communicated better, trusted each other, and made smart decisions. That is the growth I want to see this early in the season.”
As for the overall development of the team, Coach emphasized the steady progression she sees every day. “We are still building our chemistry, but every practice and every game shows me something new about their fight. I am proud of how each player is stepping into her role.”
With a strong 2 to 0 start, the SMS Lady Tigers now look ahead to their next two matchups, both at home. SMS will return to action on December 11 when they host Bleckley County, followed by another home game on December 15 against East Laurens. Coach noted that these contests will provide important tests as the Lady Tigers continue to grow and find their identity this season.
Now sitting undefeated, the SMS Lady Tigers appear ready to carry their momentum into the weeks ahead as they continue building confidence, teamwork, and championship habits on and off the court.
