The Swainsboro High School girls’ basketball team enters the 2025–2026 season with determination and a renewed sense of purpose. After finishing 10–14 overall last season, including a 6–7 mark in region play, the Lady Tigers are eager to improve and make a deeper run in the playoffs. Their postseason ended in a first-round playoff loss to region foe Vidalia, 58–49, but the experience has fueled offseason preparation and motivation for this year.
Head Coach Alexandria Walden is excited about the upcoming season and the talent on her roster. “The upcoming season will be interesting with some great talent and girls who are ready to compete and give it their all. We will be very quick, and defense will be the name of our game, offense will come. I’m just glad to have a new generation of players who are all in and want something special and great this season,” Walden said.
The Lady Tigers return a core group of talented players who will be expected to carry the team. Seniors A’acaylah Murphy, Lay Freeman, and Alyssa McGee bring leadership and experience to the floor, providing stability and poise in critical moments. Junior Quintasia Boynton is coming off a knee injury that sidelined her for part of last season, but after a rigorous offseason, she is ready to make a full return.
When asked about players fans should watch this season, Walden emphasized team unity over individual accolades: “I’m not one to single out players, but I will say we have a veteran starter, KK Murphy, who is ready to lead her team and help the underclassmen play the way we want them to. We also officially have a true point guard who will put on a show for her teammates while playing her game. I’m very excited because I have a team full of fan favorites, stay tuned and come watch!”
Adding to the mix are sophomore Kali Brown, a rising talent expected to make a significant impact, and freshman McKinley Walden, whose speed, energy, and fearless approach will provide a spark for the team. This blend of seasoned seniors, a determined junior, a promising sophomore, and a talented freshman gives the Lady Tigers a balance of experience and youthful energy, setting the stage for an exciting season.
In addition to the players, Coach Walden has added new members to her assistant coaching staff this season. Serah Kelly and Chloe Moore, both former players under Walden who helped build the program to the level it is today, will now serve alongside Assistant Coach Mark Walden. “I am continuing to integrate my coaching staff at the high school level. Chloe will be helping with the shot clock this season and earning some intern coaching hours, while Serah has been interning with me for nearly two years. These are true veterans for my program and part of the legendary players who have come through since I started coaching at SHS. I think it’s really good stuff happening with our program this season,” Walden said. The new assistants will help ensure practices run smoothly and will assist with game day operations, including shot clock management, substitutions, and other in-game responsibilities.
With a combination of leadership, talent, and determination, the Lady Tigers are ready to turn the page from last season and make the 2025–2026 campaign one to remember. Tiger Nation will be watching closely as these young women aim to roar louder than ever, proving that they are not just looking to compete, they are looking to make a statement.
The tentative start of the season is Friday, November 28, at home, followed by a home game on Saturday, November 29, giving fans two opportunities to see the Lady Tigers in action and get a glimpse of their potential for the season.
