Reset, restart, refocus, rebuild: The Lady Tigers’ Basketball Journey begins

With the start of a brand-new basketball season, excitement is overflowing at Swainsboro High School. The Lady Tigers are ready to roar louder than ever, and “The Den” is buzzing with anticipation. The gym has undergone a stunning transformation, featuring a freshly repainted floor that proudly displays a bold Tiger Eye logo. A powerful symbol of pride, strength, and unity for the school. The new sound system amplifies player announcements during pregame introductions and pumps out the latest tunes to energize the teams and get them ready to play. It’s a fresh start that feels just right for a season full of promise, passion, and hard work.

For Head Coach Alexandria Walden, leading the Lady Tigers for the 11th season is more than just coaching, it’s about building something special. “Reset, Restart, Refocus, and Rebuild.” That’s the mission driving every practice and every game this year. “We’re bringing it back to the basics and setting a strong foundation for the future,” she said with confidence. This season is all about helping the younger players make the leap to high school ball, mastering everything from the fundamentals to the speed and strategy of the game. “We’re not last year’s team,” Coach Walden emphasized. “We’re different, and we’re ready to create our own destiny, one game at a time.”

Key Players to Watch

Fans should keep their eyes on a talented group of players who are ready to make an impact. Senior shooting guard Tonia Ricks brings leadership and skill, while junior forward/center KK Murphy, affectionately known as “My Comeback Kid,” is poised to shine. Freshman point guard Treasure Phillips is stepping up to the challenge, eager to show her growth and adapt to varsity play. Joining her are freshmen Kali Brown (small forward/guard) and Kimiya Freeman (guard), who are determined to leave their mark on the court. Sophomore Tasia Boynton (power forward/center) is another big player that the team is patiently waiting to see cleared and returned to the game, bringing even more strength and depth to the roster.

Giving Back to the Community

But the Lady Tigers’ influence goes far beyond basketball. Giving back is at the heart of who they are. One of their cherished community projects is providing meals to the elderly at William Brown Chapel. A tradition started with the late, great Mrs. Patricia Dukes. Mrs. Dukes was not only a devoted member of Williams Chapel and a dedicated Lady Tigers supporter. She was also the proud grandmother of SHS 1,000 Point Club scorer Asia Brown, Class of 2020. “Honoring her memory and giving back to the community is incredibly important to us,” Coach Walden said. This season, the team will also take part in Toys for Tots, collect canned goods, and donate socks and cards to local nursing homes. “It’s about teaching our players to remember where they come from, to be leaders, and to have a heart for giving,” Walden added with pride. “That’s what makes a true champion.”

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Overcoming Challenges

Every season comes with its own set of challenges, and this one is no different. The Lady Tigers are focused on maintaining discipline, staying true to team goals, and shutting out distractions from the outside. “There’s a lot of rebuilding and reshaping to do,” Walden acknowledged. “But with hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset, we can overcome anything.” It’s clear that this team is ready to put in the effort to rise above any obstacles.

Proud Legacy, Bright Future

Looking back on her journey, Coach Alexandria Walden is filled with pride and hope for what’s to come. “The late, great Coach Bobby Andrews trusted me with this program, and I know he would be proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she reflected. With five region championships, eight straight state playoff appearances, and back-to-back Elite Eight finishes, the Lady Tigers have built a strong legacy. “Being the first Black female head coach and seeing this program grow and thrive has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I believe a state championship is within our reach in the next few years.”

Another memorable highlight for Coach Walden has been watching her former players flourish beyond the court. “Seeing my past players thrive in the real world—playing college ball, graduating from college, becoming educators, and even attending law school—makes me incredibly humble and proud of all my players, past and present,” she shared.

As she continues to lead, guide, and inspire, Coach Walden remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to impact the lives of young athletes. “I thank God every day for the chance to coach and help shape strong, independent, and respectful citizens,” she said. The Lady Tigers are ready to make this season unforgettable, with fast-paced games, relentless defense, and a whole lot of heart. “Trust the process,” Coach Walden said with a smile. “This season is going to be one to remember!”

Calling all Tiger Nation! Let’s fill “The Den” this basketball season to show our support for the Lady Tigers as they come together for an exciting year on the court. The Lady Tigers’ first game of the season will be at home against Claxton on November 23rd at 2:00 p.m. For the rest of the season’s schedule, be sure to check out the Swainsboro High School Facebook page and the Lady Tigers Basketball Facebook page.