Iron sharpens iron: Lady Tigers host one of Georgia’s Premier Girls Basketball Team Camps

Every summer for the past ten years, the Lady Tigers girls’ basketball program at Swainsboro High School has hosted its annual Welcome to the Jungle Team Camp. This three-day event has become a summer tradition not only for Swainsboro but for girls’ basketball programs across Georgia. Held in the two gyms on campus, the camp brings together high school and middle school girls’ teams from around the state to compete in a fast-paced, high-energy environment that feels every bit like the start of a new season.

I sat down with head coach Alexandria Walden, known to her players, students, and faculty simply as Coach A, shortly after the final buzzer sounded on a mid-week scrimmage. With the sound of bouncing balls still echoing in the background, Coach A reflected on the summer, her team, and what this stretch of games revealed.

“Our village showed up”

I asked her what this year’s camp meant to her and her program.

“First off,” she said with a tired but proud smile, “special shoutout to Swainsboro High’s FBLA advisors, Ms. Kelly and Ms. Coleman, and the FBLA student members who ran the con-cession stand. Big thanks as well to Fire Chief Mims, the Sheriff’s Office, the Class of ’24 girls who came back to support, and the members of the community who came out to spectate. Everybody showed up. It takes a village, and our girls felt that love. You don’t build a pro-gram like this on your own.”

Coach A also made sure to thank the girls’ teams that helped make the event what it was.

“We had 25 girls basketball teams from all across the state come through our gym this year over a three-day period,” she said. “And I want to thank every last one of them. Each team brought something to the floor. Every coach, every player came here to compete and get better. That’s what summer league is all about. Iron sharpens iron.”

One team, one standard

When I brought up the idea of standout players, Coach A didn’t hesitate.

“This team isn’t built on individuals,” she said. “It’s one unit, one heartbeat. Everybody has a role. Whether you’re diving for a loose ball or making the right pass, it matters. And the best part is they’re starting to hold each other to that standard.”

She paused for a moment, then added, “Look, we’re young. No question about that. But we’re hungry. Real hungry. They’re starting to talk more, communicate on the floor, and they’re pick-ing things up quick. Like, really quick. They’re also learning to be aggressive in every part of the game, not just on defense, but in how they rebound, how they move the ball, how they at-tack the rim. That mindset is what’s gonna separate us.”

Teaching the game, fast and focused

Coach A emphasized that summer ball isn’t just about playing. It’s about learning how to compete at the next level of girls’ high school basketball.

“Everything we do is fast paced,” she said. “But we’re focused on closing the gaps. Footwork, help defense, spacing. They’re learning how I coach, and I’m learning how they respond. We’re still young, but they’re locked in and hungry.”

Compete with purpose

While development is the focus, Coach A made it clear that her girls don’t step on the court just to get reps.

“Summer games are a lab,” she said. “We try things, fix mistakes, and still step on the floor to win. If we lose but learn, fine. If we win but get sloppy, that’s not fine. The goal is playing the right way. Effort, hustle, and paying attention to the details.”

Results from the Jungle

The Lady Tigers made the most of their home court during Welcome to the Jungle Team Camp: Day 1:

Varsity beat Tattnall 36–21 and Telfair 43–26

Junior Varsity edged Screven 20–18

Day 2:

Varsity rolled past Bryan County 47–17, Jenkins of Savannah 39–27, and Appling 43–25, fall-ing only to Laney 32–45

Junior Varsity picked up a close win over Wilkinson 21–19

Day 3:

Varsity defeated Brantley 37–26

Junior Varsity dropped two tight games to Brantley’s Junior Varsity and Tattnall Junior Varsity On the road and ready to compete

After camp, the Lady Tigers hit the road for girls’ basketball tournaments and showcases across Georgia.

In Statesboro, they beat Metter 40–21, lost a tight one to Mary Pearson 30–26, and ran past Bradwell Institute 54–35.

At Coastal Georgia College, they went 3–0 with wins over Bacon County, Bishop Snyder (Flor-ida), and Bryan County.

In Warner Robins, they beat Veterans 35–12, held off Warner Robins 43–35 after leading by eight at the half, and edged Jones County 37–31.

The week wrapped up in Bryan County with two more varsity wins over Hilton Head 48–17 and Statesboro 32–22. The Junior Varsity squad also delivered, earning two hard-fought over-time victories.

The summer message

As our interview came to a close, I asked Coach A what she hopes her girls carry with them into the regular season.

“Defense,” she said without missing a beat. “Effort. Grit. I want them to play full out, push the pace, and not be afraid of anybody. That’s the edge we’re building. We made people re-spect our name this summer. Now we have to keep earning it.”

Before I could finish scribbling my notes, Coach A was already back on her feet, blowing her whistle, calling her girls in for one last rep. The season might still be months away but make no mistake. The Lady Tigers girls’ basketball team is already locked in.

Still more work to do

The summer grind isn’t over just yet. The Lady Tigers still have several more play dates scheduled before the month wraps up:

● Monday, June 17 at East Laurens

● Tuesday, June 18 at Jenkins (Savannah)

● Friday, June 21 at Appling County

● Saturday, June 22 at University of Georgia (UGA)

● Tuesday, June 25 at Jenkins (Savannah)

● Thursday, June 27 at Clayton State University

The road to the regular season continues, and if this summer has proven anything, it’s that these young Lady Tigers are ready to compete.