The Swainsboro Tigers officially kicked off their 2025 basketball season this past Saturday with a road matchup against the Portal Panthers. Excitement surrounded the opener, but despite flashes of rhythm and determination, the Tigers ultimately fell 82–48.
Portal came out fast in the first quarter, jumping ahead with a 21–8 lead. Swainsboro attempted to settle in during the second period, but the Panthers continued to control the pace, sending the Tigers into halftime trailing 43–20.
The third quarter brought signs of life for Swainsboro. The Tigers chipped away and found better footing, narrowing the offensive gap, though Portal still edged the period 14–11. In the fourth, the Tigers continued to build momentum and showed improved rhythm, posting their strongest offensive stretch of the night. However, Portal once again outscored them 25–17 to close out the game.
After the game, Head Coach Brice Hobbs reflected on the team’s performance. Hobbs said the Tigers “had a rough start” and were glad to get the first game behind them. He noted that missing their planned scrimmage against Emanuel County Institute (ECI) on Friday showed on the court, especially against a well-prepared Portal squad that had already played four games. Hobbs added that getting additional players back in the gym on Monday should help resolve several of the issues the Tigers experienced on both ends of the floor.
Despite the loss, several Tigers delivered solid outings. Senior LJ Morgan led the scoring with 16 points, followed by Keenan Kelly with 12 and Jareese Williams with 8.
The Tigers will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for a busy home stand this week. Swainsboro returns to the Den on Friday, December 5, to face Treutlen High with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. The action continues the next day as the Tigers host Jenkins High out of Savannah on Saturday, December 6, at 5:30 p.m.
Tiger fans are encouraged to pack the gym both nights and show their support as Swainsboro looks to Defend the Den and build momentum early in the season.
