The Swainsboro Lady Tigers welcomed teams from across Georgia on June 3-4 for the 11th Annual Welcome to the Jungle Team Camp, continuing a summer basketball tradition that has become a staple of the program under Head Coach Alexandria Walden.
Held at Swainsboro High School, the two-day event featured varsity and junior varsity competition in both the New Gym and Old Gym, providing athletes and coaches an opportunity to compete, develop team chemistry, and prepare for the upcoming season.
Programs represented at this year’s camp included Swainsboro, Statesboro, Tattnall County, Woodville-Tompkins, Beach, Bryan County, Claxton, Grovetown, Bradwell Institute, Laney, East Laurens, Brunswick, Screven County, and Swainsboro Middle School, along with several junior varsity squads.
The host Lady Tigers made the most of their home-court advantage. Swainsboro’s varsity and JV teams combined to post undefeated records during camp play, showcasing the depth and growth of the program heading into the 2026-27 season.
For Coach Walden, the event is about more than wins and losses.
“Welcome to the Jungle has become a special tradition for our program and our community,” Walden said. “We appreciate all of the schools that traveled to Swainsboro to compete. The level of competition was outstanding, and I was proud of how our players competed, represented our school, and supported one another throughout the two days. It was a great experience for everyone involved.”
The camp also provided an economic and community boost as fans, players, and coaches filled the gyms throughout the event. Admission proceeds helped offset the cost of officials, while local supporters enjoyed a full slate of competitive girls’ basketball action.
Now entering its second decade, the Welcome to the Jungle Team Camp continues to grow and strengthen relationships between programs across the state while giving student-athletes valuable summer competition. With another successful camp in the books and both Lady Tiger squads finishing undefeated, Swainsboro has plenty of momentum as preparations begin for the upcoming basketball season.
