The Lithia Springs Lady Lions face a major challenge Saturday as they meet one of Class AAA’s best teams in Franklin County.

Lithia Springs (4-2) meets Franklin (6-3) in a 3:30 p.m. matchup in the annual Chattahoochee Holiday Tournament.

Franklin was ranked No. 1 in the state AAA coaches poll by Gasports.com before suffering a few early-season losses.

Lithia coach Dean Head says facing Franklin will be a challenge, but it’s one he’s excited about.

“They are a tough team, that’s guard oriented,” said Head. “They like to shoot, and when they are hot they are very tough to beat.”

Both teams want a fast up-and-down the floor tempo and should get just that.

“It will probably come down to how well be defend and rebound,” said Head.

Head says he was looking to play in a holiday tournament with a strong field, and that’s what he found at Chattahoochee.

“In the past we’ve played pretty well in Christmas tournaments, and this one is going to be tough,” added the coach.

Head says there’s less pressure in holiday tournament play than region games.

“Things are more relaxed,” said the coach. “Of course we want to win, but our main goal is to get better with every game.”

Lithia Springs faces either Lassiter or host Chattahoochee in the second round. Teams in the opposite bracket are West Forsyth, Roswell, Milton and Loganville.

Following a break for finals, the Lady Lions returned to the practice floor Monday with 100 percent turnouts.

“This team is committed and excited,” said Head.

Lithia Springs, sparked by guard Leah Benton, has been a pretty strong offensive team.

It’s the defensive end of the floor that concerns Head.

“We’ve got to get better in defending and rebounding. This is really our last good chance to work on those things,” added the coach. “Once the region schedule resumes, there’s not a lot of practice time.”

Lithia’s boys (5-2) are also in action at the same site. The Lions face Lassiter Saturday at 5 p.m.

The Alexander Lady Cougars are the only other county team in action Saturday. The AHS girls meet East Paulding at 3 p.m. in the Cass High School Hoopfest.