Lithia Springs has become almost a fixture in the state boys basketball tournament every February.

But, just a few years back, the Lions were upset in the region meet and failed to advance to the state. Head coach Jason Slate doesn’t remember the exact year - he says that’s not important.

“What worries me a lot is this current group reminds me a lot of that team,” said Slate prior to Tuesday’s practice.

Following a five-day break Slate wasn’t pleased with Monday’s workouts.

“We stink - that’s the nicest way I can put it,” said the coach.

Lithia Springs, 5-2 and ranked No. 7 in last week’s Gasports.com AAAA state rankings, has a few days to get ready for Saturday’s Chattahoochee Holiday Tournament. They’ll face Lassiter in its 5 p.m. opener.

Some coaches would love to be 1-0 in its region and 5-2 overall at the Christmas break. Sate is not one of them.

Perhaps that’s because Slate knows this team could be pretty good. After all, Lithia Springs beat Hillgrove - ranked No. 1 in the AAAA state poll on its home court.

But, for the most part Lithia Springs has looked strong only in spurts.

“When we look good it’s usually due to pure athletic ability and that’s hard to sustain,” explained Slate.

The coach knows this squad has potential.

“The first thing we need is some leadership. We have seven seniors, including a Division I prospect (guard Trey Bussey). We’ve got to find leadership from somebody,” added the coach.

Slate, one of the state’s most intense coaches, wants his players to take their jobs more seriously.

“Everything is joke for the group. It’s all funny,” said the coach. “We have to practice with music on, because we lack self motivation.”

Through seven games, mostly against strong opponents, the coach doesn’t see what he is hoping for - not yet anyway.

“Anybody that has seen one of our games, has pretty much seen one of our practices. They are about the same,” said Slate. “But, we are going to keep banging our heads against the wall until we get it. One thing is for sure, we will never take five days off during the season again.”

Lithia Springs still has a few days to prepare for Saturday’s game against Lassiter. And the coach warns his players not to overlook Lassiter, despite it’s current 0-6 record.

Lassiter almost got its first win Saturday, falling to North Cobb 50-48.

Lassiter plays in a tough Class AAAAA region, and some members of its successful football team aren’t in top basketball from yet.

“They are everything we aren’t,” said Slate. “They are patient and do the little things right.”

Win or lose Saturday, Lithia Springs will play Monday and Tuesday in the eight-team boys field.

Included in the field are strong opponents, including West Forsyth, Dunwoody, Stone Mountain and the host school.

Lithia Springs returns to Region 5-AAAA action on Jan. 5 at Banneker.

“Banneker returns the most players from last season and I thought from the start they would be the best team in our region,” said Slate.

Banneker is currently 6-1 overall and along with 7-2 Fayette County will certainly challenge the Lions for the regular-season title. And with Mays and Sandy Creek in the mix, making the state is no sure bet for the Lions.

Lithia’s Lady Lions are also competing in the Chattahoochee tournament. The Lady Lions (4-2) face Franklin County Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in their opener.

Holiday basketball

games involving

county teams only

Saturday

Chattahoochee

Holiday at Chattahoochee High

3:30 p.m. - Lithia Springs vs. Franklin Co. girls

5 p.m. - Lithia Springs vs. Lassiter boys

Cass Holiday

at Cass High School

Alexander girls vs. TBA

Monday

Sweet South Classic

at Morgan County

10 a.m. - Douglas Co. vs. Mt. Zion (Jonesboro) girls

11:30 a.m. Douglas County vs. TBA boys

Pickens Holiday

at Pickens Co. High

7:30 p.m. - Alexander vs. Buford, boys, old gym

Chattahoochee Holiday at Chattahoochee High

Lithia Springs, boys, girls continue play

Note: Holiday tournament continue through Wed. Dec. 30.