Florida High made easy work of Vernon, 53-10, in Friday's opener of the first Lady Lions Christmas Classic at Leon High School.

Don't be fooled. The Seminoles are well aware of upcoming challenges that will help define their season.

Moved up a classification from last year, Florida High joins East Gadsden, Live Oak, Taylor County and Wakulla in District2-3A. The Seminoles (7-3) have welcomed their new surroundings, even after falling at East Gadsden earlier in the season. That's why their effort against Vernon (5-4) is considered another positive step in their maturation.

"We are coming along," Florida High coach Gary Rady said.  "We are really emphasizing team ball, looking for the open person - you saw a lot of that (Friday). We want to make the smart pass to the person that's ahead of the ball. I like this team. I like it a lot - it has a lot of potential."

Myah Clayton paced the winners with 17 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks. Tiffany Hicks and Katie Kearney added 10 points each, while Natalie Hill and Jayme Warner chipped in eight and six rebounds, respectively.

The Seminoles' starting lineup features a senior, junior, sophomore and two freshmen, including point guard Mikki Clayton. Florida High relies on transition but is also patient in its halfcourt offense. Defensively, the Seminoles stress pressure. Vernon fell behind 16-4 after one quarter and never had a chance.

"Once everyone understands their roles, we are going to whole lot more competitive," Myah Clayton said.

Florida High plays Bainbridge in today's final round. The Seminoles have beaten Live Oak Suwannee and Taylor County in district play, with Wakulla up next in January. Of course, the Seminoles are already looking forward to their home rematch with East Gadsden.

Rady, in his 12th season, agreed. "We went but 2A to 3A, but I like that challenge. I like the challenge. When we played (East Gadsden), we dug a deep hole and we couldn't get out of it. But we are really looking forward to the rematch at our place."

VERNON - Faysue Harris 3, Alicia McDonald 1, Tori Kelly 2, Delcena Brown 2, Countess Morris 2.

FLORIDA HIGH - GiGi Thomas 4, Mikki Clayton 5, Katie Kimbrel 1, Katie Kearney 10, Tiffany Hicks 10, Myah Clayton 17, Jayme Warner 4, Natalie Hill 2.

Vernon           4	5	0	1 - 10
Florida High 16	20	14	3 - 53

Record: Florida High 7-3. Rebounds: Florida High, Myah Clayton 11; Hill 8. Assists: Florida High, Myah Clayton, 5. Blocks: Florida High, Myah Clayton 5. Steals: Florida High, Mikki Clayton 3.