It’s one thing for athletes to stay in shape in the offseason by eating right and exercising, but it doesn’t compare to playing a game.

That’s exactly what Jackson Showboats general manager Grant Worsley was thinking when he put players through a series of drills and scrimmages on Saturday. The second day of the American Basketball Association team’s River City Summer League at Jackson Street Community Center was more about conditioning and getting in game shape than playing in front of scouts for exposure.

“Some guys are just going through the motions,” said Worsley, the owner, coach and general manager of the Showboats. “There’s nothing like being in actual game shape, sprinting back for the ball and getting back on defense, bending your knees and moving your feet.”

Players worked on pick and roll drills, scrimmages and in an “around the world” 3-point shooting drill. Worsley conducted scrimmages for nine minutes, then shortened it to six to test physical endurance. Players were gassed by the end of the day.

“I start it high up and bring it back down. As much as you can run or ride a bike, it’s nothing like a real game situation, where a guy is running down the court and you have to catch up to him,” Worsley said.

Players at semi or professional levels are expected to be in shape when they arrive for training camps. If a player isn’t performing at a physically high level, it’s likely they’ll be cut. Worsley said conditioning should automatically be done.

Former Warren County high school stars Dino Harris and Jonathan Phelps were both at Saturday’s session. Worsley played a part in helping both men play at a level beyond college.

Phelps now plays for the Shreveport Mavericks of the Premiere Basketball League, and used the River City League to get in a workout.

“He’s in a situation where he takes it to another level and when guys compete against him they will play better as well,” Worsley said. “It keeps him sharp, as well.”

Worsley knows the competitive nature and work ethic of Phelps and knows he doesn’t want to remain a semi-pro player forever.

Phelps showed his commitment to getting better by returning to his hometown, to work out with the man who restored his faith in making a career out of basketball.

Harris is another talent Worsley took under his wing and brought in to play for the Showboats.

Worsley said Harris has plenty of raw ability and has evolved from playing pick-up basketball to learning how to become a pro player. Harris has learned to let the game come to him and not force things, while at the same time giving all he has.

“I like to stay on him because I know his ability and push him because he can be the next Phelps as well, going to a high level team,” Worsley said.

Worsley feels good about the work he’s doing in the Vicksburg area after working with Phelps and Harris. This is the second straight year Worsley has conducted the summer league in Vicksburg.

“What I’m doing here is needed. To have guys who have the ability and not the outlet, I feel good about that,” Worsley said. “I feel good about the Vicksburg community embracing me.”