NATCHEZ &045; Two Natchez High basketball players will be showing their talent at some big-time athletic showcases this week.

Forwards Rodney Gray and Jeremy Houston, both about to start their senior season for the Bulldogs, are using this week as a chance to hone their games against some of the state’s top players and show off for college scouts.

&uot;I’m looking forward to seeing some talent up there,&uot; Gray said.

Gray will also play tonight in the Mississippi Sports Medicine All-Star game, part of the MAC All-Star week, which includes All-Star games in several sports featuring some of the best soon-to-be seniors in the state.

Gray, who will play for the South team, is one of 12 players for the South team. The team will be coached by Jim Hill head coach Fred Harris.

&uot;It’s going to be real fun. I want to meet all the players and get to know everybody,&uot; Gray said. &uot;That’s what I really want to do. The game will probably bring a lot of scouts to it, so it’s a serious thing. But you know me, I like to laugh and have a good time, so I’ll be myself out there.&uot;

Houston and Gray will both take part in Saturday’s Top 40 showcase, a collection of some of the top talent from Mississippi. Both players took part in the game last year.

&uot;I just want to go up there and show my game,&uot; Houston said. &uot;I’ve come a long way from where I used to be. I remember when I couldn’t shoot as well and couldn’t play defense well, so I’m excited about it. It’ll be a thrill.&uot;

Gray said he’s especially looking forward to the Top 40 since he will be playing with his teammate and friend Houston.

&uot;I’ve got to go up there and play with my boy,&uot; Gray said. &uot;We’re going to go up there and dominate. It’s our turn now. I’m looking forward to this and next season. I think we’ll do a lot of good stuff next year.&uot;

Gray, a state champion in hurdles, has been running track this summer, including competing last week in North Carolina at a Junior Olympics meet, but he said he’s been working hard to keep his basketball skills up.

&uot;I’ve been playing basketball every day,&uot; Gray said. &uot;There’s a gym right down the street from me, so I go shoot in the morning and then do my track practice in the evenings.&uot;

Houston has also been working hard.

&uot;I work out two times a day on my own, do some shooting and playing down at the youth center,&uot; Houston said.