NEW ORLEANS — A unique national sports tournament gets underway this weekend. It’ll feature more than 10,000 athletes from across the United States, but they’re not the typical jocks.

Ask Lorraine Rizzuto, a feisty point guard from River Ridge who happens to be 79 years old.

“Usually when a bunch of guys see us in the gym, well, they can’t believe we’re so good,” said Rizzuto.

When Lorraine started playing basketball, it was in the World War II era.

“I’ve always loved the game since I was a child, and I played in the Catholic Youth Organization in high school, but didn’t get to play in college because back then there were no women’s team. Well, there were women’s teams, but not down here,” said Rizzuto.

She played high school ball, but then life happened. She got married, started work and raised four kids. After a 40-year hiatus, she picked up basketball again in 1992. She hasn’t stopped since.

Rizzuto is now part of the Silver Slammers, a local team of players 50 and over who are always looking for a game.

“I heard about this was 48, two years before I could play and couldn’t believe there was going to be something for me,” said Susan Johnson.

At 66, you could say Susan Johnson is a young upstart, but she brings years of experience and a pretty solid jump shot.

“For me and most of the people on my team, we didn’t get a chance to play in college, some of us not even high school, and so it’s really so much fun. I feel like I’m a kid again, you know,” said Johnson.

“I see so many people with walkers younger than me and not physically as healthy as I am. I guess good genetics is part of it, but I think staying active really helps the body,” said Rizzuto.

Twice a week they shoot, do drills and play at the Harahan Recreation Center. Rizzuto said her formula for fitness at age 79 is the same as it was at age 29: eat healthy and exercise.

“Anyone can eat well, and anyone can be very active, and even if you’re not really active, you can play one of the less active sports,” said Rizzuto.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the amount of exercise you’re getting is important, but perhaps equally as important is also the kind of exercise.

Medical experts recommend that you do exercises that help you maintain strength, balance, flexibility and heart health. Rizzuto and Johnson say basketball covers all those bases.

Up next for the pair is the national three on three tournament at the National Senior Games presented by Humana. Although they enjoy the exercise, Rizzuto said she’s playing to win.

“We’re not looking to hurt anyone, but I’m not going to take it easy on any of them, even the 80-year olds,” Rizzuto said.

The Senior Games this year will be held in Bloomington, Minn.