While many players on the Callaway Hoopsters team may not be particularly known for their basketball skills, they are all the same.
They will meet the Harlem Ambassadors on Jan. 15.
The event, in the Westminster College Historic Gymnasium in Fulton, will benefit local charities and is sponsored by SERVE Inc. and the Clothes Cupboard, and Fulton's Rotary and Kiwanis clubs.
"We have scoured the region for skilled - and sometimes unskilled - players to take on the powerful Ambassadors," said Jennifer Books, president-elect of Fulton Rotary. "What our team lacks in skill, they make up for in heart."
She's hoping for crowds and lots of fun.
"This is our first time doing it," Books said. "It may not be a huge money maker, but just getting everyone involved with be great."
Co-organizer Mary Martin, Kiwanis treasurer, said tickets are affordable, and available both in advance and at the door. Advance tickets are $7 for students and seniors, $9 for adults and kids age 4 and under are free. At the door tickets will be $9 and $11.
The Callaway Hoopsters will be coached by Charlie James, a Rotarian who is better known for his baseball skills as he played for the 1964 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. The Hoopsters team includes T.J. Quick, Ashley Windmiller, Justin Gilmore, Sara McDaniel, Crystal Kent, Kirt Kleindienst, Logan Decker, Gabe Craighead, Kevin Coffelt, Talisha Washington, Kate Osborn, Gary Jungerman, Matt Gowin, Beth Houf, Katie Finley, Tim Borman, Kendal Brandt, Matt Miller, Heath Lepper and Jeremy Washington.
"These are all people older than 18 years of age with no collegiate adults," Martin said, adding there will be a representative from each of the county's school districts. "All the money is going to stay in the community, and we're going to help out more kids. It's really going to be so much fun. It's going to be a blast."
Children from the YMCA of Callaway County will be involved in the halftime show.
The Ambassadors have appeared at Pearl Harbor, Bosnia, Korea, Japan, the Marshall Islands, Guam, Micronesia, the Republic of Georgia, Mexico, Germany, England and Canada. Learn more about the Ambassadors' team, history and tour schedule at www.harlemambassadors.com.
"We're proud to give communities quality family entertainment that parents, grandparents and kids can enjoy together and make memories that last a lifetime," Harlem Ambassadors president Dale Moss said. "Even people who aren't basketball fans love our show because it's two hours of fun and laughter for a great cause. Plus, where else can you see your neighbor, your co-worker, your granddaughter's coach, or your son's teacher play against professional athletes? This is an event you do not want to miss."
Community sponsors include Ovid Bell Press, IEC, Cunningham Farms, Peak Sport & Spine, Callaway Carriers, Central Bank, Baymont Inn & Suites, Farmers' Mutual of Callaway County, Westminster College, Fresh Ideas and 54 Country.
"Buy your tickets today and you'll be able to witness how our enthusiastic local talent stacks up against the Ambassadors," Books said. "It's going to be a match-up we won't soon forget."
Tickets also can be gotten online at fulton.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, contact Jennifer Books at 573-489-1431 or Mary Martin at 573-826-0009.