The final roster for the Dawson County dream team is finished, and local basketball veterans and newbies are ready to go head-to-head against a nationally known traveling team of athletes.

The Harlem Ambassadors are slated to play against a team of 16 Dawson County residents Feb. 26 for a chamber of commerce fundraiser at the Dawson County High School gymnasium.

Will Wade, event organizer, said the team is “looking real good. Everybody’s excited.

“It should make for a really interesting night, and we might even surprise those Harlem Ambassadors.”

The Harlem Ambassadors, similar to the Harlem Globetrotters, perform over 200 shows a year around the world.

The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has organized previous events with the team. In March 2006, they played against the Dawsonville Shooting Stars, coached by varsity high school coach Thad Burgess.

Wade is team coach this time around, but plans to get out on the court as well.

The Dawson County team’s roster includes the following people: Calvin Byrd, BJ Day, David McKee, Warren King, Jason Knight, Findlay Malcolm, Justin Murphey, Ty Overmyer, Keith Porter, Barry Slaton, Clint Smith, Karen Spencer, Billy Thurmond, Jonathan Tinsley and Mike Underwood.

The event begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Dawson County High School. Admission is $8 for students and senior citizens and $10 general admission. Children younger than 4 get in free.

Tickets are available ahead of time at the chamber of commerce at a pre-game discount of $2 off. Contact the chamber at (706) 265-6278.

For more information about the traveling basketball team, visit www.harlemambassadors.com.