A local mother will hit the basketball court against the Harlem Ambassadors -- even though she's never played the game before.

York Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit that builds affordable homes for low-income families, will host a fundraiser featuring the basketball team at 7 p.m. Monday, March 25, at York College's fitness center.

The event is York Habitat's first fundraiser of this kind. In addition to the Ambassadors, it will feature the York County residents they'll compete against.

The local team, known as the Habitat Hoopsters, will include former Congressman Todd Platts, York City Mayor Kim Bracey and county commissioners Steve Chronister and Chris Reilly, as well as local athletes.

Future Habitat homeowners will also participate, and that's where the local mom comes in.

New homeowners: Ashley Cruz will be moving into a West Jackson Street property that's being renovated with the help of proceeds from the event.

She said the fundraiser is a good opportunity, even though she's never played basketball before. She said her 6-year-old son looks forward to the event and will be participating as a ball boy.

Cruz, who is currently renting, is looking forward to the fundraiser, but she's even more excited about finally having her own home.

"I'm so excited," she said. "I can't wait. This is an amazing opportunity for me and others."

Also playing will be Idelisse Cordero, who says the prospect of having her own home is a "blessing."

Cordero and her four children, ages 4-17, will move into a new duplex on South Albemarle Street by the end of the year. One of her children will be a water girl at the basketball game.

Debbie Krout-Althoff, executive director for York Habitat, said proceeds from the basketball game will go toward constructing the two units in the duplex and renovating the West Jackson Street home, a project being conducted by York College's Habitat Campus Chapter.

Krout-Althoff said the duplex construction will begin in June and finish up around Thanksgiving. The West Jackson Street home will be done by June.

Game details: As for the Ambassadors, they play a similar style of "entertainment game" as the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters -- even with the same color ball. But the two teams have no direct connection with each other.

Tickets to the game may be purchased at the door -- $12 for adults and $10 for students/seniors -- or in advance for a $2 discount at www.mycommunityevents.com, by calling 854-6168 or in person at the York Habitat office, Flying Feet or Grove's Sporting Goods. Children under 4 receive free admission.

After the game, the Ambassadors will sign autographs and pose for pictures.

-- Reach Mollie Durkin at mdurkin@yorkdispatch.com.