Windy City War: Top Playmakers and Table-Setters

The Windy City War brought some of the Midwest's premier circuit talent to the suburbs of Chicago last weekend. While highlight-reel dunks often grab the headlines, the ability to manipulate defenses and create high-percentage looks—both for oneself and for teammates—is what wins games at the next level.   From crafty floor generals to explosive downhill threats, these were the standout playmakers from the event.   The Elite Initiators (Class of 2027 & 2028)   [player_tooltip player_id='2455378' first='Ed' last='Williams'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL 2027   Williams is a well-built guard who excels at dictating the tempo. He was relentless going coast-to-coast and proved he can finish through heavy contact in the paint. What stood out most was his balance; while he can score on straight-line drives, his half-court vision in pick-and-roll situations kept the defense on its heels. He's also extended his range well beyond the arc.   Dakori Parker | Indiana Game 2027   Making a triumphant return from injury that occurred earlier in the game, Parker showed zero affects in a high-stakes matchup against [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last='']. He is a master of patience in the screen-and-roll game, refusing to be sped up by defenders. Whether it was a four-point play or a deep triple, Parker proved he is a "big shot" playmaker who can play through physicality.   [player_tooltip player_id='2879381' first='Mekhi' last='Young'] | Blueprint 2028   Young is a "blur" in the open floor. With a lightning-quick first step, he treats defenders like traffic cones on his way to the rim. A wiry, smooth athlete, he has a knack for finishing high off the glass to avoid shot blockers. His mid-range game provides a necessary counter to his elite rim-attacking.   [player_tooltip player_id='2467517' first='Darrius' last='Hawkins'] | Bradley Beal Elite 2028   Hawkins continues to solidify his case as a top-tier guard in his class. With the ball on a string, he lived in his "bag" all weekend, stringing together shifty step-back jumpers and crafty finishes. Beyond the 15-point outbursts, his defensive activity and high-level passing make him a complete two-way playmaker.   [player_tooltip player_id='2823116' first='Derek' last='Brown'] | Geek Squad 2028   A long, bouncy, and lanky sophomore, Brown uses his frame to see over the defense. He is a big guard with a slick handle who can get to the rim and finish with a variety of creative layups. His high motor shows up in transition, where he consistently outruns the opposition.   TJ Smith | Chicago Fire 2028   Smith plays with an infectious assertiveness. He is excellent at "prying" into the lane and using his body to shield defenders once he gets them on his hip. His finishing package is among the most diverse in the field, featuring baseline runners, euro steps, and crafty step-throughs.   [player_tooltip player_id='2834050' first='Jaivyn' last='Richardson'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2452458' first='Ayo' last='Dos Elite'] 2028   Richardson is a "rhythm" playmaker who can blow a game open in a matter of minutes. He possesses crisp handles and makes sound decisions under pressure. Despite his size, he controls the ball exceptionally well around the cup and serves as a verified sniper from deep with a hair-trigger release.   The Next Wave (Class of 2029)   [player_tooltip player_id='2369858' first='Jonny' last='Udoiwod'] | Young and Reckless 2029   Udoiwod plays with a maturity far beyond his years. He is a "terror" as a facilitator, especially when coming off ball screens where he can either score or dissect the defense with his passing. His anticipation in the passing lanes led to easy transition opportunities all weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='2918205' first='Keiwon' last='Gulley'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] 2029   The 6'0" lead guard out of Bloom is the definition of "flashy." Gulley has the handle and the explosive first step to blow by almost anyone at this level. He's a high-energy playmaker who generates steals with his quick hands and can knock down threes in bunches once he gets downhill.   [player_tooltip player_id='2767906' first='Ronald' last='Johnson'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] 2029   Johnson is never rushed. He plays with a sophisticated pace, using his long frame to see the floor and disrupt opponents as a defensive "ballhawk." For a freshman, his poise and control over the game's flow are elite.   [player_tooltip player_id='3252526' first='Jayden' last='Alford'] | Young and Reckless 2029   Playing up an age division didn't phase Alford one bit. What he lacks in sheer size, he makes up for with fearless rim attacks and 3-level scoring ability. He's an athletic, shifty playmaker who proved he belongs on the big stage.

The Windy City War brought some of the Midwest's premier circuit talent to the suburbs of Chicago last weekend. While highlight-reel dunks often grab the headlines, the ability to manipulate defenses and create high-percentage looks—both for oneself and for teammates—is what wins games at the next level.