Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Chicago, IL–
It was an all D.C show last night in Chicago during the 2026 WNBA All Star Weekend as Team Washington won the skills contest and D.C area native Azzi Fudd of the Dallas Wings won the Starry 3-point shootout over Bridget Carleton from the Portland Fire.
After the first round of the shooting stars contest featuring WNBA Hall of Famer Elena Delle Donne, Mystics forward Shakira Austin and Nike EYBL player Jezelle “GG” Banks there were quite a few around us that said this is the team to beat.
Delle-Donne who retired from the WNBA due to back and spine issues looked as if she could make a return the floor tomorrow and Jazelle “GG” Banks may have been one of the best young players on the court with her dynamic shot from long range it’s easy to see why this is the #4 recruit in the class of 2027. Banks also attends the same high school in Delaware as Delle Donne did.
Banks holds high-major offers from major programs including South Carolina, LSU, USC, UCLA, Texas, and Notre Dame.
At the end of the competition Delle- Donne was asked about the competition, but no mention of an actual return to basketball.
“I loved it,” Delle Donne said. “It was certainly fun to participate in. I hope it was fun for the viewers to watch. To be able to lead the next generation and see our next superstars rising, it’s really cool.”
With Fudd taking the trophy in the three-point shootout, it was a clean sweep for those with a D.C connection, as Fudd being from the D.C area takes the trophy back to Dallas, but all know that she holds her heart in the DMV.
Fudd added after the game, “It’s fun to do because — and I don’t want to sound cocky — but it’s easy to me, just the set shot. Take the ball from the rack; it really is muscle memory. It’s what I’ve been doing since I was young.”
Next up comes what people came to Chicago to see, the 2026 WNBA All Star Game from United Center on Saturday night.
