Set in 1964 Chicago, the story centers around two African-American high school seniors, Preach and Cochise, attending an inner-city school. Preach is an aspiring playwright with a carefree attitude, while Cochise is a star basketball player with a scholarship to attend college. The pair frequently skip school to enjoy the company of friends, chase girls, and explore their dreams beyond their rough neighborhood. Their carefree lives are shared with a group of close-knit friends, and they maneuver through teenage escapades, each episode showcasing the vibrancy and challenges of their environment.

As the friends navigate the ups and downs of adolescence, their bond is tested by a series of escalating events. The story takes a turn when a casual joyride in a stolen vehicle leads to unforeseen consequences, entangling the duo in legal troubles and endangering their futures. Throughout these trials, themes of loyalty, aspiration, and the harsh realities of their socio-economic circumstances come to the forefront. The narrative builds towards a point where the characters must confront not only their immediate issues but also the broader implications for their dreams and relationships within their community.