The Illinois women’s basketball team has had a significant transformation heading into the current season. Following the departure of key role players like Kendall Bostic, Makira Cook, Adalia McKenzie, and Genesis Bryant after the 2024-25 season, the Fighting Illini found themselves in a challenging position, having lost 75.6% of their scoring. Typically, such a scenario signals a rebuilding phase for most teams. However, head coach Shauna Greene has harnessed her roster of freshmen and returning underclassmen to defy expectations early in the season.
Illinois has already notched a notable victory against a top-10 opponent and has shown tremendous fight against other ranked teams. Looking ahead to their matchup against No. 19 Ohio State, there are three standout players integral to Illinois’ resurgence this season.
One of the stars is forward Berry Wallace. A familiar face in Central Ohio basketball, Wallace attended Pickerington Central High School, where she played alongside former Buckeye Madison Greene. Last season, she came off the bench but saw her role expand significantly this year, showcasing her versatility and ability to lead the offense. Averaging 18.2 points this season, Wallace has been a consistent scoring threat, particularly in Big Ten play, where she has scored over 20 points in each of her last three games. Her offensive prowess was on full display during an upset win against then-No. 7 Maryland, where she contributed 22 points, along with seven rebounds. Her ability to attack defenders and shoot from beyond the arc makes her a formidable opponent for the Buckeyes.
Another key player for Illinois is freshman forward Cearah Parchment, a 6-foot-3 talent from Canada. Parchment has made a smooth transition to college basketball, already recording three double-doubles this season. Her rebounding skills and ability to handle the ball effectively have established her as a crucial part of Greene’s lineup. A matchup to watch is between Parchment and Ohio State’s Kylee Kitts, both of whom can impact the game with their presence on the boards and shooting from distance.
Finally, freshman guard Destiny Jackson, hailing from Chicago, has redefined her game at Illinois. Known for her high scoring average in high school, Jackson has taken on the role of a distributor this season, ranking fifth in the Big Ten with an average of five assists per game. Her defensive tenacity was evident in a recent game against Maryland, where even with foul trouble, she played the crucial final quarter, contributing to the team’s victory. Jackson’s ability to elevate her teammates’ performance marks her as a pivotal figure in Illinois’ success.
As the Fighting Illini prepare for their game against Ohio State, they do so with renewed confidence and determination. The combination of Wallace, Parchment, and Jackson creates a new chapter for Illinois basketball, hinting at a bright future and the potential for continued growth. With the talent and grit displayed so far, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this young team will fare in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.