ROSEMONT, Ill. – For the first time of the 2025-26 campaign, Illinois women's basketball has two players recognized with Big Ten weekly accolades. Cearah Parchment was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second time this season while Berry Wallace earned a spot on the Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll for the second time as well. The league office announced the honors on Monday, Jan. 5.
The Illini duo delivered night after night for the Illini during the three-game stretch the award covered (at Purdue, #7/6 Maryland, at #24/19 Michigan State) as Illinois went 2-1 over the span. On top of the first win at Purdue in over a decade, Illinois earned a statement win over No. 7/6 Maryland that marked the highest ranked win over a Big Ten team in program history. Parchment and Wallace have played a large role in Illinois' 13-2 record, matching the best 15-game start in program history.
Parchment delivered a standout three-game stretch for the Fighting Illini following the holiday break, looking nothing like a freshman on the hardwood. The Whitby, Ontario, Canada native averaged 12.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. The rookie did that while playing 30.5 minutes per game and shooting 44.4% FG (8-for-18), 33.3% 3FG (1-for-3), and 87.0% FT (20-for-23).
In Illinois' upset of Maryland, Parchment held her own with 17 points including an 8-for-10 effort from the free throw line. In the fourth quarter, Parchment tallied 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. She connected on her lone fourth quarter 3-pointer attempt, pushing Illinois' lead to 4 with less than 5 minutes to play.
Across the three-game span, Wallace averaged 21.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.3 steals, and 1 block per game. The sophomore did that while playing 38 minutes per game and shooting a scorching 50% FG (22-for-44), 50% 3FG (8-for-16), and 92.9% FT (13-for-14). Wallace registered three straight 20-point games and is up to eight on the season.
In Illinois' upset of Maryland, Wallace led the way with 22 points including a perfect 6-for-6 reading from the free throw line (2-for-2 trip with 15 seconds remaining). Defensively, Wallace delivered a late block (18 seconds remaining) on a game-tying attempt from the Terrapins.
Wallace saved her best for last, playing the full 40 minutes and recording 22 points on the road at No. 24/19 Michigan State. She went 4-for-6 from 3-point range, tying a career-high for makes and went 2-for-2 from the free throw line. Wallace added 3 assists and a career-best 2 blocks.
Illinois players have accounted for six weekly accolades with the most recent recognitions.
The Fighting Illini continue their unrelenting Big Ten schedule on Wednesday when No. 19/20 Ohio State visits State Farm Center. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. with the action on B1G+.
