The Illinois Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball team recently broke into the national Top 25, while that was short lived as they fell out of the rankings the next week it displayed that Shauna Green’s Fighting Illini are forced to be reckoned with and just how competitive and strong the Big 10 conference play is. 

With a huge Top ten win against Maryland last month The Fighting Illini found themselves facing three more ranked opponents in a short span. Last week they saw No. 2 UCLA Bruins. While the results did not favor the Illini the team realized how much they had grown and are truly able to compete against elite competition. 

Senior guard Jasmine Brown-Hagger said conference play is challenging them and demanding a strong mindset. 

“Every night is the Big 10 is a fight, “ Brown-Hagger said. We never get a break so we have to be locked in no matter who we’re playing.” 

Brown-Hagger, one of the few returning players to this young squad has been both a vocal and emotional leader for the team. She often anchors the defense accepting her coaches call to defend the opponents top offensive players. She knows her leadership keeps them steady. Hagger has seen a dip in her offense contribution. 

“If shots are falling, then you have to bring the energy,” she said. 

The loss to UCLA tested Illinois ability to stay composed against on the nation’s top teams. Often times, UCLA would go on huge runs but Illinois was resilient enough to weather them. UCLA’s physicality was unmatched with more than five players standing between 6-3 and 6-7. Not too mention, the 4 projected WNBA players in the lineup. 

Freshman Cierra Parchment and Destiny Jackson have both played crucial roles for the team. They both share a mature that is very difficult to find in first year players.

“They don’t play scared,” Brown-Hagger said. They have stepped up in the big moments for us especially when going against more experienced teams.”

The opposing teams typically focus their defense on Big 10 standout Berry Wallace, so the freshman are being relied on. Another new face is Maddie Webber, a transfer from Villanova. She has contributed immensely to the offense and defense. Asked her how she feels about Big 10 play thus far.  Webber said she had to adjust quickly.

“The physicality is different,”  Webber said. I come from a finesse style of play so adapting quick was important.

Maddie Webber’s ability to score in bunches, rebound, and defend has been the balance the Illinois needs and will take them deep into the tournament if this play continues from her. 

“I just try do whatever my coaches need,”  Webber said. Sometimes she is needed one one end, sometimes the other. This has also been a huge adjustment for Webber as many feel she should be in the starting lineup.  This doesn’t not phase Webber one bit as she is proven to be team-oriented.  With this mindset she will remain a valuable peace during this next stretch before conference play and March Madness comes.  Webber said the losses have not shaken their team’s confidence.

“We know how good we can be,” she said. “These games show us what we need to clean up, and that’s important.”

Players say the team has leaned on communication and trust as conference play continues. Although most of the team is new to the program, They have a good mix of veterans and young talents. This team is clicking at the right time. Just being sure to stay connected during the highs and the lows. 

“We’re still learning,” Brown-Hagger said. “But we believe in each other and we believe in our coaches plan, and that’s what matters.”

As the season will conclude soon, Illinois will keep building off these losses. They will remain focused on playing at a high level . The results will come. 

If you have been following this team you see something special . If one is able to be in the building to witness it feels special. UCLA Coach Cori Close praised this young group of Coach Shauna Green giving the core a piece of advice for the future. “If they can stay together through the ups and downs fight the urge to choose themselves or look elsewhere, or I would say the grass isn’t greener on the other side, it is green where you water,” Coach Close said. 

That is what this team has been preaching and the hope is they stand by it. 

Hope Elam