2.16.26 – 2.22.26 Players of the Week
Freshman of the Week
Cearah Parchment – Freshman – 6’3” – Whitby, ON – Illinois Fighting Illini
Cearah Parchment continues to emerge as one of the most complete freshmen in the country, delivering a dominant two-game stretch while leading Illinois to a pair of decisive victories.
In a 76-56 win over Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Parchment posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block without committing a single turnover. She shot an efficient 8-of-12 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc in 32 poised minutes.
She followed that performance with another double-double in a 92-65 road victory at Northwestern Wildcats, finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and five steals — again without a turnover.
For the week, Parchment totaled 39 points, 20 rebounds, seven assists, seven steals, and one block while shooting 16-of-25 (64%) from the field and 6-of-8 (75%) from three. Even more impressive: zero turnovers in 64 minutes. Her efficiency, versatility, and composure highlight why she’s quickly becoming a foundational piece for the Illini.
6th Player of the Week
MiLaysia Fulwiley – Junior – 5’10” – Columbia, SC – LSU Tigers
MiLaysia Fulwiley brought explosive energy off the bench in two key SEC victories, proving once again why she is one of the nation’s most dynamic sixth players.
In a 78-70 road win at Ole Miss Rebels, Fulwiley erupted for 26 points and seven rebounds in just 24 minutes, shooting 10-of-18 from the field while adding three steals.
She followed that with a dominant 22-point, 11-rebound performance in LSU’s 108-55 rout of Missouri Tigers. Fulwiley shot 7-of-11 from the field and a blistering 6-of-9 from three-point range while adding four assists and three blocks.
Across 52 minutes (26.0 per game), she averaged 24.0 points and 9.0 rebounds, totaling 48 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, five steals, and three blocks. Her instant offense and versatility off the bench continue to be a major weapon for LSU as postseason play approaches.
Defensive Player of the Week
Hannah Hidalgo – Junior – 5’6” – Merchantville, NJ – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Hannah Hidalgo delivered one of the most disruptive defensive weeks of the season, anchoring Notre Dame’s perimeter pressure in two convincing road wins.
In a 78-54 victory at Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Hidalgo recorded an eye-popping 11 steals along with seven defensive rebounds. Her anticipation and activity completely altered the game’s tempo.
She added three more steals and a block in an 88-63 win at SMU Mustangs, finishing the week with 14 steals, one block, and 12 defensive rebounds.
Hidalgo’s ability to generate live-ball turnovers and ignite transition opportunities makes her one of the most impactful two-way guards in the nation. This week was a masterclass in defensive dominance.
Offensive Player of the Week
Ava Heiden – Sophomore – 6’4” – Sherwood, OR – Iowa Hawkeyes
Ava Heiden was simply unstoppable, powering Iowa to a 3-0 week with elite efficiency and interior dominance.
She opened with 27 points and 11 rebounds in an 80-67 road win at Nebraska Cornhuskers, shooting 12-of-15 from the field.
Heiden followed with 21 points and 13 rebounds at Purdue Boilermakers, hitting 10-of-12 shots, before closing the week with 24 points and 10 rebounds in a 62-44 victory over Michigan Wolverines.
For the week, Heiden totaled 72 points and 34 rebounds while shooting a remarkable 33-of-44 (75%). Averaging 24.0 points and 11.3 rebounds across 29.0 minutes per game, she showcased efficiency, consistency, and physical dominance in the paint.
Player of the Week
Ella Gallatin – Senior – 5’10” – Snohomish, WA – Eastern Washington Eagles
Ella Gallatin put together one of the most complete all-around performances of the week, nearly averaging a triple-double while carrying Eastern Washington in heavy-minute outings.
In a 60-69 loss to Sacramento State Hornets, Gallatin recorded 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block while going 8-of-8 from the free-throw line in 40 minutes.
She answered with a statement performance in an 87-78 win over Portland State Vikings, tallying 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for a triple-double in 38 minutes.
For the week, Gallatin compiled 44 points, 16 rebounds, 16 assists, and three blocks while shooting 14-of-15 (93%) from the free-throw line across 78 minutes (39.0 per game). Her leadership, versatility, and ability to impact every facet of the game make her a deserving Player of the Week.
