ROSEMONT, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Cearah Parchment, a standout rookie for the Fighting Illini, was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week following a remarkable Week 5 performance that helped her team extend its winning streak to six games. The honor, announced by the Big Ten office on Monday, marks the first such recognition of Parchment’s career.
The Canadian freshman averaged a dominant double-double for the week, recording 15.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, along with 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals. She also impressed with her shooting efficiency, hitting 44.4% (12-for-27) of her field goals, 50% (2-for-4) from beyond the arc, and 100% (5-for-5) from the free-throw line.
In Illinois’ 90-41 blowout victory over Bellarmine, Parchment played just 21 minutes but still managed to post a 16-point, 12-rebound performance with 3 assists and 3 steals. Four days later, in her first Big Ten conference game, she added another double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, while contributing 2 assists and 1 steal in 27 minutes of action. In that game, she was perfect from beyond the arc (2-for-2) and the free-throw line (1-for-1).
Parchment’s stellar performances not only earned her the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award but also helped her become one of two Fighting Illini freshmen, along with Destiny Jackson, to earn weekly honors this season. Illinois is the only team in the Big Ten to have two freshmen win the award this year.