Illinois Wesleyan, Carroll, Elmhurst share early lead in CCIW women’s basketball standings
The first week of women's basketball play in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) has resulted in a three-way tie at the top of the league standings, with Illinois Wesleyan, Carroll, and Elmhurst each holding 2-0 records. All three teams are on multi-game winning streaks as they head into the weekend.
Illinois Wesleyan and Carroll have both been recognized in national rankings. In the latest D3hoops.com poll released Monday, Illinois Wesleyan is ranked No. 13 and Carroll is No. 14, separated by just 62 points. The Titans have a 6-2 overall record and have won four straight games since November 29. Carroll, now at 7-2 overall, extended its win streak to five after victories over Wheaton and Carthage last week.
Both teams also appeared in Tuesday’s Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) poll: Illinois Wesleyan moved up to No. 16 and Carroll rose to No. 22.
Millikin forward Nikkel Johnson was named CCIW Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Week after recording back-to-back double-digit scoring performances during conference play's opening week. Johnson had 25 points and 14 rebounds against Elmhurst and followed with 21 points and nine rebounds in a win over North Park, shooting over 63 percent from the field in both games.
Carroll continues to lead the league offensively with a .464 field-goal percentage and an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.18. The team is second in scoring offense (71.3 ppg) and scoring margin (+12.8). Natalie Gricius led Carroll with 23 points against Carthage, supported by Emilie Wizner (16 points), Julia Lokker (13), and Katie Barger (11 points, five assists). Carroll will next compete at the Daytona Beach Shootout later this month.
Illinois Wesleyan has built its success on defensive pressure, leading the conference with an average of 14.6 steals per game. In their recent win over North Central, IWU forced turnovers that led to a significant advantage in points off turnovers (32-15). Senior guard Ava Bardic scored 26 points with five steals; freshman Caitlin Leyden added her third double-double of the season; senior Sawyer White contributed another strong performance.
Elmhurst remains unbeaten in league play after an impressive road victory at Wheaton last Saturday. The Bluejays lead the CCIW in turnover margin (+8.17) and three-point defense (.212 opponent percentage). Kristin Bukata had a standout game with 29 points and eight assists; Natalie Harty scored six threes for a total of 22 points.
North Central leads the CCIW in scoring offense but suffered a home loss to Illinois Wesleyan last weekend despite holding their opponent to low three-point shooting percentages.
Carthage is seeking consistency after its third consecutive loss but continues to lead the league in blocks per game (4.78) and three-pointers made per game (7.22).
Millikin recently secured two wins, including a high-scoring non-conference victory over Knox where they made 28 free throws—one of the highest totals seen so far this season.
Augustana has relied on defense early this season, leading the CCIW by allowing only 54.5 points per game while maintaining strong rebounding numbers.
Wheaton continues to focus on free-throw shooting consistency as it works through early-season challenges.
North Park stands out defensively but is still searching for more offensive production as conference play continues.
The next round of CCIW women’s basketball games will take place Saturday afternoon across multiple campuses.