In an exciting display of talent and teamwork, the Ohio State women’s basketball team recently faced off against the ranked Illinois Fighting Illini, showcasing the strength of their roster despite facing a significant experience gap. The Illini started with a lineup featuring five seniors and three graduate students, while the Buckeyes were navigating their eighth game together, comprised of two returning players, two transfers, and a freshman.
The game, held on a Sunday afternoon, saw Ohio State pull ahead decisively, securing a nine-point victory that was largely uncontested from the start of the second quarter until the final buzzer. This impressive performance raises the question: how did a team still in the early stages of building chemistry manage to outplay a seasoned opponent?
The answer lies in the deeper connections formed beyond their collegiate experiences. Among the Buckeyes are three players—Cotie McMahon, Taylor Thierry, and Chance Gray—who have a rich history together dating back to their days in AAU basketball. Their journey began as high school athletes across Ohio, where they crossed paths and developed their skills on the amateur circuit.
From different cities in Ohio, Thierry hailing from Cleveland, McMahon from Centerville, and Gray from Cincinnati, these athletes forged a bond while competing for Sports City AAU. Their time together on the court laid the groundwork for their future success at the collegiate level.
After Thierry joined Ohio State, McMahon and Gray continued to play together until they parted ways for different colleges. Gray, alongside her AAU teammate Grace Van Slooten, made her way to the Oregon Ducks, while McMahon and Thierry reunited in Columbus shortly after Thierry’s freshman year.
The chemistry between McMahon and Thierry is palpable. Over the past two seasons, they have consistently started every game together, earning All-Big Ten team honors and contributing to the team’s impressive run to the Elite Eight in 2023. However, this streak of starting together faced a brief interruption when McMahon found herself on the injury report for four games earlier this season. Fortunately, she made her return just in time for the matchup against Illinois.
Against the Fighting Illini, the Buckeyes displayed a level of play that belied their status as relative newcomers. Despite having faced Ohio State four times in the previous three seasons, Illinois struggled to find their rhythm against a Buckeyes team that was clearly in sync.
This victory not only highlights the growth and potential of the Ohio State women’s basketball team but also underscores the importance of teamwork and shared experiences in sports. The ability to overcome an experience gap through established chemistry and understanding on the court is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these athletes.
As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how this dynamic trio continues to evolve and contribute to the Buckeyes’ success. With their combined history and on-court synergy, McMahon, Thierry, and Gray are poised to make significant impacts in the NCAA landscape.
Ohio State’s journey this season serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the bonds forged through shared experiences in competitive sports. As they move forward, the Buckeyes will undoubtedly aim to build on their recent success, leveraging their unique history and chemistry to tackle future challenges head-on.
