Welcome to "Green Street," where you'll get the latest women's college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Joe Vozzelli. Every week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, he'll offer insights on Shauna Green's Illini team and the women's game at large.

Impressive Weeks in Women's College Basketball

UCLA's Dominance

After earning the program's first No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25, UCLA handled its business with ease. Their consistent performance showcases their strength and potential as a top team. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication on the court.

Iowa State's Setback

Iowa State faced a tough challenge when they played South Carolina at the exact wrong time. A motivated Gamecocks team, fresh off losing their No. 1 ranking and witnessing the end of a 43-game winning streak, blasted the Cyclones with a 76-36 win on Thanksgiving Day. This loss serves as a reminder that even the best teams can have off days.

Duke's Success

Duke had a highly impressive week, achieving a pair of Top 10 wins against Kansas State and Oklahoma. Their ability to perform at a high level against tough opponents is a sign of their growing strength and competitiveness. This success will likely boost their confidence as they continue their season.

Kentucky's Rise

I came away very impressed by Kentucky. In just four short weeks, Kenny Brooks has turned a 12-20 team from last season into a borderline Top 10 team. Clara Strack is a problem, and pairing her with one of the best point guards in the country in Georgia Amoore gives Kentucky a formidable lineup. Their consistent contributions from Dazia Lawrence and Teonni Key make them a tough out come March.

Illinois' Lesson

Shauna Green's veteran Illinois team learned a valuable lesson about Kentucky's legitimacy. In their 76-53 rout of the Illini last Wednesday night in Nashville, Tenn., they saw firsthand how tough Kentucky can be. This experience will likely motivate the Illini to work harder and improve their game.Here's how my full ballot shook out this week (the latest AP Top 25 will drop at 11 a.m. today):Rk., Team Prev1. UCLA 12. Connecticut 33. South Carolina 44. Texas 55. LSU 76. Maryland 87. Notre Dame 28. Southern Cal 69. Duke 1210. Oklahoma 911. Ohio State 1112. Kentucky 1813. Kansas State 1014. TCU 2115. West Virginia 1516. North Carolina 1417. Alabama 2018. Iowa 2419. Louisville 2320. Mississippi 1621. Iowa State 1322. Illinois 1723. Baylor 2524. Michigan NR25. Nebraska NR