The following is a breakdown of three of the major players in the Big Ten women's basketball season.

Shereka Wright, F, Purdue

Standing 5-foot-10, she doesn't seem overwhelming. That is, until the game starts.

This Boilermaker has been instrumental in having her team reach No. 6 in the country.

Her quick first step makes it difficult to guard her outside and when she gets into the lane, defenses don't stand much of a chance.

Wright may be averaging under 20 points per game, but it's the little things, like pulling down seven rebounds per game and doing whatever it takes for her team to win on a given night, which make her such a great player

This All-America candidate has already established herself as one of the top players in the nation. Now she is just looking to lead her team to a third consecutive Big Ten title and hopefully more.

"When I first came to Purdue, I was dreaming of coming to a winning program with great people around me," Wright said in a press release. "I think my teammates don't depend on me, but they expect me to play like they know I can play."

Kelly Mazzante, G, Penn State

After a while the great numbers just seem to come easy for this world-class shooter.

Last season, Mazzante led the nation in scoring, and she has done nothing to show she can't take home that honor again, as she is currently third in the nation.

Mazzante has scored at least 20 points in 13-of-16 games this season, and has yet to be held to single digits.

She has been the catalyst in leading the Lady Lions to the best start in the Big Ten.

All of this despite carrying the title of Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year, which often means she attracts two if not three defenders.

The extra attention just seems to fuel Mazzante, who has already been named Big Ten player of the week four times this season and counting.

"She moves as well without the basketball as anyone I've ever seen," Purdue women's basketball coach Kristy Curry said. "She can really hurt you off the dribble. I think too what I've been impressed with is how she's been key for them defensively. She always wants the ball in her hands at critical key moments."

Lindsay Whalen, G, Minnesota

Last season's Big Ten player of the Year didn't waste any time in getting back to what she does best -- scoring.

Whalen has picked up right where she left off last season; notching 24.4 points, while still dishing out almost seven assists on a nightly basis.

Whalen perhaps has benefited from the added attention being placed on both Mazzante and Wright this season. She has quietly gone about her business in leading the Golden Gophers to a No. 12 ranking.

"She makes everyone around her a better player," Minnesota women's basketball coach Pam Borton said. "Obviously, it's comforting as a coach to know she's on the floor. She's an icon in the state of Minnesota. She's a lot of fun to watch. She's one of the most unselfish players I've ever coached. When I think of one word I think of 'unselfish.' "