NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As a freshman at Vanderbilt, Mikayla Blakes is rapidly drawing attention to her impressive skills on the court. Her remarkable ability to score not only resulted in her achieving a career-high of 53 points but also breaking the NCAA freshman record with 55 points just two and a half weeks later.
Blakes acknowledges the challenge that comes with such performances: “Everyone is looking to stop you now,” she said about becoming a key focus in opponents’ game strategies. Her approach involves persistent improvement and turning vulnerabilities into strengths to maintain her edge on the court.
Remarkably, in five games, Blakes has scored 30 or more points, a record that places her fourth among all NCAA Division I players this season and leads all freshmen. Her scoring prowess ranks her second in the Southeastern Conference, with an average of 23.3 points per game.
After a match that limited Blakes to 19 points, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley acknowledged her unique capabilities, commending the young athlete’s efficiency and offensive impact in the league. Joining an elite group of players, Blakes became one of only two to ever score 53 points twice in a single season, a feat also accomplished by Patricia Hoskins.
A gripping performance against Auburn, where Vanderbilt was trailing, saw Blakes dominate the game’s final stages, scoring 30 out of her 55 points in the last quarter and overtime, ultimately securing a comeback victory. Throughout this stellar performance, Blakes displayed an incredible precision at the free-throw line, making 23 out of 24 attempts, inching past the previous record set by Elena Delle Donne.
Blakes’ brother, Jaylen, fully appreciates her competitive spirit, recognizing her distaste for losing and linking it to her drive in the victory: “She hates losing,” he mentioned, highlighting her determination not just about scoring but more about securing victories.
Even Tara VanDerveer, the esteemed retired coach, expressed admiration for Blakes, having tried to recruit her to Stanford. Although disappointed Stanford couldn’t sign her, VanDerveer showered praise on Blakes, appreciating her as both an athlete and student.
Mikayla was a sought-after recruit, with universities including Stanford, UCLA, and Tennessee among others competing for her commitment. However, Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph successfully enticed Blakes to join the Commodores to contribute to a burgeoning program.
Her decision to contribute and build within Vanderbilt’s program aligns with her brother Jaylen’s insight into her choice, emphasizing her passion for nurturing something new and driving the team’s progress toward a possible NCAA Tournament entry.
Due to their game schedules, the siblings have managed to support each other, ensuring they stay connected with each other’s successes. During the notable match against Auburn, Mikayla aligned herself with LeBron James as the only players since 2005 to score 55 or more points while playing the entire game.
Following her outstanding performances, Blakes earned both the SEC player and freshman awards of the week, mirroring Candace Parker’s 2006 achievement. As the Commodores prepare for their final regular season home game against Texas A&M, Ralph emphasizes the need for Blakes to receive support from her teammates, ensuring victories won’t solely depend on her scoring fireworks.
