Mikayla Blakes: The Freshman Phenomenon Redefining NCAA Basketball, Mikayla Blakes: Rising Star in NCAA Women's Basketball Record-Breaking Freshman at
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| Mikayla Blakes: The Freshman Phenomenon Redefining NCAA Basketball |
Mikayla Blakes: The Freshman Phenomenon Redefining NCAA Basketball
Mikayla Blakes: Rising Star in NCAA Women's Basketball
Record-Breaking Freshman at Vanderbilt
Mikayla Blakes is a standout freshman guard for the Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball team. On February 16, 2025, she delivered a historic performance by scoring 55 points in a 98-88 overtime victory against Auburn, setting a new NCAA Division I freshman single-game scoring record. This achievement surpassed her own previous record of 53 points, which she set earlier in the season against Florida.
Blakes’ ability to dominate the court has quickly made her one of the most promising young players in college basketball. Her scoring ability, combined with her leadership and playmaking skills, has positioned her as a key figure in Vanderbilt’s success.
High School Stardom and National Recognition
Blakes hails from Somerset, New Jersey, where she attended Rutgers Preparatory School. During her high school career, she led her team to multiple state finals and was twice named the Courier News Player of the Year. Her outstanding performances caught national attention, earning her a spot in the 2024 McDonald's All-American Game.
She was ranked as the No. 8 player nationally in the class of 2024 by ESPN, solidifying her reputation as one of the top high school prospects heading into college.
Immediate Impact at Vanderbilt
Since joining Vanderbilt, Blakes has been nothing short of exceptional. In addition to her record-breaking 55-point and 53-point performances, she has consistently delivered high-scoring games, including:
- 36 points against Georgia (January 2, 2025) – Setting a new Vanderbilt freshman single-game scoring record at the time.
- Game-winning shot against Tennessee (January 19, 2025) – Securing a dramatic 71-70 victory for Vanderbilt.
- Multiple 30+ point games throughout the season, establishing herself as a clutch performer.
Her contributions have been instrumental in Vanderbilt’s competitive SEC campaign, and she has already drawn comparisons to some of the best freshman players in NCAA history.
Playing Style and Strengths
Blakes is known for her dynamic offensive skill set, which includes:
- Elite scoring ability – Capable of scoring from anywhere on the court, including three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and finishes at the rim.
- Strong ball-handling – Allows her to navigate defenses and create her own shot.
- Defensive awareness – While primarily an offensive force, she has shown promise on defense, making key steals and contesting shots.
- Leadership – Despite being a freshman, she has displayed maturity and composure, making her a leader on the court.
Her ability to perform under pressure and carry her team in crucial moments has made her a standout in a competitive NCAA season.
Family and Background
Basketball runs in Mikayla Blakes’ family. Her father, Monroe Blakes, played college basketball for Saint Michael's College, and her older brother, Jaylen Blakes, played for Duke University before transferring to Stanford. This strong basketball lineage has undoubtedly contributed to her high basketball IQ and work ethic.
Off the court, Blakes is majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society, showing her commitment to both academics and athletics.
Future Prospects
With her explosive start in college basketball, Mikayla Blakes is on track to become one of the most sought-after players in the sport. If she continues at this pace, she could attract attention from WNBA scouts and possibly become a top draft pick in the future.
For now, she remains focused on helping Vanderbilt succeed, breaking records, and establishing herself as one of the most exciting players in the NCAA.
Conclusion
Mikayla Blakes’ rise to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary. From dominating high school basketball to shattering NCAA freshman records, she has proven to be a generational talent. As the season progresses, basketball fans will be watching closely to see how far she can take Vanderbilt and how she continues to shape her already impressive legacy.
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