News Summary
Vanderbilt freshman Mikayla Blakes has made history in college basketball by scoring an incredible 55 points in a single game, setting the NCAA freshman single-game scoring record. This achievement marks her as a rising star and places her among the elite in NCAA Division I basketball. Her remarkable performances have drawn attention from coaches and fans alike, signaling a bright future for both her and the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team.
The Exciting World of College Sports: Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes Makes History
In the vibrant city of Nashville, there’s a buzz in the air that has everyone talking—Vanderbilt freshman Mikayla Blakes has made her mark in the world of college basketball by breaking records and lighting up the scoreboard! On February 23, 2025, she racked up an incredible 55 points in a single game, setting the NCAA freshman single-game scoring record. This isn’t just a small feat; it propelled her to be the talk of the town!
A Rising Star
Just 17 days before her historic performance, Blakes had already dazzled fans by scoring 53 points in another game. Talk about keeping the momentum going! This points spree puts her amongst the elite, as she has now scored at least 30 points in five games this season. This impressive stat makes her the fourth-most prolific scorer among all NCAA Division I players and the top freshman! With an average of 23.3 points per game, she is not only proving to be a scoring machine but is also ranked second in the Southeastern Conference. Go Blakes!
Historic Achievements
When looking deeper into her record-setting game, fans will learn that her 55 points rank as the ninth highest in NCAA history. Blakes is only the second player to score 53 or more points twice within the same NCAA season. Her remarkable ability to perform under pressure was evident in a recent comeback game against Auburn, where she dynamically scored 30 of her 55 points in the last ten minutes of regulation and overtime. AND, to make it even more exciting, she sunk an impressive 23 of 24 free throw attempts during that thrilling performance!
Praise from the Pros
Even coaches outside of Vanderbilt have taken notice of Blakes. South Carolina’s coach has openly praised her impressive offensive impact, while Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer expressed some disappointment that she couldn’t recruit Blakes, calling her a ‘star.’ That certainly raises Blakes’ profile and puts her on the radar of college basketball enthusiasts.
A Family Affair
Blakes’s brother, Jaylen, insightfully noted her relentless determination to win and her competitive drive to avoid losing at all costs. This drive is clearly paying dividends, as Vanderbilt is on the brink of its second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth after a decade-long absence from the big dance. It seems Blakes is contributing significantly to her team’s resurgence, and this can only lead to exciting futures!
Unprecedented Comparisons
In an awe-inspiring side note, when Blakes scored her 55 points, she joined LeBron James as one of the only basketball players—playing every second of the game since 2005—to score that many in a single game across all leagues. How’s that for making a statement?
Recognition and Support
Following her record-setting performance, Blakes earned accolades as both the SEC Player and Freshman of the Week, a remarkable honor that hasn’t been achieved since the days of Candace Parker in 2006. It is clear that not only is she a stellar player but she’s also becoming a cornerstone for the future of Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball.
Finally, Coach Shea Ralph considers Blakes her highest-rated recruit and is hopeful that she’ll receive adequate support from her teammates, so she won’t have to pull off gigantic scoring feats to secure wins. Here’s hoping for more thrilling displays from this rising star!
So, whether you’re a fan of college basketball or just love seeing young talent shine, keep your eyes on Vanderbilt and the extraordinary Mikayla Blakes—there are sure to be many more exciting moments ahead!
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Additional Resources
- AP News
- CBS Sports
- MSN Sports
- NCAA
- Tennessean
- Wikipedia: NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball
- Google Search: Mikayla Blakes
- Google Scholar: Mikayla Blakes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s College Basketball
- Google News: Mikayla Blakes
