Meet Mikayla Blakes, the Vanderbilt’s Rising Star
Mikayla Blakes scored 32 of 53 points in the second half after making 16 field goals and 15 free throws. She created history by setting a new record. Read this article to know more.

Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes is a freshman guard who set a new NCAA record for most points scored by a freshman in a game. Blakes scored 32 of 53 points in the second half after making 16 field goals and 15 free throws. Her record helped Vanderbilt heat Florida by 99-86 on Thursday 30 January.
The American broke a previous record of 51 set by Southern California’s JuJu Watkins last season. She was named USBWA National Freshman of the Year last season though Blakes has emerged as the top candidate for the title this year.
Shea Ralph, the head coach of the team said, “One of the most incredible performances that I’ve ever seen as a coach.” Ralph added: “I’m glad she’s on our team, I’ll say that.”
Rising Star: The Incredible Story of Mikayla Blakes

Mikayla Blakes is the daughter of Monroe and Nikkia Blakes and was born in 2005 in Somerset, NJ. Blakes is a freshman guard at Vanderbilt University. She is a 2024 McDonald’s All-American Games Knockout Champion and the third champion who signed Vanderbilt during Ralph as the head coach. She is also the highest-ranked prospect at Vanderbilt.
Blakes won the New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year and represented Team USA at the second annual Nike Brand Hoops Summit. She chose Vanderbilt over Indiana, UCLA, Stanford, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Her brother Jaylen, is also a basketball player at Duke.
She recently created history by setting a new record in the NCAA 2025. With everything she has to offer, she has a bright future ahead of her. Blakes could be a top pick in the WNBA draft in upcoming years. Her impressive skills might also win her a spot on the US national team. Her achievements at such a young age make her an exciting player to keep an eye on.