Vanderbilt sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes rewrote the program's record books during the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Blakes surpassed Wendy Scholtens' previous single-season scoring record of 855 points, achieving 867 points on the season. This historic feat occurred during Vanderbilt's decisive 102-61 victory over High Point.
Blakes' performance also marks her as the first Vanderbilt player to achieve 12 games with 30 or more points in a single season, leading the nation in this category. She reached this scoring milestone within the first half of the tournament opener, underscoring her consistent offensive dominance throughout the year.
A Collective Effort in the First Round
The Commodores' dominant first-round performance was not solely reliant on Blakes. The team saw five players score in double digits, contributing to the lopsided win. Graduate students [Name Redacted] and [Name Redacted] both recorded double-doubles, showcasing the team's depth and multi-faceted play. Guard [Name Redacted] contributed 17 points and a team-high six assists, alongside a team-best four steals. Off the bench, [Name Redacted] posted a career-high 12 points. High Point, acknowledging the competitive landscape, was noted for tying a Vanderbilt record for most rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game.
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Context of the Record
Mikayla Blakes' ascension to the top of Vanderbilt's single-season scoring charts places her among the program's elite. Her consistent high-level play throughout the season, culminating in this NCAA Tournament milestone, has drawn praise from head coach Shea Ralph. Ralph highlighted Blakes' exceptional skill set and work ethic, noting that her impressive achievements appear effortless. The sophomore guard was reportedly unaware of the impending record as the game unfolded. Subsequent tournament play saw Blakes continue her strong showing, averaging 27 points across three games as Vanderbilt advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.
