Vanderbilt Star Mikayla Blakes Joins Elite SEC Scoring Club

Blakes becomes only the fourth player in SEC history to tally 800 or more points in a single season.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Vanderbilt star Mikayla Blakes continued her impressive season, scoring 34 points in a win over Tennessee. Blakes' latest points explosion elevated her into the Southeastern Conference record books, as she joined an exclusive club that includes former LSU star Angel Reese, Chennedy Carter, and Candace Parker as the only players in SEC history to tally 800 or more points in a single season.

Why it matters

Blakes' record-breaking performance cements her status as one of the top players in the SEC and the country. Her ability to consistently score at a high level has been a key factor in Vanderbilt's success this season, as the Commodores have emerged as one of the top teams in the conference.

The details

Blakes dominated on both ends of the court, tallying 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in 40 minutes of action. She is averaging 27.1 points on 46.6% shooting from the floor and 36.1% shooting from beyond the arc, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists for the Commodores this season. Last season, Blakes set the NCAA freshman single-game scoring record (55 points) and became the first freshman in 25 years to tally two 50+ point games in one season.

  • Blakes' latest points explosion came during Vanderbilt's 87-77 win over the Tennessee Volunteers on Sunday evening.

The players

Mikayla Blakes

A star player for the Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball team, who has emerged as one of the top scorers in the SEC this season.

Angel Reese

A former star player for the LSU Tigers women's basketball team, who is one of the three other players in SEC history to tally 800 or more points in a single season.

Chennedy Carter

A former star player for the Texas A&M Aggies women's basketball team, who is one of the three other players in SEC history to tally 800 or more points in a single season.

Candace Parker

A former star player for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers women's basketball team, who is one of the three other players in SEC history to tally 800 or more points in a single season.

Shea Ralph

The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball team, who praised Blakes' accomplishments and the team's progress.

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What they’re saying

“Blakes knew where we were going, and so did we. She wanted to be part of that and we knew we couldn't and didn't want to do it without her. So what it means is that we're going in the right direction. When she came here to leave a legacy, to do the uncommon thing, to do things that Vanderbilt that has never been done before.”

— Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt Head Coach (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

The Vanderbilt Commodores are the No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament that tips off this week, behind the No. 1-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks. Blakes and the Commodores will look to continue their strong season and make a deep run in the tournament.

The takeaway

Mikayla Blakes' record-breaking performance cements her status as one of the top players in the SEC and the country. Her ability to consistently score at a high level has been a key factor in Vanderbilt's success this season, and her accomplishments have elevated the Commodores to elite status in both the SEC and nationwide.