After a culture-defining 2023-24 season, Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball has further elevated its performance to become a legitimate SEC force. Despite a tough start to conference play, The Commodores sit at 14-4 and are firmly featured in NCAA Tournament conversation. This success has been driven by two underclassmen superstars — Khamil Pierre and Mikayla Blakes.
Last year, Pierre averaged 8.9 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game and 1.0 steals per game in a promising first-year campaign. This set the stage for a potential sophomore jump; the former Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year has shattered even the loftiest of expectations, averaging a ridiculous 22.4 points per game (6th in the country), 10.3 rebounds per game (21st in the country) and 3.2 steals per game (12th in the country). Her unique blend of mid-range shooting, paint moves and deft touch at the rim make her nearly unguardable inside the arc. Pair that with her rebounding prowess and hawk-like defensive instincts, and you have a contender for National Player of the Year.
Blakes, a true freshman from New Jersey, has similarly taken the college basketball world by storm. The 5’8 guard averages 20 points per game, which is 21st in the country and ranks 2nd among all freshmen. She is the perfect partner-in-crime to Pierre, as Blakes’ blend of excellent 3-point shooting and lightning-fast cuts make her especially deadly outside the arc. She is also no slouch defensively, averaging a staggering 2.6 steals per game and constantly pestering the opponents’ best guard.
This duo rolled their way through Vanderbilt’s nonconference schedule, but even as the competition stiffens up, they’ve continued to shine. In a statement 108-82 win over Georgia, Blakes and Pierre combined for a jaw-dropping 64 points, while the duo totaled 40 combined points in a near-upset at No. 5 LSU. They also teamed up for 44 points in Vanderbilt’s signature upset over No. 15 Tennessee this past weekend. In all of these games, Blakes and Pierre put their scoring abilities on full display, as both consistently burned the Bulldogs, Tigers and Lady Volunteers in different ways. Their defensive prowess is equally apparent, as their active hands caused fits for opponents.
Let’s get into the film.
Khamil Pierre’s scoring toolkit
As mentioned above, Pierre primarily shines inside the arc. Standing at 6’2, she has above-average size and is a powerful driver capable of bullying her way into the paint. However, it’s Pierre’s outstanding footwork and soft touch on mid-range shots that separates her from other SEC forwards.
She is incredibly nimble and knows how to imbalance opponents, as her ball fakes regularly make defenders look silly. If defenders start sagging off of her, she’ll just hit a mid-range jumper. She is highly consistent on these shots, as her shooting touch is more akin to a guard than a forward.
Pierre is shooting a blistering 56% from the field this season, a testament to her blend of scoring abilities. If defenders step up to her, she’ll drive past them. If they give her space, she’ll knock down a jumper in their face. Sit back and enjoy a minute of scoring art.
Mikayla Blakes’ scoring toolkit
Blakes is the twin flame to Pierre, as her play style is vastly different but serves as a deadly complement. The former top-10 national recruit has a variety of high-end skills and has adjusted seamlessly to the college game. Her lethal first-step quickness and marksman-like quality from 3-point range are both well above average on their own — combine these skills together and the result is a scoring monster.
Blakes has admirably filled the void left by Jordyn Cambridge’s graduation and stepped into the point guard role in head coach Shea Ralph’s offense. She’s the general of Vanderbilt’s offense and has the skill set to boot.
If her defender attempts to faceguard her, she’ll use her speed to drive past them. If given space, Blakes will let it fly from deep, where she has already knocked down 39 3-pointers this season at a 30.2% clip. The star also has a unique feel for off-ball cuts into the lane, which she especially used to terrorize LSU.
She is a top candidate to win National Freshman of the Year — just watch the film to understand why.
Dominant defense
Unlike many offensive superstars, Pierre and Blakes are equally talented on defense. They are both top 40 in Division I in steal rate, as their active hands and ballhawk mentality make them extremely dangerous. A lot of their steals create fast-break opportunities for Vanderbilt, as Blakes especially can turn defense into offense in a flash.
The dynamic duo also does not sacrifice defensive breakdowns for steals, as both players are extremely calculated in deciding when to swipe for a steal and when to stay home. Their scoring prowess has gained national attention — for good reason — but their defense has been just as good.
Blakes and Pierre will look to further establish themselves on the big stage when they welcome Arkansas to Memorial Gymnasium as Vanderbilt looks to improve to .500 in the SEC. Tip is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST on Jan. 26.