News Summary
Mikayla Blakes delivered an outstanding performance that led Team USA to a gold medal win against Brazil in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup Final. With 27 points and 6 rebounds, she was named Player of the Game and MVP of the tournament. Blakes, a sophomore guard at Vanderbilt University, showcased her talent and leadership, helping the team overcome a fourth-quarter deficit. Her achievements continue to highlight Vanderbilt’s strong presence in women’s basketball.
Santiago, Chile – Mikayla Blakes made a standout performance for Team USA, leading them to a gold medal victory with a 92-84 win against Brazil in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup Final on July 6. Blakes was instrumental in the championship game, scoring 27 points and pulling down six rebounds, which earned her the title of player of the game and the coveted MVP of the entire tournament.
In addition to her accolades from the final, Blakes was selected to the FIBA AmeriCup’s “All-Star 5,” an honor recognizing the top five players in the competition. She was joined by only one other USA player, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, who also made the elite list. Blakes expressed her gratitude for the achievement on social media, feeling “beyond blessed” following the victory.
A sophomore guard at Vanderbilt University, Blakes had an impressive average of 14 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game during the FIBA AmeriCup. She led Team USA in minutes played, averaging over 22 minutes on the floor per game throughout the tournament. Previously, Blakes set a record at Vanderbilt by leading the team in scoring with an average of 23.2 points per game and was recognized as the SEC Freshman of the Year and the Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Year.
Fourth Quarter Comeback
The championship match was closely contested, with Team USA trailing 66-65 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Blakes played a crucial role in overcoming this deficit, hitting a pivotal 3-pointer early in the quarter. This shot helped spark a decisive 9-0 run for Team USA, ultimately contributing to their victory and securing their spot in next year’s FIBA Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Germany.
Background on the Tournament
The FIBA Women’s AmeriCup provides a platform for elite women’s basketball competition among national teams from across the Americas, and this year’s tournament primarily featured college players representing the United States. The win against Brazil marks a significant achievement for the U.S. team, as it continues the tradition of excellence in women’s basketball.
Blakes’ performance not only highlights her individual talent but also signifies her role as a leader on the court at such a young age. As the tournament showcased promising talent from the junior ranks, Blakes’ achievements are indicative of a bright future both for her and for Team USA’s women’s basketball program.
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Additional Resources
- Michigan’s Thumb
- Wikipedia: Mikayla Blakes
- Tennessean
- Google Search: Mikayla Blakes
- Caledonian Record
- Google Scholar: FIBA Women’s AmeriCup
- BDT Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: FIBA Women’s AmeriCup
- Sports Illustrated
- Google News: Team USA Women’s Basketball
Author: HERE Nashville
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