LUCERNE VALLEY, Calif. — Lucerne Valley High School Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach Brandon Barkley recorded his 100th career win as the Lady Mustangs defeated Palmdale Charter School 32-15 at home on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.
Barkley’s historic win at first seemed in doubt as Palmdale scored quickly in the opening minutes. But that was short-lived as Mustang star guard Jewell Moy quickly and decisively took control of the game, using her superior quickness to steal balls and blaze down the court on numerous fast breaks. Moy scored 9 points, grabbed 8 steals and collected 6 rebounds, while senior Kailey Quintero had 10 points, and freshman Amaya Kelly chipped in 6. The Lady Mustangs improved their record to 4 and 4 on the year.
Coach Brandon Barkley shows spirit after a break huddle. Photo by Peter Day
Barkley, a teacher-coach who grew up in the Riverside area, is in his 10th year at Lucerne Valley. He came to the school as an assistant boys basketball coach in 2013. Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the 2020 season, Barkley’s 100 wins were effectively made in just 8-plus seasons.
Barkley’s father is a longtime coach in the Riverside area. Barkley followed in his father’s footsteps and had four years coaching middle school basketball at Woodcrest Christian.
Coach Barkley encourages his players. Assistant Coach Charles Ledbetter, right, and Ashley Davalos are assistant coaches. Photo by Peter Day
“I thought I would work with the boys basketball and baseball,” Barkley said of his move to Lucerne Valley High School. But after starting to coach the girls he found his niche. Known as a tough coach with high standards, his players universally appreciate his style, saying that he helps them find their true potential as athletes.
And the appreciation is mutual.
“They listen,” Barkley said.
If this season goes anything like 2021, the Lucerne Valley girls will be in fine shape. Last year’s team had inconsistent results until late December when Barkley’s players went on tear and ended the season with a perfect 8-0 Agape League record (and League Championship) and 18-10 overall record.