Aztec basketball’s rising star

With March Madness just around the corner, our San Diego State University teams are getting their ducks in a row.

Ever since the Aztecs’ 2023 appearance in the Final Four, the city has been taking its collegiate teams seriously — filling the decades-long basketball void left by the Clippers. Last year, the Aztecs once again proved their commitment with the women’s team winning the Mountain West championship.

Although basketball may have taken center stage (or arena) these past few years, for the players, it’s a lifelong journey.

This week’s featured story tells the tale of a basketball legacy. Four decades ago, San Diego native Brooks Barnhard led his alma mater, Escondido High, to a record-setting season. After leaving his mark on the University of San Diego, Brooks couldn’t leave the game behind, becoming a high school coach and founding San Diego PBC. 

But, perhaps, the most important basketball legacy Brooks will leave is his daughter, Bailey Barnhard.

In just her second year on the SDSU team, Bailey continues to push the bar for herself, setting new records and starting every single game so far this season. 

Although love for the game and a go-getter attitude seem to run in the family, Bailey’s skills are all her own. She developed them organically — and unconventionally — through playing on the boys team in elementary school.

You can watch Barnhard and the Aztecs face the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. through the Mountain West Network.

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