On a cold, damp and rainy Monday evening I set out on my nightly journey to cover the local sports scene en route to Moon High School.
The main gymnasium offered the setting with Moon’s girls basketball team hosting archrival West Allegheny on Senior Night. Entering through the main doors of the school, something seemed a bit different for this special evening. After all, I had been through countless Senior Night celebrations in my lengthy career.
Proceeding down the hallway I noticed the decorations’ color scheme wasn’t the school’s typical red and white. Orange and black decor ringed the tables filled with shirts, candy, baked goods, snacks and more.
Upon entry into the actual gym, it became apparent that this wasn’t the typical celebration to honor the seniors. A celebration of epic proportions was on the horizon, one that would bring tears, laughter and loud cheers.
Events of this evening would be twofold: yes, it was Senior Night at Moon, but equally important was the “Orange Out” event to raise awareness for childhood cancer. A worthwhile endeavor as both teams have been affected as they have dealt with this dreaded disease.
Noah’s Legacy Foundation was the benefactor of all fundraising efforts for the evening, with every penny raised going directly to the foundation. “Together We Can End Childhood Cancer” is the mission statement of Noah’s Legacy.
The history behind Noah’s legacy is an attempt to create something positive from a catastrophic loss. Noah Latronica’s Foundation was founded in 2022 after the tragic loss of 6-year-old Noah following a five-year battle against brain cancer. In honor of Noah’s memory, the foundation strives to make a difference by funding vital research, increasing awareness about childhood cancer and providing unwavering support to families throughout their cancer journey.
Kicking off the evening’s festivities, a special pregame Leukemia Awareness “We Fight Together” T-shirt was worn by both squads during warmups. Both teams formed a tunnel or walkway from the baseline stretching to just before center court. West Allegheny was on the right and Moon was on the left side as the program was turned over to the public address announcer.
First up was former West Allegheny player Gabby Holtz, who unfortunately couldn’t be in attendance as she is currently a freshman at the Ohio State University. Miss Holtz is a childhood cancer survivor, and she was represented by her sister, Alaina Holtz who walked in her honor.
Next was Madelina Deluca, a sixth grader at Moon Area Middle School. When Madelina was 23 months old, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. She went through four back-to-back rounds of chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. In April, Madelina – who does ballet and pointe at West Pointe Ballet – will celebrate 10 years with no evidence of the disease.
Last, but not least, to the roar of a standing ovation, came the introduction of Alicia Soleil Bronner, a senior at Moon High School and one of the captains of the girls basketball team.
In 2020, life changed across the globe as the COVID-19 era took shape, impacting millions of people whose daily routine would become anything but normal. Alicia was no exception, but her life, unfortunately, would be altered far more drastically than most of those whose lives were impacted by COVID-19.
In January 2020, Alicia was diagnosed with leukemia, and she embarked on a 28-month life-changing journey in uncharted waters. Two and a half years later, she successfully rang the “cancer-free bell” at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Congratulations Alicia and all survivors – may your strength, courage and dedication give all affected the hope they need.
Events of the evening continued with the Senior Night celebration up next for the two members of this year’s Moon girls basketball squad, the aforementioned Alicia and Jayla Brown.
Alicia was escorted by her mother, Dominika, father, Bryant, grandmother Ewa, little sister Myla and little brother Isaiah. A seven-year veteran of the hardwood, Alicia started her journey in the Moon Rec Program and grew to love the sport of basketball along with all the memories she has made throughout all those years. Beating South Fayette in a PIAA State playoff game is tops on the list.
Jayla Brown, Alicia’s best friend, is given all the credit for reintroducing Alicia’s love of the sport of basketball after the tough times she battled through her seventh and eighth grade years of middle school. Without Jayla, Alicia would not have returned to basketball and met all the wonderful teammates she has met throughout her time as a Moon Lady Tiger. She would also like to give credit to her whole family for helping her fight through leukemia and keeping her strong at her weakest times.
Alicia’s advice to the team is to never give up on your dreams no matter how far out of reach they are. You can do whatever you put your mind to. #Hooper.
For the future, Alicia plans on attending a four-year college for sports psychology.
Second of the two seniors to be honored was Jayla Brown, who was escorted by her mother, Jessica, father, Chris, and little sister Keryss.
Jayla has dedicated 11 years to the game of basketball, beginning her journey with the Rochester Rams in second and third grade and finishing her career as a proud Moon Tiger.
Throughout her years on the court, she has created unforgettable memories, with the best one being a victory over the undefeated Lincoln Park Leopards last season. Outside of school Jayla played AAU basketball for SLAAM and the Western Pennsylvania Bruins.
Basketball has shaped Jayla in many ways, and she credits everyone she has encountered – and coaches alike – for helping her grow. However, two people stand out the most: Jharrin Gill, a Moon alum and former volunteer coach for the Tigers, and Jayla’s best friend Alicia. It was a collective effort between them – Jharrin pushed her to see the player she could become, while Alicia reminded her why she loved basketball in the first place. They gave her purpose and for that, she is forever grateful. As she reflects on her journey, her advice to others is simple: never be afraid to have a voice. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Looking ahead, Jayla plans to study exercise physiology or athletic training at the University of Louisville or the University of Tampa in the fall of 2025, with hopes of working with athletes in the future.
Looking back at the opening of the night’s festivities, as a parent, an adult or a child of any age, I can’t fathom being given a cancer diagnosis. Having a physician utter the words “You have cancer” is something I believe my brain wouldn’t be able to immediately process.
Being a grown man, hearing those words directed toward me or my child is unimaginable. As a parent, it would simply reduce me to a pile of rubble at the onset.
We can all learn a great deal from adults, parents, children or anyone afflicted by this horrible disease. All our energy is channeled to becoming the much needed support system.
The cancer patient, regardless of their age, shows us the true meaning to words such as resilience, courage, bravery and perseverance. Countless people wage this fight daily, regardless of age or race. Stay strong, lean on your support systems and continue your fight.
In the immortal words of legendary North Carolina State basketball coach Jimmy Valvano, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”
I would like to give special thanks to Michelle Dunn of the Moon Athletic Director’s office and Jessica Brown of the Moon Basketball Boosters for their assistance in this article. This would not have been possible without you both – I appreciate your efforts.
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