Braxton Voss was an honorary football captain this season. | Todd Barker

Orange-out at Priceville honors boy with leukemia

Brewer’s varsity girls and Priceville’s varsity boys emerged as winners on the basketball court Friday night, but a seven-year-old boy suffering from leukemia was honored as the hero.

Unfortunately, Braxton Voss, a second grader at Priceville Elementary School wasn’t able to be there to take his bow. He was undergoing a chemotherapy treatment at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

Parker Voss, a sixth grader at Priceville Middle School, served as a stand-in for his younger brother.

Standing at center court in the company of his grandparents, Johnny and Ellen Falcioni, Parker accepted an autographed basketball and a Bulldog game jersey for his brother. The family also received $1,400 to help with the family’s medical expenses.

The gifts were presented by principal Mark Mason, head girls basket ball coach Terrie Nelson and cheerleader coach Keri Dunn.

Nelson said the money was raised at all three Priceville schools, in addition to a student dance, hat day and T-shirt sales. The commemorative basketball was signed by all football players, coaches and cheerleaders.

The grandparents said while Braxton has been strong in his fight, he still faces many more chemo treatments while on the road to recovery.

The basketball games were played against a background of orange, a PHS color. Many students and fans wore organ T-shirts in honor of Braxton, while other wore orange socks and shoestrings.

Brewer’s Lady Patriots (9-1) prevailed in the varsity girls game, 67-42, after being so stoutly challenged by the Lady Bulldogs in the first period

They were ahead 22-19 after one period and 39-23 at halftime.

“The best thing is they played hard,” said head coach Ricky Allen. “They kept up the tempo even though their shots weren’t falling in he early going and they were very aggressive on defense.”

Riley Northway scored 21 points to lead the Lady Patriots. Malerie Drinkard added 13 points.

McKenzie Parker scored 13 points for Priceville.

Priceville (7-3) came out on top in the boys game, 69-36, after moving out to a 19-6 advantage in the first period. The Bulldogs were ahead 40-18 at the half and 61-28 after three periods.

“This was the best game we’ve played all year,” said head coach Darrell Haynes. “It was a good effort all around. They shot the ball wells and played strong defense.”

Luke Mason paced the Bulldogs with 13 points. Mac Mc:Lendons followed with 12 and Kyle Haynes had 11 points.