Banks Wrestling Builds on Historic Finish With State Champions and Growing Depth
Banks High School girls wrestling enters the new season with a championship-tested core and a growing roster, giving the Lady Braves fresh momentum in their pursuit of another state trophy. Four returning state placers anchor a program that finished fourth in the OSAA 4A/3A/2A/1A state tournament last season, earning the first girls wrestling team trophy in school history. Now, an incoming freshman class large enough to double the previous roster brings added depth to that established success.
Sophomore Bailey Buchanan returns after placing third at 120 pounds in the 2026 state tournament. That podium experience gives Banks a proven competitor in the lighter weights. Senior McKenna, who finished sixth at 130 pounds, adds another state-tested presence. Together, their results provide an experienced foundation as the Lady Braves work toward returning to the team podium.
Two returning state champions lead the heavier portion of that core. Sophomore Kenzie Turner won the 2026 title at 145 pounds moments before her twin sister, sophomore Madison Turner, captured the championship at 155 pounds. Freshman Lorelei Weeks also enters the mix after winning an Oregon Middle School State championship at 155lbs.
The combination of returning high school champions and an accomplished newcomer gives Banks plenty to watch as the lineup takes shape.
Depth has been a challenge for the Lady Braves since their inaugural season in 2022. This year's freshman class offers a chance to address that limitation, with several newcomers arriving from Banks Middle School's state championship team. Their arrival connects two successful groups within the community: wrestlers who helped establish the high school program's historic finish and younger athletes bringing championship experience of their own.
The first test comes Saturday, Dec. 5, when the Lady Braves open the season with their first tournament of the year at Century High School. Those opening matches will provide an early look at the returning core alongside the newcomers. Banks also hosts the Hank Schmidlin Invitational at Banks High School on Dec. 18, adding a home event to the schedule that includes matchups with Mountainside and Yamhill-Carlton.
Further tests include tournaments at Warrenton High School, Southridge High School and Sandy High School, followed by the regional tournament slated for Feb. 12-13 hosted by Molalla High School. For Banks, the season's outlook rests on a concrete combination: four returning state placers, two defending state champions and a larger roster. After making school history last season, the Lady Braves are aiming to put that foundation to work toward another state podium finish.
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