Published July 16. 2024 09:57AM
						 
					
										
                                    
                Panther Valley’s Brenda Banks became a national champion on Sunday.
                Competing for Team PA at the 2024 U.S Marine Corps Junior & 16U Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, Banks secured the 235-pound 16U women’s freestyle title by pinning Deionna Borders of Ohio in 1:56 in the final.
                After receiving a bye in the opening round, Banks pinned Macee Ercanbrack of Utah in 0:33 before dispatching New York’s Naomi Gonzalez in 2:50 in the quarterfinals.
                Banks met a familiar foe in the semis, facing a teammate in Souderton’ MacKenna Atkinson.
                Banks topped Atkinson 3-0 to claim the 235-pound title in March, and posted a 5-1 win against Atkinson to punch her ticket to the finals.
                Team PA claimed a 16U USA Wrestling National Championship and Junior third-place finish.
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