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Bunch of talent, success
By CAREY FREEMAN, Times Staff Writer CRYSTAL RIVER -- That Monique Bunch would contribute immediately on the college level comes as no surprise to those who know her best. The list is topped by Norris Lightsey, who coached her through four seasons at Crystal River and witnessed what Bunch brings to the table. Whether it was her scoring punch, tenacious defense or work habits, Bunch always was a winner who achieved at whatever level she played. Yet what makes her special, says Lightsey, is her ability to be a great teammate. "Her personality allows her to fit in with any group she works with," Lightsey said. "Monique is very friendly and outgoing and willing to do just about anything to help someone out. "I saw that when she was a freshman," he said. "She came in and didn't cop an attitude. She fit right in with the rest of the girls, and that's the way good teams are formed." That explains why Bunch, a two-time Times all-area selection and all-state pick her senior year, was able to succeed so early at NCAA Division II Florida Southern College. After finishing her high school career with more than 1,100 points and 1,000 rebounds, Bunch again is contributing greatly to her team. She's averaging 8.2 points and 7 rebounds in 10 starts for the 7-3 Mocs. Last season, Bunch earned a spot on the Sunshine State Conference All-Freshman Team after posting 7.3 points (fifth on Mocs) and 7.5 rebounds (second on squad) per game. She had three double-doubles and was second for Southern in blocked shots (24). Bunch scored a career-high 16 points against Fairmont State and led the Mocs in rebounds in eight games, including a career-high 14 in meetings with Daeman and Rollins. But don't be fooled by the impressive numbers. While it may seem that everything has come easily to Bunch, it hasn't. "I had to make a lot of changes," Bunch said. "I really had to work on a lot of speed and foot quickness and stuff like that. "In high school, I was basically in the post. This is very different because now I'm on the perimeter playing (small forward) or (power forward) ... mostly (small forward)." The change has required even more work from an athlete who was known for her solid habits. Bunch, in essence, had to become a different player -- faster, quicker and more complete. That includes the offseason. "The summer before you go (to college), the coaches send you workouts, and you'd better make sure you do it," Bunch said. "It will help when you get up there. "I still had a lot to work on," she said. "My position, because I have to drive, I have to work on ball handling and passing and stuff like that too." It's that commitment to improvement -- along with the small-school environment -- that attracted Bunch to Florida Southern and coach Diane Foli. It is the game and competition that keeps Bunch striving for more. "I came here because of her coaching and style, her philosophy of good defense and her work-hard ethic," Bunch said. "I like college because of the competition. We're around each other all the time, and it's basketball this and basketball that. The only time when it's not basketball is when we're in our rooms." Bunch wouldn't have it any other way.
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