Lady Hub forward Lucy Bunger has utilized her defensive skills with the Rochelle Township High School basketball team to pressure opposing players on the perimeter in each of the last two seasons. Now an upperclassman entering her third varsity season with the Lady Hubs, Bunger will be looking to develop more offensive abilities in order to become a more complete player.

Bunger, who also competes with the Lady Hub volleyball and track teams, has been playing basketball since she was 6 years old. Whether it was through leagues or playing in the backyard, Bunger said she enjoys competing and reaping the mental and physical benefits of the sport.

Bunger earned a role in the varsity rotation her freshman season, averaging roughly two points and two rebounds per game and helping the Lady Hubs to seven wins. She worked her way into the starting lineup as a sophomore, recording notable performances including a nine-point, five-rebound, two-steal effort against Ottawa and a four-steal effort against Woodstock.

“I thought my defense was well rounded and I held firm against other teams,” Bunger said. “We were a little timid as a team, but we made sure our skills were evenly used. We never gave up as a team and we created a positive environment where we pushed each other to get better.”

Bunger showed flashes of offensive potential during her sophomore season, scoring eight points against Mendota and totaling a season-best 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting in Rochelle’s victory over Morrison at the Forreston Thanksgiving Tournament. Baseline mid-range shots keyed much of Bunger’s success on offense this past season, and she’ll be looking to continue developing her offensive repertoire when the Lady Hubs eventually take the court again.

“We can find more ways to execute our offense and make the right plays,” Bunger said. “My goal for next season is to have more of an offensive mindset and do what I can for us to score more. It will take practice and staying consistent during times where we can’t get into the gym. We need to stay motivated and encourage each other to maintain good basketball habits.”