5 to Watch: The Times-area’s top boys basketball players to keep an eye on this winter

Recognizing a handful of the top boys basketball players returning to our area’s courts in 2021-22:

Jack Haynes, Streator, Sr.

The lone returning Times All-Area First Team performer from a year ago, Haynes’ height, talent and experience give every indication his senior season may be even more impressive than his 15.5-point, 10.6-rebound 11th-grade performance.

Luke Cushing, Ottawa, Sr.

A Times All-Area Second Teamer last season averaging 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.6 steals, Cushing is expected to be the next in what has become a near-annual tradition at Ottawa of secondary performers stepping into the leading role their senior year.

Alex Krejci, Somonauk, Sr.

Part of the Bobcats’ dynamic duo alongside fellow Times All-Area Second Team selection Brendan Roberts, Krejci put up 13.0 points to go with 5.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists his junior season and will be looked to do even more this winter.

Tyler Pfaff, Flanagan-Cornell, Sr.

After averaging 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds his junior season to earn second-team places on both the HOIC All-Conference and Times All-Area teams, the FCHS sharpshooter looks poised for a fantastic Falcons finale.

Camden Figgins, Serena, Jr.

There’s reason to believe Figgins, who was Times All-Area Honorable Mention last season as an underclassman playing varsity, averaging 13.9 ppg, will be even more explosive his junior season for an up-and-coming Huskers squad.