High school boys basketball preview: Five to watch in 2021

Check out our five players to watch with the boys basketball season getting underway this week:

Cam Russell, sr., PG, Indian Creek - Russell has improved every aspect of his game during the extended offseason, Indian Creek coach Joe Piekarz said. And this was after averaging almost 12 points and four steals a game for the Timberwolves last year. Russell said he’s been looking at JUCOs and D-III schools such as Waubonsie and Judson to continue his career. He was a Daily Chronicle All-Area second-team selection last year.

Indian Creek's Cam Russell (2) brings the basketball up the floor after a steal during the Timberwolves' 57-51 win over Dakota in the River Ridge Class 1A Sectional championship game. (Nate Murry)

Trenton Kyler, sr., G, DeKalb - Kyler averaged 12 points, 3.5 assists and four rebounds a game for the DuPage Valley Conference champion Barbs last season. He was a first-team all-conference selection. He also was a Daily Chronicle All-Area first-team selection.

Sycamore sophomore Brody Armstrong blocks the shot of DeKalb senior Trenton Kyler during their game last season in the First National Challenge at the Convocation Center at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. (Mark Busch)

Xavier Gagnepain, jr., F, Sycamore - Gagnepain exploded onto the scene last season, averaging 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals. He was part of a Sycamore team that went from a losing season to 20-plus wins.

Sycamore's forward Xavier Gagnepain (left) and Kaneland center Ethan Feiza chase down a loose ball in the first quarter of an Interstate 8 Conference game Feb. 21, 2020, in Sycamore. (Mary Beth)

Colin Nesler, jr., C, Genoa-Kingston - Nesler used his 6-foot-4 frame to pull down 5.6 rebounds a game for the Cogs last season. Coach Ethan Franklin said Nesler is poised for a big 2021 season.

Genoa-Kingston's Colin Nesler (20) tries to block a shot in the fourth quarter against Rockford Christian in a Rockford Lutheran Regional game Feb. 26, 2020. (David Toney)

Jamari Meeks, sr., G, Kaneland - Meeks averaged 1.7 steals a game last season. With the Knights’ top scoring threats graduated from last year, coach Ernie Colombe said Meeks has been improving his game in the offseason when he can and is poised for a big year.

Kaneland’s Jamari Meeks shoots against Plano's Robbie Taylor on Feb. 14, 2020, at Plano. (Sean King)