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If he's entering HS, I agree it's probably a bit late for many of the mainstream team sports (soccer, football, baseball, basketball) as many kids start on these much earlier.
His desire for camaraderie from the sport shouldn't exclude some other seemingly individual events. XC and Track may seem like an individual effort, but simply training and traveling with others creates that team atmosphere.
I played football when I was really young (I lived in TX, they ration you a pistol and football helmet), but chose to be a band nerd by the time I was in high school (football practice from 3-5 then marching band from 6-9 was not an acceptable schedule for me). Both had true team building, as you were only as strong as your weakest team member. However, all of the wrestlers I know (which is a more or less individual sport) still seemed to have the same team ethic.
As to longevity, you can run into your 80's. if he's already a good cyclist, get him into some multi-sport events too (duathlon or triathlon). A surprising number of colleges have triathlon teams nowadays.
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