Meet The Observer’s ‘Starting 5’ boys’ high school basketball team

The 2024-25 high school basketball season tipped off last week for the private schools. The public schools begin later this week, and The Observer is continuing an annual tradition by naming the best boys’ basketball players in the area in preseason.

In March or April, the media company will name its annual All-Observer team.

Now, meet this year’s “Starting 5.”

Tarris Bouie, Julius Chambers: The 6-foot-6 junior (14.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.7 spg) can do it all for the Cougars. He scored 40 points against regional power Weddington in the playoffs last season.

Isaiah Denis, Davidson Day: The 6-5 senior and recent UNC commit, one of the top-ranked players in the state, back to lead the defending, NCISAA 2A state champions.

Markus Kerr, Julius Chambers: The 6-foot-6 junior (13.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2 spg) pairs with Bouie to give Chambers two of the area’s most versatile offensive and defensive playmakers.

Trent Steinour, Lake Norman: The 6-10 senior Clemson commit (16 ppg, 11 rpg, 4.3 bpg) is an all-state pick and reigning Greater Metro 4A conference player of the year. He can dominate a game on both sides of the floor.

Chadlyn Traylor, North Mecklenburg: The 6-foot-3 all-state senior is a College of Charleston commit. And Traylor (13.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.7 spg) will have the ball in his hands — a lot — for the Vikings.